Vol. 6, Issue 1, Part B (2024)

Background: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the consistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for intercourse, affecting the quality of life for patients and their partners. The global prevalence of ED is expected to rise significantly, particularly in developing countries, with Bangladesh reporting a 53.98% prevalence.

Aim of the study: This study aims to explore the association between serum free testosterone levels and erectile dysfunction in men.

Methods: Over a year, this cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in the Department of Dermatology & Venereology at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh. Ninety adult married men were purposively selected, divided equally into two groups: those with erectile dysfunction (ED) and a control group without ED.

Results: The study compares 45 participants in case and control groups, focusing on socio-demographic factors, erectile dysfunction (ED) severity, and hormone levels. Moderate ED is most common (51.1%), and mild ED affects 37.8%. Serum-free testosterone is significantly lower in the case group (p = 0.002). Free testosterone decreases with ED severity. Correlations between testosterone, ED severity, age, and SHBG are weak and primarily non-significant, except for a significant positive correlation between SHBG and total testosterone (r = +0.433, p< 0.001).

Conclusion: The study found a significant link between low free testosterone levels and erectile dysfunction, while total testosterone levels showed no correlation. Therefore, screening for free testosterone is crucial, even if total testosterone is normal, for a more accurate diagnosis of functional hypogonadism, particularly in men with erectile dysfunction.