Prospective Evaluation of Sexual Dysfunction in Men With Chronic Pancreatitis

Objective Our study aimed to determine the prevalence of sexual dysfunction (SD) and its association with quality of life (QOL) in men with chronic pancreatitis (CP). Materials and Methods Male patients with CP were prospectively enrolled in our pancreas center and completed the following 4 validated questionnaires: International Index of Erectile Function 5, Erectile Hardness Score, Pancreatitis Quality of Life Instrument, and Short Form Survey. Patients were classified as having mild, moderate, or severe SD based on review of questionnaires. Results Thirty patients were enrolled in the study, of which 18 patients had SD (mild in 9, moderate in 1, and severe in 8 patients). No significant differences were seen demographic or clinical characteristics in patients with and without SD. Patients with SD had more abdominal pain compared with those without SD (94.4% vs 83.3%, P = 0.001). No significant differences were noted in QOL metrics between the 2 groups. Conclusions This pilot study shows that SD is present in 60% males with CP. No difference was noted in the QOL of patients with and without SD, albeit limited by our small sample size. Physicians caring for CP patients should routinely inquire for symptoms of SD and offer a urology referral if indicated.