Purpose: The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of hypogonadism and erectile dysfunction (ED) in male living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), MLWH, and to explore associations between HIV-related variables and gonadal/sexual function. Methods: From 2019 to 2024, gonadal and sexual function were evaluated in consecutively enrolled MLWH through hormonal assessments and IIEF-15 questionnaire. Anthropometrics and HIV-related parameters, including type of Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy, HAART, were also evaluated. Results: Among 60 MLWH, 70.0% presented with ED. Hypogonadism was observed in 18.3%, primarily hypogonadotropic (72.7%). Although both eu- and hypogonadal MLWH presented pathological IIEF-15 scores, no differences in the five domains of IIEF-15 were found. Hypogonadal MLWH had significantly higher BMI (p = 0.046) and greater smoking prevalence (p = 0.002), and lower 17β-estradiol levels (p = 0.017). In the whole cohort, total testosterone was negatively correlated to BMI (r=-0.595, p = 0.001) and waist circumference (r=-0.656, p = 0.011), and positively to 17β-estradiol (r = 0.457, p = 0.006) and SHBG (r = 0.325, p = 0.033). Calculated free testosterone also negatively correlated with BMI (r=-0.519, p = 0.023) and WC (r=-0.719, p = 0.019). Considering HAART, ED was more prevalent among those using Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitor (p = 0.017). Conversely, MLWH treated with Proteinase Inhibitors showed higher total testosterone, SHBG and 17β-estradiol levels (respectively, p = 0.018, p = 0.015 and p = 0.020), despite no differences in calculated free testosterone or prevalence of ED. Conclusion: ED is highly prevalent multifactorial disorder in MLWH. Decreased serum testosterone levels, which are also related to increased visceral fat accumulation, are not the only driver of its onset. HIV-related factors, such as HAART, also appear to have an impact on gonadal and sexual function. A multidisciplinary approach, integrating infectious disease and sexual medicine expertise, is essential for optimal care.
Gonadal and sexual function in men living with HIV: insights from a single-centre study / Bonaventura, Ilaria; Hasenmajer, Valeria; D'Addario, Nicolò F; Pozza, Carlotta; Ceccarelli, Giancarlo; D'Ettorre, Gabriella; Mastroianni, Claudio M; Jannini, Emmanuele A; Gianfrilli, Daniele. - In: JOURNAL OF ENDOCRINOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION. - ISSN 1720-8386. - (2025). [10.1007/s40618-025-02683-5]
Gonadal and sexual function in men living with HIV: insights from a single-centre study
Bonaventura, Ilaria;Hasenmajer, Valeria;D'Addario, Nicolò F;Pozza, Carlotta;Ceccarelli, Giancarlo;d'Ettorre, Gabriella;Mastroianni, Claudio M;Jannini, Emmanuele A;Gianfrilli, Daniele
2025
Abstract
Purpose: The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of hypogonadism and erectile dysfunction (ED) in male living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), MLWH, and to explore associations between HIV-related variables and gonadal/sexual function. Methods: From 2019 to 2024, gonadal and sexual function were evaluated in consecutively enrolled MLWH through hormonal assessments and IIEF-15 questionnaire. Anthropometrics and HIV-related parameters, including type of Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy, HAART, were also evaluated. Results: Among 60 MLWH, 70.0% presented with ED. Hypogonadism was observed in 18.3%, primarily hypogonadotropic (72.7%). Although both eu- and hypogonadal MLWH presented pathological IIEF-15 scores, no differences in the five domains of IIEF-15 were found. Hypogonadal MLWH had significantly higher BMI (p = 0.046) and greater smoking prevalence (p = 0.002), and lower 17β-estradiol levels (p = 0.017). In the whole cohort, total testosterone was negatively correlated to BMI (r=-0.595, p = 0.001) and waist circumference (r=-0.656, p = 0.011), and positively to 17β-estradiol (r = 0.457, p = 0.006) and SHBG (r = 0.325, p = 0.033). Calculated free testosterone also negatively correlated with BMI (r=-0.519, p = 0.023) and WC (r=-0.719, p = 0.019). Considering HAART, ED was more prevalent among those using Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitor (p = 0.017). Conversely, MLWH treated with Proteinase Inhibitors showed higher total testosterone, SHBG and 17β-estradiol levels (respectively, p = 0.018, p = 0.015 and p = 0.020), despite no differences in calculated free testosterone or prevalence of ED. Conclusion: ED is highly prevalent multifactorial disorder in MLWH. Decreased serum testosterone levels, which are also related to increased visceral fat accumulation, are not the only driver of its onset. HIV-related factors, such as HAART, also appear to have an impact on gonadal and sexual function. A multidisciplinary approach, integrating infectious disease and sexual medicine expertise, is essential for optimal care.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
