ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION IN SLEEP-APNEA AND RESPONSE TO CPAP

This study assessed characteristics of sexual dysfunction in sleep apn ea and the efficacy of treatment with continuous positive airway press ure (CRAP). Twenty-two men with sleep apnea syndrome and also sexual d ysfunction served as subjects in this study. Tests included physical, psychological, neurological, and penile vascular examinations, along w ith polysomnography, nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT), and penile rig idity. All patients clinically had a history of snoring and difficulty getting and maintaining erections. Results indicate that erectile dys function in patients with sleep apnea could be related to patient's ag e and chronic cerebral hypoxia due to apnea. Treatment with CPAP relie ved erectile dysfunction in one-third of these patients.