REVERSAL OF SEXUAL IMPOTENCE IN MALE-PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY-DISEASE AND HYPOXEMIA WITH LONG-TERM OXYGEN-THERAPY

Erectile impotence is commonly encountered in male patients with respi ratory failure and hypoxia. In this study, 42% of the patients experie nced reversal of sexual impotence during long term oxygen therapy (LTO T). We examine the association between sexual impotence, gonadal axis hormones, hypoxia, and oxygen therapy. Nineteen sexually impotent male patients eligible for LTOT (pO(2)<7.3kPa during stable disease) and w ith sexual impotence received oxygen therapy for 1 month (n = 12) or 2 4h (n = 7). pO(2), LH, FSH, testosterone, and SHBG (sex hormone bindin g globulin) were monitored. Five of 12 patients receiving oxygen for 1 month regained sexual potency. The responders showed a significant in crease in arterial pO(2) and serum testosterone, and a decline in SHBG compared to non-responders. None of the patients receiving oxygen for 24 h experienced reversal of sexual impotence, despite a significant increase in pO(2). In these patients, serum testosterone did not incre ase significantly. Reversal of sexual impotence may be achieved in som e patients with respiratory failure. The oxygen therapy must, however be administered for an adequate length of time.