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. 2020 Dec;43(12):1508-1514.
doi: 10.1111/pace.14035. Epub 2020 Sep 1.

The impact of cardiac pacemaker implantation on male sexual function

Rafal Mlynarski  1   2 , Agnieszka Mlynarska  1   3 , Krzysztof S Golba  1   2
Affiliations

The impact of cardiac pacemaker implantation on male sexual function

Rafal Mlynarski et al. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 2020 Dec.

Abstract

Background: The possibility of sexual functioning is an important aspect of human life, and sexual disorders have a negative impact on the quality of life and well-being. The aim of the study was to assess the sexuality and occurrence of sexual dysfunction within 6 months after pacemaker implantation.

Methods and results: The study sample was a group of 80 patients with heart rhythm disorders who had been qualified for cardiac pacemaker implantation. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-15 was completed by all the patients at least 1 day before and 6 months after cardiac pacemaker implantation. The average results of the IIEF for all those who were included before implantation were 41.87 ± 7.57 and were statistically the worst after pacemaker implantation 46.76 ± 6.64; P < .0001. After the implantation of a pacemaker, there was an improvement in all of the subcategories of sexual life for all the men: erectile function P < .0001, orgasmic function P < .0001, sexual desire P < .0001, intercourse satisfaction P < .0001, and overall satisfaction P < .0001.

Conclusions: Pacemaker implantation had a positive effect on sexual functioning for all the patients. Pacemaker implantation did not affect sexual desire in the patients who were observed. Erectile dysfunction occurred in most of patients both before and after pacemaker implantation.

Keywords: cardiac pacemaker; erectile dysfunction; heart rhythm disorder; sexual behaviors; sexuality.

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Comment in

  • Geriatrics.
    Griebling TL. Griebling TL. J Urol. 2022 Feb;207(2):443-446. doi: 10.1097/JU.0000000000002317. Epub 2021 Nov 16. J Urol. 2022. PMID: 34781702 No abstract available.

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