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. 2025 Apr 24;17(4):e82901.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.82901. eCollection 2025 Apr.

Prevalence and Determinants of Sexual Dysfunction in Male Diabetic Patients in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Sherif M Zaki  1 , Mohammed A Zahra  2 , Saleem Alshobaki  2 , Yousef Salamah  2 , Nawaf Al-Nazzawi  2 , Hussain Al-Taffi  2 , Abdulaziz Yassin  2 , Obai Yamani  2
Affiliations

Prevalence and Determinants of Sexual Dysfunction in Male Diabetic Patients in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Sherif M Zaki et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Introduction In Saudi Arabia, sexual health among diabetic men is one aspect that is less explored, unlike other complications related to diabetes. This study aimed to look at the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) and premature ejaculation (PE) in male Saudi patients with diabetes and their risk factors. Methods A cross-sectional study targeting 100 male diabetic patients was carried out at Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Participants provided demographic and medical history information and underwent laboratory investigations, including glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profiles, and markers of renal function. We evaluated sexual dysfunction using the International Index of Erectile Function and the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool. Results Eighty-five percent of participants had ED and 47% had PE. Erectile dysfunction (ED) was significantly associated with age (OR 1.51, p < 0.0), marital status (OR 1.48, p < 0.05), smoking (OR 2.90, p < 0.05), and diabetes duration (OR 2.90, p < 0.05). For PE, the factors marital status, smoking, and diabetes duration were found to be significant with ORs of 0.63, 1.81, and 1.31, respectively (p < 0.05). The diabetes patients with higher levels of triglycerides, hypercholesterolaemia, and abnormal levels of HDL and LDL had a higher risk for both conditions. Conclusion The increased incidences of ED and PE emphasise the importance of a proper diagnostic approach. An important step would be to implement strategies to quit smoking, control blood sugar levels, manage lifestyle habits, and regulate lipids. Screening for sexual dysfunctions and assessing lipid profiles should be part of diabetes management in order to enhance the patient's life.

Keywords: a cross-sectional study; associated risk factors; diabetic patients; male sexual dysfunction; saudi arabia.

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Conflict of interest statement

Human subjects: Consent for treatment and open access publication was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Institutional Review Board of Fakeeh College for Medical Sciences issued approval 506/IRB/2023. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Frequency distributions of comorbidities in PE patients
PE (premature ejaculation), LDL (low-density lipoprotein), HDL (high-density lipoprotein), and BUN (blood urea nitrogen).
Figure 2
Figure 2. Frequency distribution of erectile dysfunction categories in PE patients
PE (premature ejaculation)
Figure 3
Figure 3. Odds ratio for risk factors associated with premature ejaculation
OD (odds ratio), RR (relative risk), CI (confidence interval), LDL (low-density lipoprotein), HDL (high-density lipoprotein), CKD (chronic kidney disease), and BUN (blood urea nitrogen).
Figure 4
Figure 4. Frequency distribution of comorbidities in ED patients
ED (erectile dysfunction), LDL (low-density lipoprotein), HDL (high-density lipoprotein), and BUN (blood urea nitrogen).
Figure 5
Figure 5. Odds ratio for risk factors associated with erectile dysfunction
OD (odds ratio), RR (relative risk), CI (confidence interval), LDL (low-density lipoprotein), HDL (high-density lipoprotein), CKD (chronic kidney disease), and BUN (blood urea nitrogen).
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