(145) VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY IS ASSOCIATED WITH SEXUAL FUNCTION IMPAIRMENT: FINDINGS FROM A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract Objectives Vitamin D (vitD) is an antioxidant molecule involved in endothelial protection. Previous studies have investigated the association between vitD and erectile dysfunction (ED) with conflicting findings. We aimed to investigate the association between vitD levels and erectile function in a cohort of men seeking medical help for ED as their primary compliant. Methods Data from 540 men were analyzed. Comorbidities were scored with the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Patients completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and the Beck Inventory for Depression (BDI). Circulating hormones and VitD levels were measured in every patient [deficiency for vitD was defined as <20 ng/mL (group A); vitD insufficiency for vitD levels between 20 and 30 ng/mL (group B); normal level for vitD >30 ng/ml (Group C)]. Descriptive statistics and linear regression models tested the association between clinical variables and sexual functioning. Results Overall, 211 (39.1%), 197 (36.5%) and 132 (24.4%) patients were in group A, B and C, respectively. Groups were similar for age, BMI, CCI, sex steroids, smoking and alcohol habits. IIEF-EF domain score was lower in group A compared to group B (p<0.01) and group C (p<0.01). Severe ED was more frequently observed in group A men than the other groups [47.5% vs. 29.2% vs. 23.3% for group A, B and C, respectively (p=0.03)]. Group A patients reported lower scores of IIEF-sexual desire (p=0.03) and IIEF-overall satisfaction (p<0.01) domains than those in group C. BDI score was comparable among groups. At multivariable linear regression analysis younger age (beta -0.1, p=0.01), lower CCI (beta -1.3, p=0.04) and BDI scores (beta -0.2, p<0.001) and vitD deficiency (beta -2.5, p=0.02) were significantly associated with IIEF-EF, after accounting for total testosterone and smoking status. Conclusions VitD deficiency is associated with overall sexual function impairment. The association between vitD and EF is even independent from clinical characteristics. Conflicts of Interest No conflicts of interest to declare.