Sexual Function in Thai Males with Epilepsy
Phunikhom K, MD, PhD1,4, Tiamkao S, MD, MSc1,4, Pranboon S, MSN2,4, Tiamkao S, MD3,4, on behalf of the Integrated Epilepsy Research Group4
Affiliation : 1 Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University Khon Kaen, Thailand 2 Nursing Division, Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand 3 Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand 4 Integrated Epilepsy Research Group, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Background : Sexual dysfunction is more common in patients with physical and mental disorders. The complexity of the epilepsy
disease itself is manifested both physical and psychological, and is more likely to cause sexual dysfunction problems.
Objective : To assess the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in patients with epilepsy, factors associated with sexual dysfunction, and
partial androgen deficiency in aging males (PADAM).
Materials and Methods : The patients responded to the questionnaire asking about the general information, and took IIEF (The
International Index of Erectile Function) and PADAM tests. Another data were derived from medical records of Srinagarind Hospital,
Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University.
Results : 64 patients were enrolled in the study. The average age was 40.53 years. The mean onset of epilepsy and the duration of
treatment were 25.24 and 12.27 years, respectively. The most common type of seizure was complex partial seizure. Over half of the
patients were unable to control seizures with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). The drugs mostly taken were sodium valproate, phenytoin,
and carbamazepine. Evaluation of sexual performance showed that 64.06% had erectile dysfunction, 51.56% had orgasmic
dysfunction, 92.19% had sexual desire problem, 83.94% had intercourse dissatisfaction, and 46.87% had overall sexual
dissatisfaction. No relationships of sexual dysfunction were found with age at the onset of epilepsy, duration of treatment, type of
seizure, frequency of seizures, or AEDs. According to the evaluation on PADAM, it was revealed that 50% had physical and
neurological problems and circulatory problems, 60.94% had mental problems, and 15.63% had sexual problems.
Conclusion : The men with epilepsy were more likely to have sexual dysfunction and psychological problems. Therefore, for the
holistic patient care, not only outcome of epilepsy treatment but also sexual and psychological evaluations should be conducted to
improve the quality of life of the patients.
Keywords : Male with epilepsy, Sexual dysfunction, Erectile dysfunction
