Effect of Edentulism and Oral Quality of Life on Sexual Functions in Men: A Cohort Prospective Study

INTRODUCTION: Edentulism has a serious impact on quality of life (QoL), and changes in QoL can affect sexual functioning. AIM: To assess the correlation between oral health-related quality of life (OHQoL) and sexual function in edentulous men. METHODS: A total of 148 men (18–70 years) with incomplete natural dentition completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) at 4 time points: before (T(0)), during (T(1)), 4 weeks after (T(2)), and 1 year (T(3)) after dental treatment. Kruskal–Wallis, Friedman, and Spearman's rank correlation tests were used for statistical analyses (significance at P < .05). RESULTS: IIEF total scores differed significantly between the time points (P < .001), with medians and interquartile ranges (IQR) of 46 (7), 42 (8), 49 (6), and 52 (5) at T(0), T(1), T(2), and T(3), respectively. The highest rate of sexual dysfunction was detected at T(1) (42.2%) and the lowest at T(3) (26.6%). IIEF domain scores also decreased at T(1) and increased at T(2) and T(3) compared with T(0) (P < .05). Median (IQR) OHIP-14 scores were 26.0 (8), 28.0 (8), 20.0 (6), and 18.0 (5), respectively (P < .001). OHIP score was significantly correlated with IIEF domain scores (P < .05) and there were strong negative correlations between OHIP and total IIEF scores at T(0) (r = −0.737), T(1) (r = −0.802), T(2) (r = −0.831), and T(3) (r = −0.722) (P = <.001 for all). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Changes and correlations in IEFF and OHIP-14 scores; SD and ED prevalances at T(0); T(1); T(2) and T(3) periods. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Sexual functions was significantly correlate with OHQoL; thus patients with ED should also be examined in terms of toothlessness. CONCLUSION: OHQoL was significantly associated with sexual function in men. However, correcting the problem of edentulism improved OHQoL and sexual function, with the best results observed after 1-year follow-up. H Turgut, S Turgut. Effect of Edentulism and Oral Quality of Life on Sexual Functions in Men: A Cohort Prospective Study. Sex Med 2021;9:100305.