Relationship between Carbonmonoxide and Sexual Functioning in males who Smoke

INTRODUCTION: Erectile dysfunction (ED), defined as inability to attain and/or maintain penile erection, a multifactorial condition, estimated to affect approximately 150 million men worldwide. Several studies report that cigarette smoking, increases the risk of ED, amplifies the risk of ED associated with other risk factors. The most toxic substances in the tobacco gas phase is Carbon monoxide (CO), which causes tissue hypoxia. This study is conducted to assess relationship between levels of carbon monoxide and sexual functioning in males who smoke. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study is a descriptive observational study. Patients attending Tobacco Cessation Clinic of the institute were assessed. CO breath analyser (piCO smokerlyzer) was used to measure Carbonmonoxide in ppm and Carboxyhaemoglobin. International Index of Erectile Functioning was used to assess the sexual functioning. After 4 to 6 weeks, subjects who could reduce or quit smoking were analysed again by CO breath analyser and IIEF scale. Assessment of CO and CO-Hb%, its relationship with every domain of IIEF was done and compared in both the visits. RESULTS: In first visit all IIEF domains showed better mean scores in orange category of CO-ppm and CO-Hb% depicting improved sexual functions and this difference in mean was found to be statistically significant for sexual desire. In second visit, all IIEF domains showed better mean scores in green category followed by orange category of CO-ppm and CO-Hb% depicting improved sexual functioning as compared to red category of smokerlyser rating. CONCLUSION: Study shows that sexual functioning is influenced by carbonmonoxide, a toxic substance.