Relationship Between Serum Zinc Levels, Hormonal Profiles and Sexual Dysfunctions in Male Hemodialysis Patients

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the frequency of sexual disorders and the relationship between serum zinc levels, hormonal profiles and sexual dysfunctions in male HD patients.

MATERIALS and METHODS: Forty-one male patients who were on chronic HD programme for at least six months, and treated by conventional bicarbonated HD 15 hours/week were evaluated. The serum levels of PRL, FSH, LH, progesterone, testosteron, TSH, free thyroxine and zinc were measured. A personal questionnaire was used to evaluate the sexual dysfunctions.

RESULTS: Three of the 41 patients had low serum zinc levels. Thirty-three (80.5%) of patients had elevated PRL levels. 17 (41.5%) of the patients had premature ejaculation, 10 (24.4%) had erectile dysfunction, 7 (17%) had impotence, and 7(17%) had decreased libido. A positive correlation was found between age and impotence (r=0.594, p=0.000) and between hypozincemia and premature ejaculation (r=0.334, p=0.033). A negative correlation was found between HD duration and PRL levels (r=-0.363, p=0.020). There was not any significant correlation between hypozincemia and hyperprolactinemia (r=0.084, p=0.456).

CONCLUSION: Hypozincemia and hyperprolactinemia were prevalant among HD patients. No correlation was found between hypozincemia and hyperprolactinemia. PRL levels decreased due to HD duration. A correlation was found between serum Zn levels and premature ejaculation.