Male sexual function in presymptomatic gene carriers and patients with Huntington's disease

Abstract Aims To report sexual dysfunction in a systematically studied cohort of men with Huntington's disease (HD), and compare them with control men of a similar age. Methods In men with HD and asymptomatic HD gene carriers, the male sexual dysfunction questionnaire (International Index of Erectile Function – IIEF, covering erectile and orgasmic function, sexual desire, intercourse satisfaction and overall satisfaction), neurologic assessment using the Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale (UHDRS) and the Total Functional Capacity (TFC) Score were utilized. Results Responses were obtained from 23 HD patients and 2 HD gene carriers. HD patients reported more problems with erection, intercourse satisfaction and overall satisfaction (p < 0.05) compared to 41 controls. HD patients generally reported reduced sexual desire and performance. Sexual dysfunction progressed in parallel with patients' decline in motor (UHDRS) and TFC, but was not related to patients' age and duration of disease. Conclusions Our study demonstrated a significant impact of HD on male sexual function that progressed in parallel with motor and total patient (TFC) dysfunction. Physicians helping HD patients should also consider this largely neglected aspect of the disease.