Understanding and treating ejaculatory dysfunction in men with Diabetes mellitus

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a rapidly rising metabolic disorder with important systemic complications. Global figures have demonstrated the prevalence of DM has almost quadrupled from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014, with a current prevalence of over 525 million. Of the male sexual dysfunction resulting from DM, significant focus is afforded to erectile dysfunction (ED). Nevertheless, ejaculatory dysfunction (EjD) constitutes important sexual sequelae in diabetic men, with up to 35-50% of men with DM suffering from EjD. Despite this, aspects of its pathophysiology and treatment are less well understood than ED. The main disorders of ejaculation include premature ejaculation (PE), delayed ejaculation (DE), anejaculation (AE) and retrograde ejaculation (RE). BACKGROUND: Although EjD in DM can have complex multifactorial aetiology, understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms caused by DM has facilitated the development of therapies in the management of EjD. Most of our understanding of its pathophysiology is derived from diabetic animal models, however observational studies in humans have also provided useful information in elucidating important associative factors potentially contributing to EjD in diabetic men. These have provided the potential for more tailored treatment regimens in patients depending on the ejaculatory disorder, other co-existing sequelae of DM, specific metabolic factors as well as the need for fertility treatment. However, the evidence for treatment of EjD, especially DE and RE, is based on low-level evidence comprising small sample-size series and retrospective or cross-sectional studies. Whilst promising findings from large randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have provided strong evidence for the licensed treatment of PE, similar robust studies are needed to accurately elucidate factors predicting EjD in DM, as well as for the development of pharmacotherapies for DE and RE. Similarly, more contemporary robust data is required for fertility outcomes in these patients, including methods of sperm retrieval and assisted reproductive techniques (ART) in RE. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.