Systematic review and meta-analysis for the value of thyroid disorder
screening in men with ejaculatory dysfunction
Abstract
Abstract Objective: To demonstrate evidence from available clinical
studies to clarify the scientific points that have been achieved in
relation to thyroid disorders and ejaculatory dysfunction. Data sources:
Clinical trial articles published in English on Medline. Eligibility
criteria: Clinical studies that investigated the association of thyroid
disorders with the ejaculatory function of subjects and the trials
evaluating the effect of thyroid dysfunction treatment on the
ejaculatory function of the subjects were eligible. Synthesis methods:
We searched Medline with “ejaculation” and different combinations of
“thyroid,” “serum TSH,” “serum T3,” “serum T4” keywords in
PubMed. Results: Standardized mean serum thyroid-stimulating hormone
(TSH) levels in premature ejaculation (PE) sufferers differed from
non-PE control subjects (p=.05). Hyperthyroidism was associated with
increased odds among PE subjects (OR=2.0, p=.03). Delayed ejaculation
was seen with increased odds in hypothyroid patients compared with
hyperthyroidism patients (OR=57, p=.0001). Serum TSH and mean
intra-vaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT) of the subjects showed a
correlation both before and after treatment for thyroid disorder.
Treatment of thyroid disorders improved the mean IELT measures of the
subjects. The overall estimate of the effect of hyperthyroidism
treatment on mean IELT was .64 (p=.0001) in the random-effects model.
Limitations: The low quality and quantity of evidence from available
studies limited the interpretation of our study findings. Conclusions:
The causal relationship between ejaculatory dysfunction and thyroid
disorders remains to be clarified. Sufferers of delayed ejaculation
acquired PE subjects, and PE sufferers who have accompanying erectile
dysfunction and/or anxiety may benefit from thyroid disorder
investigation.