Factors associated with sexual dysfunctions in Nairobi, Kenya.

Abstract

Background: Sexual dysfunctions are associated with comorbidities, which can be the cause or theresult of the dysfunctions. Little research has been done to document comorbidities in Kenya. This studydocumented comorbidities associated with sexual dysfunctions in patients treated at the Sexology Clinicin Nairobi.Objective: To provide health service providers with evidence on what to investigate when patientspresent with sexual dysfunctions so that treatment is directed to the root causes.Methods: Quantitative retrospective analysis of records of patients presenting with sexual dysfunctionswas performed at the Sexology Clinic in Nairobi. Records analysis of patients’ files seen at the clinic for12 months were analyzed. A total of 396 files were reviewed (362 males and 34 females) using astandard tool. Biopsychosocial factors and treatment correlations were performed.Results: The commonest comorbidities in male sexual dysfunctions were metabolic diseases comprisinghypertension (19%), hyperlipidemia (17%), diabetes (14%), and obesity (9%). Hormonal disorders werealso common, with testosterone deficiency being the leading factor at 16% followed byhyperprolactinemia and thyroid hormone disorders each at 2% of all male dysfunctions. Medicines usedin treating metabolic disorders also adversely affect sexual function in males. Conversely, the mostcommon comorbidities in female sexual dysfunction were menopause and female genital cutting. In bothmales and females, comorbidities included infertility, cancer and its treatment, and psychological orpsychiatric problems. Sleep deprivation, alcohol and drug abuse, stressful lifestyles, and relationshipdisharmony were associated with sexual dysfunction in both sexes.Conclusions: Lifestyle diseases are commonly associated with sexual dysfunctions, which could beindicators for lifestyle diseases.Recommendations: Service providers should use sexual dysfunctions as an entry point for full patientassessment for commonly associated disease conditions.