article · Scientific Reports
Tuberculosis continues to be a major global health challenge that can negatively influence sexual function, yet erectile dysfunction remains understudied in tuberculosis patients within low-income settings. A comparative study evaluated 162 adult tuberculosis patients alongside matched healthy controls at a specialised referral hospital in Ethiopia to examine hormonal profiles and sexual dysfunction. Newly diagnosed tuberculosis patients demonstrated significantly lower levels of testosterone and progesterone, coupled with significantly higher estradiol concentrations, when compared with patients receiving treatment and healthy controls. Furthermore, treatment duration influenced these specific hormone levels. Erectile dysfunction affected 47.7 percent of the cohort, occurring at roughly twice the rate seen in healthy individuals. Analysis identified patient age, alcohol intake, and dietary diversity as key determinants associated with the condition.
Tuberculosis care typically focuses on microbiological cure while often overlooking secondary complications such as sexual dysfunction and endocrine disruption. Documenting that nearly half of male patients experience erectile dysfunction, driven partly by severe hormonal shifts, shows that comprehensive care must address reproductive health. Incorporating screening, nutritional support, and lifestyle advice into standard treatment programmes can significantly improve the quality of life for recovering patients.
This early-stage observational research highlights clinical needs rather than delivering a commercial product. The findings could inform clinical guidelines and diagnostic protocols for healthcare providers managing tuberculosis programmes. Diagnostic laboratories or pharmaceutical developers might use these insights to design targeted hormonal screening panels or supportive therapeutic interventions for patients undergoing anti-tuberculosis therapy, though practical implementation remains at an early, pre-commercial stage of development.
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Tuberculosis remains a major global health challenge, with 10.7 million new cases and 1.23 million deaths in 2024. It can impair sexual function, frequently leading to erectile dysfunction. Despite its impact, erectile dysfunction is often overlooked in low-income countries like Ethiopia, where evidence among adult TB patients is limited. This study aims to determine the prevalence and associated factors of erectile dysfunction in adult tuberculosis patients and compare them to healthy tuberculosis-negative controls. A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from June 15 to September 30, 2024 among 162 eligible adult tuberculosis patients and matched controls at the University of Gondar Referral Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. Participants were recruited using simple random sampling technique and data were collected via structured questionnaire. Five milliliters of venous blood were used to determine hormone levels using Beckman coulter DXI 800 chemistry hormonal analyzer. The one-way ANOVA, bivariable and multivariable statistical model was utilized for analysis and p value < 0.05 with a 95% CI was considered as statistically significant. New tuberculosis patients had significantly lower testosterone ( p = 0.002 vs B cases on treatment, p < 0.0001 vs controls) and progesterone ( p = 0.004 vs TB on treatment, p = 0.02 vs controls) however significantly higher estradiol levels ( p < 0.0001) compared to both groups. Treatment duration significantly affected testosterone, estradiol and progesterone levels. The overall prevalence of erectile dysfunction was 77 (47.7%) (95% CI 39.6 to 55.5%). Age, alcohol consumption, and dietary diversity were significant determinants of erectile dysfunction in the study participants. In conclusion, newly diagnosed tuberculosis patients exhibited higher estradiol levels and lower testosterone and progesterone levels compared to patients on treatment and healthy controls. Erectile dysfunction affected nearly half of the study participants and was approximately twice as prevalent in tuberculosis patients. These findings highlight the importance of early detection and management of hormonal changes and erectile dysfunction in tuberculosis care, along with recommendations for a balanced diet and avoidance of alcohol.
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DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-65784-y
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