Using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has no negative impact on sexual quality of life.
True? Or False?
True, say researchers at Rosalind Franklin University. And that should be music to the ears for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
A new study abstract released in the journal CHEST presents the results of a survey among 52 OSA patients to determine if sexual quality of life (SQOL) differed between CPAP-compliant and noncompliant patients. (Patients are considered compliant if they use CPAP more than 4 hours per night for 70% of days).
Studies have shown that the use of CPAP improves erectile dysfunction (ED) that is common in sleep apnea patients. Yet, patients using CPAP tend to believe that its use may have a negative effect on sexual quality. The results of this study reassure them that there is no cause for worry.
Each of the 27 compliant and 25 non-compliant patients responded to 10 questions regarding different physical and emotional aspects of lovemaking.
Both groups were chosen similar in age, body mass index, ED (and the use of medication to treat it) and the presence of depression. SQOL scores were similar between both groups when adjusted for all confounding variables. In short, CPAP compliance did not predict sexual quality of life.
This study was presented at CHEST 2014, the recent annual meeting of the American College of Chest Physicians in Austin, Texas.
So, OSA patients go ahead and use your CPAP devices to treat your sleep apnea. And improve ED too.
Source: American College of Chest Physicians 2014 CHEST
