Urology Journal

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the effect of Ramadan intermittent fasting on erectile function (EF), sexual desire and serum hormone levels.

Materials and Methods: Eligible male participants completed the two domains of International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire for EF and sexual desire. They also provided information on any known disease, treat­ment taking, smoking habits and frequency of sexual intercourse. Frequency of sexual intercourse, two domains of IIEF questionnaire, serum hormone levels, body weight before and four-weeks after the end of month of Ramadan were also recorded.

Results: Overall, 45 men, with a mean age of 37 ± 7.2 years, participated in the study. Frequency of sexual intercourse (P = .046), sexual desire (P = .002), body weight (P = .009) and serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) level (P = .016) decreased significantly at the end of month of Ramadan compared to baseline. No statistically significant differ­ences were found on EF (P = .714), serum testosterone (P = .847), luteinizing hormone (P = .876), estradiol (P = .098) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels (P = .290).

Conclusion: Ramadan intermittent fasting might be associated with decrease in sexual desire, frequency of sexual intercourse and serum FSH level.