title: Obstructive sleep apnea and erectile dysfunction: still a neglected risk factor?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a well-known entity with determined risk factors, which generally has a negative impact on quality of life. Obstructive sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), often referred to as obstructive sleep apnea, stands among the possible risk factors for ED.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Literature review suggests that SDB induces a spectrum of abnormalities in neural, hormonal, and vascular regulation that may contribute to the development of ED. While more studies are required to imply SDB as a risk factor for ED, several case series and expert opinion have contributed evidence for a causal relationship.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In clinical practice, men presenting with symptoms of sexual dysfunction often have concomitant sleep disorders requiring treatment. There is now evidence to suggest that treating SDB may be an effective treatment for ED. It is the authors' opinion that patients with erectile dysfunction would benefit from a sleep evaluation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Lahey Clinic Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Burlington, MA, USA. nikoszias@gmail.com
authors.forename: Nikolaos
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Zias
authors.forename: Vishnu
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Bezwada
authors.forename: Sean
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gilman
authors.forename: Alexandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chroneou