Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep due to airway blockage. Affecting about 5 – 20% of adults, OSA has been linked to poor sleep quality, fatigue, and various health issues, including sexual dysfunction. Studies have examined connections between OSA and both male and female sexual dysfunction, suggesting that untreated OSA may contribute to reduced sexual health and satisfaction.
How OSA Affects Sexual Function
For men, OSA is associated with erectile dysfunction (ED), which is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual performance. OSA-related ED is believed to stem from several biological factors. Frequent episodes of low oxygen, or “intermittent hypoxia,” during sleep may damage blood vessels and lower nitric oxide (NO) production, a molecule essential for blood flow to the genitals. Additionally, hormonal disruptions, such as lower testosterone levels in men with OSA, may contribute to diminished libido and erectile issues.
For women, the impact of OSA on sexual function is less studied, but available research suggests potential effects on desire, arousal, and lubrication. Women with OSA may experience hormonal changes that lower estrogen and progesterone levels, potentially reducing sexual arousal and satisfaction. Psychological symptoms, such as increased anxiety or depression related to poor sleep, may also contribute to these effects.
Treatment and Sexual Function Improvement
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), the primary treatment for OSA, has shown promising results in improving sexual function in men. CPAP helps maintain open airways during sleep, reducing the effects of hypoxia and improving sleep quality. Some studies have reported that men with ED experienced up to a 40% improvement in erectile function after starting CPAP treatment. Although data on women’s sexual improvement with CPAP is limited, the treatment could potentially enhance sexual function by stabilizing hormones and reducing fatigue.
For those who prefer alternatives to CPAP, oral appliances that prevent airway collapse may be another option. These devices, similar to sports mouthguards, help keep the tongue and soft palate in place to maintain airway openness. Studies have shown that these appliances can also reduce some of the sexual dysfunction symptoms related to OSA.
Conflicting Evidence and Other Factors
Not all research supports a direct link between OSA and sexual dysfunction. Some studies suggest that other health factors, like age, obesity, and lifestyle choices, play more significant roles in sexual health than OSA alone. Additionally, while intermittent hypoxia is thought to impair sexual function, more studies are needed to determine if this effect is directly tied to OSA or results from other overlapping conditions, such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes.
Conclusion
While further research is necessary, existing studies highlight that OSA may negatively impact sexual function in both men and women, particularly if left untreated. CPAP and other treatments that improve sleep quality and reduce hypoxia have been shown to benefit sexual function, especially in men with ED. Addressing OSA not only improves overall health but may also enhance sexual well-being and quality of life.
References:
Cantone, E., Massanova, M., Crocetto, F., Barone, B., Esposito, F., Arcaniolo, D., Corlianò, F., Romano, L., Motta, G., & Celia, A. (2022). The relationship between obstructive sleep apnoea and erectile dysfunction: An underdiagnosed link? A prospective cross-sectional study. Andrologia, 54(9), e14504. https://doi.org/10.1111/and.14504
Gonçalves, M. A., Guilleminault, C., Ramos, E., Palha, A., & Paiva, T. (2005). Erectile dysfunction, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, and nasal CPAP treatment. Sleep Medicine, 6(4), 333–339. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2005.03.001
Gu, Y., Wu, C., Qin, F., & Yuan, J. (2022). Erectile Dysfunction and Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Review. Frontiers in psychiatry, 13, 766639. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.766639
Köseoğlu, N., Köseoğlu, H., Itil, O., Öztura, İ., Baklan, B., Ikiz, A. O., & Esen, A. A. (2007). Sexual function status in women with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 4(5), 1352–1357. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1743-6109.2006.00302.x
Liu, L., Kang, R., Zhao, S., Zhang, T., Zhu, W., Li, E., Li, F., Wan, S., & Zhao, Z. (2015). Sexual dysfunction in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: A systematic review and meta-analysis. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 12(10), 1992–2003. https://doi.org/10.1111/jsm.12983
Martínez Vázquez, S., Hernández Martínez, A., Peinado Molina, R. A., & Martínez Galiano, J. M. (2023). Association between sexual function in women and sleep quality. Frontiers in medicine, 10, 1196540. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2023.1196540
Ng, J. H., & Yow, M. (2019). Oral Appliances in the Management of Obstructive Sleep Apnea. Sleep medicine clinics, 14(1), 109–118. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsmc.2018.10.012
You may also be interested in...
SMSNA Patients
The Intersection of Telemedicine and Men’s Health
May 7, 2024Other Popular Articles
What Is Jelqing, and Does It Actually Work?
The term “jelqing” refers to a set of penis stretching exercises that some believe can make the penis bigger. Although the practice has gained attention and popularity in blogs and internet forums in recent years, there is no scientific evidence that it is an effective way to permanently increase the size of one’s penis. In fact, in some cases, jelqing may actually cause damage to the penis, so it is a good idea to get all the facts before setting off to try it.
What Is Sensate Focus and How Does It Work?
Sensate focus is a technique used to improve intimacy and communication between partners around sex, reduce sexual performance anxiety, and shift away from ingrained, goal-oriented sexual patterns that may not be serving a couple.
What Is the Average Penis Size?
If you have ever wondered how your penis compares to others in terms of size, you are not alone. Many men are curious to know how their penises stack up compared to the average. Unfortunately, general curiosity can sometimes give way to full-on obsession and anxiety about penis size. This can be an unhealthy and often unnecessary fixation, especially because most men who think their penises are too small have perfectly normal-sized penises.
What Is Edging and Why Do People Do It?
Edging is the practice of stopping sexual stimulation before reaching orgasm to prolong a sexual experience. The term stems from the concept of approaching the metaphorical “edge” of orgasm but stopping before going over the edge.
Can Sex Reduce Menstrual Cramps?
The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine.
Having sex while you experience menstrual cramps is healthy and can provide significant benefits. While it might not be the first activity that comes to mind when your PMS or period cramping begins, many people enjoy sex to reduce menstrual cramps, experience increased pleasure and benefit from other advantages. Learn more about having sex while menstrual cramps are happening and how it can help your body.
The Sex-Positivity Movement: What it Means to Be Sex-Positive
You may have heard references to “being sex-positive” or “the sex-positivity movement” in popular culture. Various celebrities have brought attention to this movement by speaking out about their beliefs and personal experiences regarding sexuality, sexual health, body positivity, “slut-shaming,” and sexual assault.
