Comparison of Sexual Dysfunction Before and After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Using the International Index of Erectile Dysfunction Questionnaire

Sexual dysfunction is one of the most common problems in men after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). The aim of this study was to compare male sexual function before and 6 months after CABG. This cross-sectional study recruited 70 CABG candidates who completely fulfilled the inclusion criteria without any exclusion criteria. The patients were asked to complete the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire before and also 6 months after the operation. Demographic data and also the type of surgery were recorded. At the end of the study period, different dimensions of sexual function were compared before and after CABG. The mean age of the patients was 57.7 ± 7.86 years, and 15 (21.4%) cases were diabetic. Six months after CABG, a significant decrease was observed in all the aspects of sexual function (P < 0.001). The mean erectile function score decreased from 19.91 ± 6.4 to 17.46 ± 6.82, the mean orgasmic function score from 7.19 ± 2.62 to 6.17 ± 2.99, the mean sexual desire score from 6.44 ± 2.47 to 4.91 ± 2.76, the mean intercourse satisfaction score from 8.59 ± 3.57 to 7.4 ± 3.77, the mean overall satisfaction score from 6.71 ± 2.29 to 5.34 ± 2.77 and the total score of the IIEF from 48.84 ± 13.26 to 41.29 ± 14.75. Comparisons of sexual function quality before and after CABG divided by diabetic and nondiabetic patients also demonstrated the same results in all the domains. Except for the intercourse satisfaction in the nondiabetic patients, sexual function decreased significantly. The results of this study indicated the negative effect of CABG on all the different aspects of sexual function. Given the direct impact of sexual function on patients’ quality of life, it is essential to take this aspect of patients’ function into account more than before by applying empowerment therapies after CABG, if necessary.