Best treatments tested for sleep and men’s sexual health

A new collaboration between researchers from Prince Henry’s Institute and clinicians from the Sleep Clinic at Monash Medical Centre Clayton is all set to test what are the best treatments for men whose wellbeing is significantly affected by both breathing issues during their sleep and erectile function problems that impact their sex lives.

Fifty men are currently being sought to participate in the new study.

A surprisingly large number of men are thought to be affected by both of these health conditions at the same time. Previous research has reported that about half of men who have the condition called sleep apnea will also have regular problems with their erectile function and sexual performance.

The researchers and clinicians suggest that the relationship between these two health conditions may be closely linked and are exploring if treatments normally considered for one condition could in fact also improve the other related condition.

Sleep apnea occurs when a person’s airways become blocked during sleep. The affected man will have multiple pauses or reductions in their breathing throughout their sleep and these may last from a few seconds to over a minute. Sleep apnea sufferers are also likely to be heavy snorers.

Men with moderate to severe sleep apnea are at risk of having problems maintaining an erection. However, many men and their partners continue without a medical diagnosis or being offered effective medical treatment.

The new clinical study will test how two different treatments interact when delivered in combination and on their own. One treatment which is often successfully used to treat sleep apnea, by itself, is CPAP (Continuous Positive Airways Pressure).

Sleep Research Director Dr Garun Hamilton says that this will be an important new study in determining the real value of CPAP for treating erectile problems, either on its own or in combination with medication for impotence.

If you or your partner is affected by breathing problems in sleep as well as erectile problems then you may be eligible to participate in this clinical trial which usually takes 12 weeks. For further information contact Anna Zamojska on 9594 3087.

Posted 13 September 2010