Urol. praxi. 2025;26(4):226-230 | DOI: 10.36290/uro.2025.092

The impact of chronic diseases on male sexual function

MUDr. David Čapka^{1, 2}, doc. MUDr. Robert Grill, Ph.D.¹

¹ Urologická klinika 3. LF UK v Praze a FNKV, Praha

² Andrologická klinika, Praha

Chronic diseases can have a significant impact on male sexual function in several ways. Sexual dysfunction can be the first symptom of some chronic diseases. Treatment can vary depending on the cause and may include lifestyle changes or modifications, medication, or surgery. There is a clear need to prospectively collect data and information on all aspects of men's health, including cardiovascular disease (CVD) screening protocols and assessing the impact of primary and secondary prevention strategies. Overall, several studies have shown that lifestyle modifications, including physical activity, especially aerobic exercise, weight loss including bariatric surgery, and treatment of CVD risk factors, can help improve the condition in men with erectile dysfunction (ED). The pitfalls of diagnosis are the lack of communication about impotence in general practitioners' and specialists' offices, and the underestimation of somatic causes, especially CVD risk. Men who have recovered from COVID-19 should be monitored to rule out any long-term consequences of sexual health pathologies, such as impaired sperm and testosterone production. Lifestyle modifications, such as weight loss, increased physical activity, and reduction of smoking and alcohol consumption, may have a positive effect on sperm quality parameters.

Keywords: erection, erectile dysfunction, libido, testosterone, ejaculation, obesity, infertility.

Accepted: November 24, 2025; Published: December 16, 2025  Show citation