Mechanisms of erectile dysfunction development in military personnel after combat stress

Abstract

Participation in combat operations is a chronic stress that induces the development of erectile dysfunction in military personnel.

Objective. To study of the causes underlying the development of erectile dysfunction in military personnel who have participated in combat operations.

Materials and methods. The study included 100 men who were in military service and had given their consent to participate in the study. The inclusion criteria were as follows: male gender; age between 18 and 40 years; absence of somatic diseases, which was confirmed by medical documentation and medical examinations; absence of injuries or concussions; and at least one year of military service; with at least six months of combat experience for the main group. The study excluded military personnel under the age of 18 and over the age of 40, as well as those with acute or chronic diseases, injuries, or concussions, and those who did not consent to participate in the study. The study included measurements of stress hormones, ultrasound examinations of the prostate gland, indicators of humoral and cellular immunity, lipid peroxidation, spermograms, nerve growth factor concentrations, and dynamic assessments of erectile dysfunction.

Results. As a result of the study, it was found that various erectile dysfunctions in military personnel in the main group were noted in 87% cases and up to 12% depending on the increase in time elapsed from the moment of participation in military operations. While only 4% of the comparison group's observations showed such disorders. This clinical picture is accompanied by decreased levels of nerve growth factor, elevated blood levels of stress hormones and testosterone, activation of lipid peroxidation with decreased antioxidant levels, and impaired spermatogenesis. The severity of these disorders depends on the time elapsed since the combat stress.

Conclusion. The pathophysiological mechanisms of erectile dysfunction in military personnel after participation in combat operations are associated with the implementation of stress mechanisms and are multifactorial in nature.