Sleep Apnea in men, is also linked to erectile dysfunction(ED). A recent research by researchers from the University of Louisville, has offered a hope regarding treatment of erectile dysfunction(ED). In patients suffering from obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), ED is linked to the chronic intermittent hypoxia—oxygen deprivation (CIH) experienced during these episodes of obstructed breathing.

Dr. David Gozal, professor of pediatrics at the University of Louisville, said: “Even relatively short periods of CIH … are associated with significant effects on sexual activity and erectile function.”

In the recent study, researchers studied the data collected from the observation of mice with one week of CIH. Analysis of data showed a 55% decline in their spontaneous erections. The results also indicated on average, 60-fold increase in the length of time between mice attempts at mating, along with a 40-fold increase in the latency to intromission. The study also showed that when the mice were put back on standard oxygen levels for six weeks, 74% of their original erectile function recovered.

Majority of mice showed near normal levels of improved erectile and sexual functioning by a second treatment using ‘Tadalafil’. The study showed no significant difference in the levels of testosterone or other factors linked to erectile function in mice exposed to CIH for 8 weeks.

Researchers are hopeful that PDE inhibitors can show similar results in human beings too.