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Zinc: A possible role in the reversal of uremic impotence

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Abstract

Eight males on hemodialysis with (1) sexual desire, (2) an organic etiology of their impotence, and (3) an available and willing sexual partner were randomly divided into two equal groups. One group received dialytic administration of zinc and the other received a placebo. Sexual functioning improved in only 25% of the zinc treated group and in none of the control group. Free or serum testosterone levels decreased in all four of the zinc treated subjects. The lack of sexual improvement in the zinc treated group either reflects (1) zinc's lack of therapeutic efficacy, (2) irreversible Leydig cell damage or (3) a nonendocrine organic etiology of the impotence.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT

    Alan J. Wabrek MD (Director of Medical Sexology)

  2. the Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, the University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT

    Alan J. Wabrek MD (Director of Medical Sexology)

Authors
  1. Alan J. Wabrek MD
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This project (766-01) was supportedin toto by Hartford Hospital Research Funds. Christine M. Ceccarelli, RN, MS, was co-investigator.

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Wabrek, A.J. Zinc: A possible role in the reversal of uremic impotence. Sex Disabil 5, 213–221 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01119862

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