Erectile Dysfunction Among Workers Occupationally Exposed to Ammonia

Numerous psychological factors can disrupt the normal physiologic functions involved in the erectile mechanism. In the past, most cases of erectile dysfunction (ED) were thought to be of psychological origin, but it is now recognized that the majority of cases, especially in the elderly, have an organic cause. Objective: In this study, we aimed to determine whether occupational exposure to ammonia, as a risk factor, can induces erectile dysfunction (ED) among workers occupationally exposed to ammonia. Methodology: We performed a standard ED evaluation that included full history, physical examination, estimation of serum testosterone (T) and prolactin (PRL) levels and penile Duplex ultrasonography (PDU) for the suspected cases. Our results showed Hypotestosteronemia in (10%), but in the contrary, hyperprolactinemia was not detected in any of the studied workers. Thirty percent (30%) of the studied exposed workers showed mild penile venous leak. Conclusion: According to our findings, there is a high prevalence of ED in exposed workers to ammonia. However, the mechanism of occurrence and the physiological mechanism of ammonia induced erectile dysfunction is not well documented. We recommended further studies to clarify the mechanism of action of the long term occupational exposure to ammonia on the sexual behaviour and sexual feeling among males exposed workers.