Sextual Dysfunction and Quality of Life in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta Analysis

Abstract Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease and is associated with numerous systemic comorbid conditions. S exual dysfunction is one of these conditions that is often not recognized but can affect the quality of life significantly in patients with COPD. Objectives This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to assess the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and its association with quality of life among patients suffering with Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Methods It was a systematic review and a meta-analysis where published data from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2025 were included. We used a randomized effects model and a standardized mean difference. We also used I² statistical tests and funnel plots to look for heterogeneity and publication bias. Results Of all the 1,982 published works, only twelve studies, including 1,191 patients with COPD, were addressed in this investigation. Sexual dysfunction had been revealed to have an important prevalence among male patients suffering from severe COPD, estimated at 56.2% (95% CI 52.1, 60.3). A relationship between sexual dysfunction and quality of life had been established, estimated at a standardized mean difference of -0.74 (95% CI: -0.96, -0.52; p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis also revealed that sexual dysfunction significantly associated with quality of life in all genders, levels of severity of disease and different geographic areas. Conclusions This study reveals that sexual dysfunction is most common among patients with COPD. Researchers have observed a significant association between sexual dysfunction and decreased quality of life. Sexual dysfunction is a major concern for these patients. Further research is needed to establish the causality of sexual dysfunction in individuals with Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Trial registration: Registered platform: PROSPERO Registration ID: CRD420261278399. Registration Date: 06 January 2026.