Sexual Dysfunction in Opiate-Dependent Male Patients

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Psychiatry; Faculty of Medicine, Tripoli University, Tripoli, Libya

2 Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt

3 Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.

Abstract

Background
Substance abuse is increasingly reported among young people, which represents a serious threat to society. This problem is more common in males. Sexual functions are seriously impaired in addicts.
The effect of substance abuse on sexual functions and sex hormones is considered as an interesting field for research.
Psychoactive drugs are commonly regarded to have an aphrodisiac effect; in fact, they affect different sexual functions negatively.
This study aims to evaluate how opioid use disorder (tramadol HCL vs. heroin) affects sexual function in men. Moreover, this study examines several important factors for prevention of sexual dysfunction in opiate abusers.
Patients and Methods
All samples of the study were subjected to the following tools before and 3 months after abstinence: structural clinical interview DSM5 and addiction severity index, Arabic version (5thed). The international index of erectile function, a multidimensional scale for assessment of erectile dysfunction, Arabic version, was used.The self-seem and relationship questionnaire, Arabic version, was used. Serum levels of free testosterone were measured. Urine test for detection of opiates was done.
Results
This study showed a statistically significantly higher international index of erectile function score among volunteers than the patient group (P <0.001), as well as self-esteem and relationship score. Moreover, serum free testosterone was statistically significantly higher among volunteers than the patient group (P <0.001). The previous results had improved after abstinence.
In addition, it was found that heroin addiction significantly affects sexual functions more than tramadol HCL use disorder.
Conclusions
There was a significant improvement in serum testosterone and sexual dysfunction after abstinence of opioids.
Potential implications: the current results have clinical application, as they can be used for improving the understanding, prediction, and prevention of sexual dysfunction in opiate abusers.

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