Sexual Dysfunction and Quality of Life in Chronic Heroin-Dependent Individuals on Methadone Maintenance Treatment.

Carlos Llanes,M Garzón,Nerea González-García,Ana Álvarez,Ángel Montejo,M Pastor

doi:10.3390/jcm8030321

Abstract

This study examined whether methadone (hereinafter referred to as MTD) maintenance treatment (MMT) is correlated with sexual dysfunction (SD) in heroin-dependent men. This was conducted to determine the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and if there is a relationship between duration and dose among men on MMT and its impact on the quality of life. The study combined a retrospective and a cross-sectional survey based on the Kinsey Scale, TECVASP, and PRSexDQ-SALSEX clinical interviews of 85 patients who are currently engaged in MMT. Sexual dysfunction in all five PRSexDQ-SALSEX domains (lack of libido, delay in orgasm, inability to orgasm, erectile dysfunction, and tolerance or acceptance of changes in sexual function) was associated with dose and long-term use of heroin. All dimensions of SD were affected by the MTD intake. From the analysis of our sample, we may conclude that dose of MTD and overall score of SD were directly associated. However, no evidence was found to prove that treatment duration and severity of SD were linked. It is notable that only one tenth of the patients spontaneously reported their symptoms of the sexual sphere, but up to a third considered leaving the MMT for this reason.

Highlights

Opioid dependence is a rising drug use disorder with a substantial contribution to the global disease burden
The sample consisted of 85 patients, mainly men (n = 72, 84.7%), with a mean age of 43.1 ± 7.7 years, with 23 years being the youngest patient and 58 years the oldest
The mean dose of methadone consumed by patients was 49.01 ± 29.87 mg, with a mean treatment time of 7.21 ± 6.95 years

Summary

Introduction

Opioid dependence is a rising drug use disorder with a substantial contribution to the global disease burden. Despite the effectiveness of the methadone maintenance treatment [4], previous studies have found that sexual dysfunction, including hypoactive sexual desire disorder, erectile dysfunction, and orgasmic dysfunction, is common in heroin users and individuals being treated for heroin addiction [5]. A recent qualitative study has found that some MMT subjects who experienced sexual dysfunction chose to withdraw from interactions with their partners, which led to conflicts. The measurement of the health-related quality of life construct (HRQoL) is widely used in the field of health This represents individual responses to the physical, mental, and social effects that a health alteration produces on daily life. This construct has been used for a relatively short time [10]

Results

Discussion

Conclusion