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Erectile dysfunction medication use among men seeking substance abuse treatment
Keith J Horvath1, Donald A Calsyn, Christeine Terry
1Department of Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA. horva018@umn.edu
Journal of Addictive Diseases
|November 23, 2007
Summary
Many men in substance abuse treatment use erectile dysfunction (ED) medications, often obtained from physicians, to enhance sexual experiences rather than treat ED. This highlights potential health implications for heterosexual drug users.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Addiction Medicine
- Sexual Health
Background:
- Limited research exists on erectile dysfunction (ED) medication use in heterosexual men with substance use disorders.
- Understanding ED medication acquisition and usage patterns is crucial for this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of ED medication use among men undergoing substance abuse treatment.
- To identify how these medications are obtained and their perceived sexual effects.
- To explore the association between ED medication use and stimulant use.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional, anonymous survey was administered to 297 men over 18 seeking outpatient substance abuse treatment.
- Data collected included demographics, primary substances of abuse, ED medication use history, acquisition methods, and reasons for use.
- Statistical analysis included calculating prevalence and odds ratios for associations.
Main Results:
- 24% of participants reported lifetime use of ED medications.
- Nearly 69% of ED medication users obtained them from a physician.
- 59% used ED medications for sexual enhancement, with a marginal association with stimulant use (OR = 3.86, p = .057).
Conclusions:
- ED medication use is prevalent among heterosexual men in substance abuse treatment.
- Physician acquisition is common, and non-therapeutic use for sexual enhancement is significant.
- These findings underscore the need to address the health implications of ED medication use in this population.
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