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The effect of long-term administration of digoxin on plasma androgens and sexual dysfunction
Insights
Long-term digoxin use significantly decreased sexual desire, excitement, and frequency in men. This cardiac medication also lowered testosterone levels, potentially impacting sexual function.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Sexual Medicine
Background:
- Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside used for heart failure and arrhythmias.
- Potential side effects of digoxin on hormonal balance and sexual function are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of long-term digoxin administration on sexual dysfunction.
- To correlate these effects with plasma androgen levels in male patients.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving a digoxin-treated group and a control group of male patients (25-40 years) with rheumatic heart disease.
- Subjective assessment of sexual behavior (desire, excitement, frequency) via interviews and questionnaires.
- Measurement of plasma testosterone, androstenedione, and dehydroepiandrosterone levels.
Main Results:
- Digoxin treatment significantly reduced sexual desire, sexual excitement (erection), and frequency of sexual relations.
- A significant decrease in mean plasma testosterone levels was observed in the digoxin-treated group.
- No significant changes were noted in androstenedione or dehydroepiandrosterone levels.
Conclusions:
- Long-term digoxin administration is associated with sexual dysfunction in male patients.
- Reduced plasma testosterone levels may contribute to the observed sexual dysfunction.
- Further research is warranted to explore the mechanisms and clinical implications.
Abstract:
The effect of long-term administration of digoxin on sexual dysfunction was investigated in correlation to plasma androgens level. The patients of the experimental (digoxin-treated) and control (without digoxin) groups were of similar cardiac functional capacity and age (25-40 years) and were randomly selected from the rheumatic heart disease patients. A subjective assessment of sexual behavior was carried out, using parameters such as sexual desire, sexual excitement, and frequency of sexual relations. Personal interviews and questionnaires were also used for the evaluation of sexual behavior. The findings support various reports concerning digoxin effect on plasma levels of testosterone (the difference in the mean was significant). The effect on plasma levels of androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone in the experimental group as compared to the control group were not significant. Tests used to evaluate the changes in sexual behavior, showed a significant decrease in sexual desire, sexual excitement phase (erection) and frequency of sexual relations in the digoxin-treated group.