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Improvement of sexual dysfunction in patients after treatment of hepatitis C virus using directly acting antivirals

Mohamed El Kassas1, Eman Salah2, Aya Gad2

  • 1Endemic Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt.

Current Medical Research and Opinion
|March 10, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) significantly improved sexual dysfunction in both men and women with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. This viral clearance led to enhanced sexual function in both sexes post-treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Virology
  • Sexual Medicine

Background:

  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can lead to sexual dysfunction (SD) in both males and females.
  • The impact of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) on SD in HCV patients requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the effect of HCV clearance achieved through DAAs on sexual dysfunction in male and female patients.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of DAAs in restoring sexual function in individuals with chronic HCV.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 100 sexually active men and 100 sexually active women with chronic HCV, eligible for DAAs, were enrolled.
  • Male participants completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), and female participants completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI).
  • Assessments were conducted before, during, and 3 months after DAA treatment for HCV.

Main Results:

  • HCV treatment with DAAs led to a statistically significant improvement in erectile function scores (IIEF-5) in men (p < .01).
  • Female participants showed a significant increase in overall sexual function scores (FSFI) post-treatment (p < .01).
  • No significant difference was observed in the degree of sexual function improvement between males and females at any assessment point (p > .05).

Conclusions:

  • HCV clearance using DAAs is associated with significant improvements in sexual dysfunction in both men and women.
  • DAA therapy represents an effective strategy for addressing sexual dysfunction in patients with chronic hepatitis C.
  • The study highlights the positive impact of viral eradication on overall quality of life, including sexual health, in HCV patients.
Abstract

Keywords:
DAAsHCVfemale sexual dysfunctionmale sexual dysfunctionsexual dysfunction

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