Evaluation of Sexual Dysfunctions in Substance Use Disorder

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of sexual dysfunction (SD) in patients diagnosed with substance use disorder (SUD) and to examine its association with sociodemographic and clinical characteristics.

A total of 176 patients (157 males, 19 females) aged between 18 and 45 years and diagnosed with SUD were included in the study. The patients were divided into three groups: those with single SUD, those with multiple SUD, and those receiving buprenorphine-naloxone (BPN) treatment. Patient information was recorded in a data collection form. Patients were asked to complete the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). To evaluate sexual functions, the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT), and the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale-Male Version (ASEX-M) were administered to male patients; the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale-Female Version (ASEX-F) were administered to female patients.

Among male patients, the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) was found to be 49.7%, and the prevalence of premature ejaculation (PE) was 48.4%. No significant differences were found between the groups in terms of the prevalence of ED (p=0.970) and PE (p=0.287). Similarly, no significant differences were observed in the scores of IIEF (p=0.957), PEDT (p=0.476), and ASEX-M (p=0.852). In male patients, a negative correlation was identified between the severity of anxiety symptoms and the IIEF subscale scores of overall satisfaction (r=-0.171, p=0.032). Depression symptom severity was negatively correlated with the IIEF total score (r=-0.381, p < 0.001), as well as with the subscale scores of erectile function (r=-0.349, p<0.001), sexual desire (r=-0.228, p=0.004), intercourse satisfaction (r=-0.217, p=0.006), overall satisfaction (r=-0.375, p<0.001), and orgasmic function (r=-0.337, p<0.001). The prevalence of SD among female patients was found to be 78.9%.

Sexual dysfunction outcomes were comparable among individuals with single SUD, multiple SUD and those undergoing BPN treatment. Moreover, the negative impact of co-occurring depressive and anxiety symptoms on sexual functioning highlights the need for a multidimensional approach to the assessment and management of sexual health in individuals with SUD.