Some studies suggest that long-term opioid usage increases the incidence of male sexual dysfunction. These studies, however, have limitations and may not account for other elements that may contribute to sexual dysfunction. So, it’s unclear exactly how opioids affect sexual dysfunction. The interplay of several factors inside the individual might potentially cause the problems. Chronic pain, depression, and smoking are a few examples of related conditions.
Let’s review the information that is currently available from clinical studies regarding how opioids affect a person’s sexual health.
Do opioids have an impact on male sexual function?
In 2016, the FDA issued a significant safety warning about the use of opioid painkillers. They claimed that long-term opioid use might reduce sex hormone levels. It may cause symptoms including infertility, impotence, or a loss of desire in sex. They also emphasized the possibility of effects on the neurological system and kidneys.
Based on a 2016 evaluation of published evidence, the FDA came to this conclusion. The levels of sex hormones in individuals who took opioids for a prolonged length of time were examined in this study. The authors looked at chronic patients who had long-term opioid usage. They also identified the opioid brand that came with similar risk warnings.
The FDA, however, came to the conclusion that the top research they examined had shortcomings. It would be difficult to determine if other variables or opioid usage led to the symptoms. People who experience chronic pain often struggle with sexual dysfunction.
When collecting a patient’s medical history, doctors often forget to inquire about the patient’s sexual health. It is so difficult to determine whether drugs are a direct cause of sexual dysfunction.
For instance, sadness may mask the connection between opiate use and sexual issues. One of the risk factors for sexual dysfunction is depression-like illness. Some individuals take opioids to treat it. According to research, opioids may aggravate or even start depression. Therefore, it is unclear to the medical profession whether decreased sexual function is related to either opiate use, depression, or both. Or if using opioids makes disorders like depression and sexual function worse.
Similarly, smoking has been related to erectile dysfunction (ED), prescription painkiller use, and smoking. It also becomes difficult to determine which element has the most impact on sexual function in such circumstances.
What the research finds?
There aren’t many research that have looked at how opioid usage could impact sexual function.
In 2018, 11,517 cancer patients were requested to participate in a research in Denmark. Significantly, it was shown that those who used opioids to treat their chronic pain for more than six months had lower sex interest.
According to a 2017 research, adult males who use opioids are more likely to develop ED. The author also mentioned the need for further trials and trustworthy data.
In the same year, another research showed that many smokers with opioid use disorder also recovered. Nearly 84 to 98% of the patients smoked while they were receiving therapy. Additionally, smoking is often associated with sexual diseases including erectile dysfunction. Using opioids may cause sexual dysfunction.
A 2013 research discovered a significant association between long-term opioid usage and using ED medicines. The investigators also discovered a connection between age, other illnesses, and depression and ED. The findings indicate that opiate usage and sexual dysfunction are often related.
According to a 2013 research in the Spine Journal, males who took opioids often were more likely to take ED therapies. They also used hormone replacement therapy. 11,327 adult male volunteers who had been diagnosed with back pain participated in this research. The researchers also discovered that 909 people used testosterone replacement therapy or ED medicines. In comparison to individuals who did not get therapy for sexual issues, these participants were much older. Additionally, they utilize sedative-hypnotic medications, smoke, and suffer from depression.
The researchers discovered that sexual dysfunction affected 20% or more of those who used a lot of opioids for a long time.
Hormone effects of opioids
Opioid usage may affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad pathways’ regulation of hormones. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which is secreted through these routes, controls the generation of sex hormones. Opioids that block GnRH may cause a reduction in luteinizing hormone synthesis in the body. It will thus prevent the synthesis of sexual hormones like testosterone.
Both men and women who have low testosterone may have sadness and sexual problems. Because of this, their excessive opioid usage may affect their ability to perform sexual acts.
Female sexual function and opioids
There hasn’t been much study done to look at a possible connection between female sex problems and opioid usage.
The libido of female participants in a research published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, however, was shown to be lower. The same medication caused diminished libido or impotence in the male subjects.
Additionally, a 2016 research found that female partners of men who use opioids may have decreased sexual function. Their views and inclinations regarding sexual activity had changed.
Treatment
Men who use opiate painkillers for sexual dysfunction might benefit from taking testosterone supplements. Additionally, a doctor could advise using ED drugs to enhance male sexual performance. These medications include those that need a prescription, such as Sildenafil Aurogra 100 Mg (Viagra), Tadalafil (Cialis), or Vardenafil (Levitra).
Some persons who struggle with opioid dependence could turn to rehabilitation centers for assistance. The procedure must be under the guidance of a medical practitioner since the withdrawal symptoms in certain situations may be quite severe.
Doctors are less certain about how to treat female sexual dysfunction brought on by opiate use, however. It is due to a dearth of research. Hormone therapy and androgen treatment are the main alternatives available in this area. Buy Ed pill online at a cheap price at Cheaptrustedpharmacy.
