Sexual and reproductive dysfunction associated with antiepileptic drug use in men with epilepsy

Abstract

The association between epilepsy and sexual disorders has long been known. However, the etiology remains uncertain, although it is likely to be multifactorial in origin involving neurological, endocrine, iatrogenic, psychiatric and psychosocial factors. Sexual disorders associated with epilepsy can be directly related to seizures (ictal), or unrelated in time to seizure occurrence (interictal). The most common sexual dysfunction is hyposexuality, even if hypersexuality and different paraphilias have been reported in males with epilepsy. Epilepsy and antiepileptic drugs can also alter sex hormone levels to promote the development of reproductive endocrine disorders. This article aims to explore the prevalence and etiology of sexual and reproductive dysfunctions in men with epilepsy, highlighting the pivotal role of antiepileptic drugs in their pathogenesis.

Keywords::

• antiepileptic drugs
• quality of life
• reproductive dysfunction
• sexual dysfunction

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.