Methadone Maintenance and Male Sexual Dysfunction

Abstract

Purpose. This study reports the prevalence and types of sexual dysfunction in a sample of men on methadone maintenance for opioid dependence, and describes factors which may contribute to sexual dysfunction.

Methods. Ninety-two opioid-dependent men were recruited from a methadone maintenance clinic and completed two questionnaires, a research interview and laboratory measures.

Results. Fourteen percent reported some sexual dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction (r = 0.24, p = 0.020), libido dysfunction (r = 0.30, p = 0.003), and global dysfunction (r = 0.26, p = 0.013) increased with increasing age of the patient. Methadone dose showed a significant direct correlation with increased orgasm dysfunction, both before and after adjusting for duration of treatment (p = 0.012). None of the sexual dysfunction subscales or global dysfunction were associated with plasma testosterone or plasma prolactin levels.

Conclusions. The rate of global sexual dysfunction in methadone-treated men is similar to general population studies and should be evaluated using general population guidelines. Orgasm dysfunction is a special case and may respond to methadone dose reduction.

Key Words:

• Methadone
• sex disorders
• sexual dysfunction
• psychological
• adverse effects
• narcotics
• prevalence