Erectile Dysfunction in Opioid Users: Lack of Association with Serum Testosterone

ABSTRACT

This study describes the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) among 57 men using illicit opioids who presented to a primary care program for buprenorphine therapy. Participants’ mean age was 40 years and 34% reported ED. Low total testosterone was detected in 17% of those reporting ED, but total testosterone was not significantly associated with ED. Examining multiple comorbidities and laboratory parameters, only older age was significantly associated with ED (r = .27, P< .05). ED is highly prevalent among men abusing opioids, but low total testosterone is rarely the cause.

KEYWORDS:

• Erectile dysfunction
• opioid
• serum testosterone

This study was partially funded through Dr. Stein's receipt of NIDA Award K24-DA000512.