A Cross Sectional Study of Sexual Dysfunction among Male Alcohol Dependent Patients in a Tertiary Care Centre

Abstract

Background: The relationship between Alcohol consumption and sexual dysfunction is complex. Most persons prefer alcohol before sexual activity due to its disinhibiting property and alcohol is believed to be a powerful sexual facilitator and aphrodisiac. By identifying and reporting this sexual dysfunction in Alcohol dependence awareness can be created among clinicians to focus on these problems to reduce the morbidity and enhance the quality of life. Methodology: A Cross-sectional case control study, for 12 months in SIMS;RC Bengaluru, Cases were 30 married males admitted for deaddiction and 30 where relatives of the patient were chosen for controls. Results: The prevalence of at least one sexual dysfunction among cases is higher (71.6%) than controls (28.4%). The prevalence of more than one sexual dysfunction in cases (62.3%) is also higher than controls (23.3%). Conclusion: Prevalence of sexual dysfunction is significantly high among persons with alcohol dependence comparing with non-alcoholics. Erectile dysfunction is not significantly higher for persons with alcohol dependence than controls Persons with alcohol dependence and controls did not differ regarding premature ejaculation. Duration of alcohol consumption did not significantly increase the risk of sexual dysfunction in multiple domains. Orgasmic dysfunction was the least common sexual dysfunction among alcohol dependents, but significantly higher when compared to non-alcoholic persons.In patients with alcohol use, over the previous 12 months significantly increase the probability of Premature ejaculation, intercourse dissatisfaction, decreased sexual desire and orgasmic dysfunction but no other domain.