Introduction: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection can present clinically as genital warts (GWs) in both males and females. Much less is known about the psychosexual consequences of GW, and the studies on patients in this group are still quite limited.
Aims: The aim of this study was to test two hypotheses: (i) sexual dysfunction (SD) is likely to occur in male patients suffering from GWs; (ii) if male SD exists, it may be associated with depression or anxiety.
Methods: This was a pilot study with a prospective cross-sectional design. Male patients with GW (N for patient group = 116) were compared with male control cases (N for control group = 71) using the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). The participants were evaluated by a dermatologist and a psychiatrist, respectively.
Main outcome measures: The associations between sexual dysfunction, depression, and anxiety among the participants were examined.
Results: There was no difference between the groups in terms of sociodemographic changes. Sexual dysfunction was found to be significantly more common in the patients than controls (P = 0.000 < 0.001). When the subscores of ASEX were evaluated, they were found to be statistically significant between the two groups (P = 0.000 < 0.001). BDI and BAI scores were statistically higher in the patient group than in controls, and there was a positive correlation between BDI and BAI scores with ASEX total and subscores (P = 0.000 < 0.001).
Conclusions: Male patients with GW have higher rates of sexual dysfunction, depression, and anxiety when compared with the normal population. Men suffering from GW should be evaluated for possible sexual problems, besides depression and anxiety.
© 2013 International Society for Sexual Medicine.