Background: Prolonged and excessive use of alcohol can affect the sexual function. The occurrence of sexual dysfunction has adverse psychological and interpersonal consequences.
Aim: To assess the occurrence and correlates of sexual dysfunction in individuals suffering from alcohol dependence.
Materials and methods: Seventy male subjects hospitalized in a tertiary care hospital for treatment of alcohol dependence syndrome with simple withdrawal symptoms were included in the study with their informed consent. Their sexual function was evaluated utilizing a 14-item changes in sexual functioning questionnaire.
Results: According to the findings of the current study, sexual dysfunction is quite prevalent in alcohol-dependent people (75.7%). Erectile dysfunction was the most common disorder, followed by diminished sexual desire and early ejaculation.
Conclusion: Alcohol-dependence patients have a high prevalence of sexual dysfunctions. In routine clinical practice, this may be overlooked. Clinicians must be made aware of the frequent occurrence of sexual disorders in alcohol dependence patients.
Keywords: Alcohol dependence; decreased sexual desire; premature ejaculation; sexual disorder.
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