Does Alcoholism Influence Sexual Functioning?

Background: Alcohol and alcohol use disorder are known to cause sexual dysfunctions. In turn it may aggravate frequency and amount of alcohol consumed. We assessed the prevalence and the correlates of sexual dysfunction in men with Alcohol Dependence Syndrome (ADS) in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A total fifty Consecutive male subjects were selected on the 3rd day of inpatient care from general hospital psychiatry with a diagnosis of Alcohol Dependence Syndrome with Simple withdrawal Symptoms as per ICD-10 criteria. Co-morbid psychiatric diagnosis was ruled out using SCID – 1. They were assessed for sexual dysfunction using International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), a 15 item questionnaire. Data analyzed using descriptive and chi square test. Results: The mean age of the study sample was 39.26 (±8) years; The mean age of onset of drinking was 19.1(±6.2) years, and that of dependence was 24(± 6.7) years, duration of alcohol dependence was 15 (±7.7) years, with an average daily consumption of 462 (± 330) ml. Out of 50 patients, 38 (76%) reported to have one or more sexual dysfunction. Sexual desire (78.94%), low intercourse satisfaction (76.31%), followed by low overall satisfaction (57.89%), erectile dysfunction (55.26%) and orgasmic function (31.57%) were reported in that order. Co morbid nicotine dependence was found in 31(62%) of those having sexual dysfunction, and was statistically significant in those with erectile dysfunction and overall satisfaction domain with a p value less than 0.05. however other domains did not correlate. Conclusion: Sexual dysfunction is more prevalent in male patients with ADS. The prevalence of co-morbid nicotine dependence was high among patients with alcohol dependence syndrome. The findings of the current study indicate that it is necessary to routinely evaluate sexual dysfunction in patients with ADS and research should focus on the pathophysiology of sexual dysfunction among ADS.