Work

Substance Abuse and Sexual Functioning: An Overview of Mechanisms

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Sexuality remains a subject of ongoing debate, with significant implications for self-perception and self-esteem, and addiction is a factor that can adversely affect it. Sexual dysfunction heavily burdens people with substance use disorders, as it can cause severe issues such as erectile dysfunction, loss of libido, dyspareunia, and delayed ejaculation. These issues can be caused by hormonal imbalances, loss of vaginal lubrication, lowered blood flow to the penile tissue, and problems with other organs, such as the liver. There could be some therapies to resolve such issues at least partially, for example, medication (oral and injectable), low-intensity focused shockwave therapy, vacuum constriction device, promoting exercise, and testosterone replacement therapy. Utilizing such methods could be helpful, but we could not be sure of their effectiveness. The current review aims to give a brief overview of sexual function, substance use disorders, and their impact on sexuality.

Source: Addiction and Health

DOI: 10.34172/ahj.1515

Authors: Masoud Soltaninejad, Yasaman Naderi, Leili Rouhi, Mohammad Banazadeh

Institutions: Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University Kerman, Kerman University of Medical Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Sexual function and dysfunction studies

Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: Kerman Neuroscience Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences