Sexual Dysfunction in HIV-Infected Patients Treated With Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy

Abstract

Sexual disturbances develop in some patients treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). To evaluate sexual dysfunction and the influence that different antiretrovirals could have on those parameters, we conducted a prospective study in patients with stable clinical condition attending an HIV outpatient clinic. A total of 351 evaluations were performed in 189 HIV-infected men, who were interviewed about symptoms of sexual dysfunction. Sexual hormones as well as other clinical and laboratory parameters were also measured at the time of each evaluation. The mean CD4 count was 451.1 x 10(6) cells/L, and viral load was undetectable in two thirds of the determinations. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction was 19.5% overall, but it was influenced by treatment, particularly (although not exclusively) by protease inhibitors (PIs) (27.1% vs. 3.8% for untreated patients). Sexual dysfunction was not related to hypophyseal or gonadal hormonal values. Although several parameters were associated with sexual dysfunction in the univariate analysis, only antiretroviral treatment was significantly predictive of this disorder in a logistic regression analysis. Sexual dysfunction is common in HIV-infected patients in stable clinical condition receiving HAART, and all antiretroviral drugs, particularly PIs, seem to be related to it. Sexual dysfunction in these patients is not related to hormonal causes.

Sexual dysfunction in HIV-positive men is multi-factorial: A study of prevalence and associated factors

“…While several studies have demonstrated an association with PIs (1,2,3,5) it is interesting that neither of the two groups that utilised the IIEF found a link with a particular class of medications (4,6).…”

“…Deleted: There have been numerous reports of sexual dysfunction in HIV positive men with prevalence rates of up to 70% being described (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6) The primary objectives of this study therefore are to establish the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (EDF) and low sexual desire (LSD) in both ARV naïve and experienced HIV positive men attending HIV outpatient centres across Europe and to define the variables associated with sexual dysfunction. Due to the large number of variables that are potentially contributors to dysfunction a large amount of data relating to these variables was collected.…”

Diminished Sexual Activity, Interest, and Feelings of Attractiveness Among HIV-Infected Women in Two Eras of the AIDS Epidemic

“…Currently, little is known about whether the impact of being HIV-positive on sexuality has changed with the availability of HAART and the subsequent reconceptualization of HIV as a chronic disease rather than an acute life-threatening illness. HAART use has been linked to higher prevalence of sexual dysfunction among HIVinfected men (Collazos, Martinez, Mayo, & Ibarra, 2002;Colson et al, 2002;Lamba et al, 2004;Schrooten et al, 2001). Although the relationship between HAART and sexual functioning remains far less examined among HIV-positive women, the little research that has been done has found few differences.…”

The Lived Experience of PLWHA and Partner’s Responses toward the Fulfillment of Sexual Needs

“…Another study also reported that there was sexual dysfunction experienced by 51% of PLWHA seeking for the treatment by ARV. About 46% of them experienced erectile dysfunction, 39% experienced ejaculation disorder, and 27% had orgasm disorder (Collazos, 2007).…”