The Prevalence of Sexual Dysfunction among Male Patients on Methadone and Buprenorphine Treatments: A Meta-Analysis Study

Abstract

Introduction For many years, methadone has been recognized as an effective maintenance treatment for opioid dependence. However, of the many adverse events reported, sexual dysfunction is one of the most common side effects. Aim We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the prevalence of sexual dysfunction among male patients on methadone and buprenorphine treatments. Methods Relevant studies published from inception until December 2012 were identified by searching PubMed, OVID, and Embase. Studies were selected using prior defined criteria. Heterogeneity, publication bias, and odds ratio were assessed thoroughly. Main Outcome Measures To examine the prevalence and odds ratio of sexual dysfunctions among the methadone and buprenorphine groups. Results A total of 1,570 participants from 16 eligible studies were identified in this meta-analysis. The studies provided prevalence estimates for sexual dysfunction among methadone users with a meta-analytical pooled prevalence of 52% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.39–0.65). Only four studies compared sexual dysfunction between the two groups, with a significantly higher combined odds ratio in the methadone group (OR = 4.01, 95% CI, 1.52–10.55, P = 0.0049). Conclusions Evidence showed that the prevalence of sexual dysfunction was higher among the users of methadone compared with buprenorphine. Patients with sexual difficulty while on methadone treatment were advised to switch to buprenorphine.

Gender differences in access to methadone maintenance therapy in a Canadian setting

“…These have been previously described in a Canadian context and include differences in drug use patterns, mental health comorbidities, sexual abuse and violence histories, and parenthood [20]. In addition, real or perceived side effects of MMT for males, such as sexual dysfunction, may play a role [21]. Our observation that current pregnancy is associated with increased MMT enrolment is consistent with studies that describe it as a strong motivator for enrolment into drug treatment [22].…”

Sexual Dysfunction in Men Receiving Methadone Maintenance Treatment: Clinical History and Psychobiological Correlates

“…Supporting the assumption of a close link between opioid receptor stimulation and sexual problems, additional evidence has shown that the prevalence of sexual dysfunction was higher among the patients treated with methadone compared with those under buprenorphine maintenance [15] , possibly indicating that the action of the partial opioid agonist, buprenorphine, would less severely affect the sexual function with respect to that exerted by full agonist medication.…”

The effects of opioid-agonist treatments on HIV risk and social stability: A mixed methods study of women with opioid use disorder in Ukraine

“…Z. Brown, M., 2007; Hallinan et al, 2008; Yee, Loh, Hisham Hashim, & Ng, 2014). Findings suggest that, with adequate resources, OAT clinics could be more important gateways to reproductive healthcare for women who experience extraordinary sexual risk related to their drug use.…”