Sexual Dysfunction among Males with Opiate Dependence Undergoing Methadone Maintenance Therapy (MMT)

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and to investigate whether there is a change in sexual dysfunction after six months of methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) compared with baseline. We recruited 150 male Iranian patients from several centers offering methadone maintenance therapy (MMT). Patients underwent structured interview that consisted of socio-demographic characteristics, drug use, and sexual behavior, the patients completed the International Index of Erectile Function -15 (IIEF-15) and Sexual Self-efficacy Scale - Erectile Functioning (SSES-E) tests to assess sexual dysfunction. The statistical method used for analyzing data was the Mann-Whitney U test. Among men on MMT, 65% had erectile dysfunction (ED). The baseline mean score on the IIEF was 15.55 and, after taking methadone, that positively increased to 18.12 in the post-assessment. Analysis indicated significant improvement in erectile function, sexual desire, overall satisfaction, and orgasmic function after methadone maintenance treatment. Also, the baseline means score on the SSES-E was 86.71, which increased moderately to 94.34 in the post-assessment. Results showed that sexual dysfunction is a prevalent disorder in opioid-dependent males. Addiction withdrawal centers should be warned about the dysfunction caused by opioids and, from a clinical perspective, it is imperative that patients misusing opiates and those treated with methadone are routinely asked about their sexual functioning so that, if indicated, appropriate investigations and treatment can be planned. Further, the findings of this study revealed an improvement in some aspects of sexual dysfunction in patients after six months of methadone maintenance treatment. Thus, explaining to addicts that methadone causes fewer complications than using illegal drugs can help prevent premature exit from MMT.