Sexual Dysfunction in Alcohol Dependence Syndrome

BACKGROUND: Chronic and persistent alcohol use is known to induce sexual dysfunction, which leads to marked distress and interpersonal difficulty, which worsens the alcohol abuse. It may be due to the depressant effect of alcohol itself, alcohol-related disease or due to a multitude of psychological forces related to the alcohol use. There was a need to look at sexual dysfunction as per the severity of alcohol dependence. AIM: To study the sexual dysfunction in male patients of Alcohol Dependence Syndrome in age group 18-50 years. METHODS: After institution of ethical approval and due consent, a cross sectional study was conducted among 85 Male inpatients of Alcohol Dependence Syndrome from Oct 2019 to Apr 2021 after meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A specially designed data collection proforma and rating scales (SADQ, BFSI, IISF, IPE) were administered. Data thus generated was statistically analysed and compared with relevant literature in this direction. RESULTS: Our study found that the sexual drive and sexual desire function domains had the strongest association with severity of alcohol dependence (p-value < 0.05). In addition, the erection function and overall intercourse satisfaction function also were associated with severity of alcohol dependence. CONCLUSIONS: Alcohol Consumption has a detrimental effect on sexual functioning with severity of alcohol dependence. The domains of sexual drive, sexual desire, erection and intercourse satisfaction are negatively affected to significant levels.