Male sexual disturbances in liver diseases: what do we know?

Abstract

The alterations of sexual function known as the erectile dysfunction are quite frequent among patients affected by liver diseases and they tend to increase in advanced liver failure. This process is directly linked to cirrhosis or its treatments, such as liver transplantation, or to certain drugs (e.g. beta-blockers). Independent of cirrhosis, other factors may cause sexual problems in these patients. Alcohol itself seems to worsen sexual function in the absence of cirrhosis. Viral hepatitis has an uncertain influence on male gonadic function and even antiviral therapy itself can worsen some seminal and hormonal parameters, although it is reversible. Quality of life may be greatly decreased in cases of cirrhosis where these alterations are present, so it is important to value and care for them, if possible. This review investigates the major male sexual disturbances in liver diseases of various origins.