Sexual function and dysfunction in younger married alcoholics. A comparative study

Abstract

Sexual dysfunction in male and female alcoholic addicts was evaluated in a comparative study of 60 married alcoholics and an age-matched control group from a general practitioner's clinic. 63% of the alcoholic men reported sexual dysfunction - mainly erectile and libido disorders - compared with 10% in the control group. The frequency of sexual dysfunction in alcoholic women did not differ from that in controls. Approximately 25% of the women who reported sexual dysfunction had reduced libido. The male alcoholics claim the aversive treatment, (Antabus), to be the causative factor, and considered their problem began as soon as they started treatment. There was no change in masturbation or coital frequency in the month before and after initiation of treatment. The study discusses present knowledge of relevant etiological factors in sexual function and dysfunction in alcoholics - implicating a multifacetted therapeutic approach.