Publication year: 2011
Source: Addictive Behaviors, In Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available online 25 August 2011
Venkat, Chekuri , David, Gerber , Adam, Brodie , Rajeev, Krishnadas
Background: A significant number of men with opiate misuse have sexual problems. Premature ejaculation (PE) occurs predominantly on discontinuation of the opiate but seems to persist in some cases. The aims of this study were to determine the rates of PE and other sexual dysfunctions in patients maintained on methadone; to determine the time of onset of PE in relation to onset of opiate misuse; and to look at the patients’ perception of the effect of heroin and methadone on PE. Methods: Sixty five men attending a tertiary referral clinic for methadone maintenance treatment were assessed cross- sectionally using a semi-structured questionnaire, clinical…
Highlights: ► Prevalence of premature ejaculation is 3 times greater in patients maintained on methadone than in general population ► A significant number of patients perceived heroin to be beneficial on PE. ► Presence of sexual dysfunction could therefore be a risk factor for relapse into heroin misuse. ► Clinicians avoid asking opiate users questions about sexual difficulties. ► Managing sexual difficulties among patients with opiate misuse could be a significant step in relapse prevention