Aa
Taboo? Sexual performance issues secondary to HCV?
I have read stats (sorry they are not at my fingertips) that ascertain an association between erection difficulties and HCV and/or advancing liver disease. I'm sure most have read of the association between HCV and depression which of course can contribute to such problems. I am interested in others experiences. I do not see this as a "social community" posting as it is a physiologic outcome of HCV i.e., erection difficulties with the advncing of Hepatitis C?
whats up???....the ad's took it away for me......as soon as i started and as soon as i stopped them....billy
I did find this article on Hepatitis Central:
How Hepatitis C Can Affect a Patient's Sex Life
March 15, 2007
"While some chronic Hepatitis C patients maintain normal sexual function and a healthy interest in sex, many experience reduced libido, erectile dysfunction and diminished sexual satisfaction. Learn how Hepatitis C impacts the sex lives of both men and women and how opening up about these issues can help improve patients' quality of life.
by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.
Hepatitis C is commonly accompanied by fatigue and depression, followed by a decreased interest in sex. Additionally, antiviral medications typically used to battle Hepatitis C may cause sexual dysfunction and decreased libido. Sexual dysfunction is the most frequently encountered side effect of many antidepressant medications used to treat the depression and anxiety associated with Hepatitis C combination treatment. When discontinued, the medication-induced sexual dysfunction typically vanishes. Due to its prevalence in chronic Hepatitis C patients, openly discussing sexual problems with a physician can help identify if the source is the disease, prescribed medications or some other condition.
Studies
Although no large-scale clinical trials have been conducted proving that the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) directly causes sexual dysfunction, many patients report an association between the two. The following two studies demonstrate a relationship between sexual dysfunction and Hepatitis C:
1. A study published in the June 2006 issue of American Journal of Gastroenterology investigated the prevalence of sexual dysfunction among men with chronic HCV infection and evaluated its impact on health-related quality of life. After evaluating 350 participants, researchers concluded “…Our study demonstrates a strong association between chronic HCV infection and sexual dysfunction among men in the United States. Men with chronic HCV infection had markedly reduced sexual function in all the five domains evaluated (sex drive, erectile function, ejaculation, sexual problem assessment and overall sexual satisfaction) compared to HCV-uninfected controls…”
2. A study published in the February 2005 edition of Journal of Endocrinology evaluated sexual dysfunction in men with chronic HCV on antiviral therapy. Researchers found that testosterone levels decreased significantly during antiviral therapy, closely correlating with decreased libido and sexual function. Additionally, depression increased during interferon therapy, a condition also associated with sexual dysfunction.
Hormone Changes
Hepatitis C infection also contributes to advanced liver disease which can alter levels of hormones. Approximately two percent of middle-aged men experience decreased sexual interest and erectile dysfunction. This percentage remains consistent both in men without liver disease and those in the early stages of liver disease. However, men with advanced liver disease are more likely to experience the following conditions related to changes in hormone levels:
· Testicular dysfunction
· Loss of body hair
· Gynecomastia (enlarged breasts)
· Redistribution of body fat
· A female configuration of pubic hair
· Decreased muscle mass
· Decreased sexual desire
· Erectile dysfunction
The male sex hormone (testosterone) is typically lowered with advanced liver disease, while the female sex hormone (estrogen) typically increases. Because alcohol abuse further lowers testosterone levels, alcoholic men with Hepatitis C who have progressed to advanced liver disease are particularly vulnerable to sexual dysfunction issues.
Women
Women with chronic Hepatitis C commonly complain of vaginal dryness, which typically results in decreased sexual interest. The majority of women with Hepatitis C who experience pain during intercourse, vaginal irritation, vaginal burning and itching are on interferon and ribavirin therapy. Discomfort may be severe when combined with atrophic vaginitis, a condition common when estrogen levels decline, such as in postmenopausal women. While a topical estrogen and progesterone cream can improve or alleviate the dryness, oral estrogen supplements should only be taken under a physician’s close supervision. Whether in the form of natural soy estrogen or oral estrogen supplements, estrogen."
http://www.hepatitis-central.com/mt/archives/2007/03/how_hepatitis_c.html
How Hepatitis C Can Affect a Patient's Sex Life
March 15, 2007
"While some chronic Hepatitis C patients maintain normal sexual function and a healthy interest in sex, many experience reduced libido, erectile dysfunction and diminished sexual satisfaction. Learn how Hepatitis C impacts the sex lives of both men and women and how opening up about these issues can help improve patients' quality of life.
by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.
Hepatitis C is commonly accompanied by fatigue and depression, followed by a decreased interest in sex. Additionally, antiviral medications typically used to battle Hepatitis C may cause sexual dysfunction and decreased libido. Sexual dysfunction is the most frequently encountered side effect of many antidepressant medications used to treat the depression and anxiety associated with Hepatitis C combination treatment. When discontinued, the medication-induced sexual dysfunction typically vanishes. Due to its prevalence in chronic Hepatitis C patients, openly discussing sexual problems with a physician can help identify if the source is the disease, prescribed medications or some other condition.
Studies
Although no large-scale clinical trials have been conducted proving that the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) directly causes sexual dysfunction, many patients report an association between the two. The following two studies demonstrate a relationship between sexual dysfunction and Hepatitis C:
1. A study published in the June 2006 issue of American Journal of Gastroenterology investigated the prevalence of sexual dysfunction among men with chronic HCV infection and evaluated its impact on health-related quality of life. After evaluating 350 participants, researchers concluded “…Our study demonstrates a strong association between chronic HCV infection and sexual dysfunction among men in the United States. Men with chronic HCV infection had markedly reduced sexual function in all the five domains evaluated (sex drive, erectile function, ejaculation, sexual problem assessment and overall sexual satisfaction) compared to HCV-uninfected controls…”
2. A study published in the February 2005 edition of Journal of Endocrinology evaluated sexual dysfunction in men with chronic HCV on antiviral therapy. Researchers found that testosterone levels decreased significantly during antiviral therapy, closely correlating with decreased libido and sexual function. Additionally, depression increased during interferon therapy, a condition also associated with sexual dysfunction.
Hormone Changes
Hepatitis C infection also contributes to advanced liver disease which can alter levels of hormones. Approximately two percent of middle-aged men experience decreased sexual interest and erectile dysfunction. This percentage remains consistent both in men without liver disease and those in the early stages of liver disease. However, men with advanced liver disease are more likely to experience the following conditions related to changes in hormone levels:
· Testicular dysfunction
· Loss of body hair
· Gynecomastia (enlarged breasts)
· Redistribution of body fat
· A female configuration of pubic hair
· Decreased muscle mass
· Decreased sexual desire
· Erectile dysfunction
The male sex hormone (testosterone) is typically lowered with advanced liver disease, while the female sex hormone (estrogen) typically increases. Because alcohol abuse further lowers testosterone levels, alcoholic men with Hepatitis C who have progressed to advanced liver disease are particularly vulnerable to sexual dysfunction issues.
Women
Women with chronic Hepatitis C commonly complain of vaginal dryness, which typically results in decreased sexual interest. The majority of women with Hepatitis C who experience pain during intercourse, vaginal irritation, vaginal burning and itching are on interferon and ribavirin therapy. Discomfort may be severe when combined with atrophic vaginitis, a condition common when estrogen levels decline, such as in postmenopausal women. While a topical estrogen and progesterone cream can improve or alleviate the dryness, oral estrogen supplements should only be taken under a physician’s close supervision. Whether in the form of natural soy estrogen or oral estrogen supplements, estrogen."
http://www.hepatitis-central.com/mt/archives/2007/03/how_hepatitis_c.html
Well, I had hep c for more than 35 years and I've never had a problem with hydraulics yet. ( Knock on wood...lol ) My wife says it only because I'm so immature. I'm fifty freakin eight! I've been clear since April and so far so good. I finished 7977 trial on Aug 30. I do exercise almost everyday. O wonder if that has anything to do with it. I don't want to think about it too much, I might jinx "it"....lol
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