A question for the men out there

[DoubleDose]

I am curious about the effects of HCV and Tx on sexual function in men.  Various articles have described erectile dysfunction and low libido as a result of HCV, interferon tx, and/or liver damage.

The biggest factor seems to be the HCV itself, and several controlled studies have been done looking at variables like liver damage, viral load, interferon history, etc.  It seems that about 35% to 40% of men with HCV have regular erectile issues, regardless of the other factors.  Duration of infection may also be a factor, and has only been studied in small groups.

What has been the experience of the male population on this forum?

Has interferon made any existing problems worse?  Or has interferon initiated sexual problems, if you had no problems before tx?  After ending therapy, have any sexual dysfunction problems changed significantly?

This issue gets little attention in the literature, and deserves more study, I believe.  

Responses are appreciated.

DoubleDose

[Tallblonde]

I wanted to comment on your assertion that people at Stage 0-1 can't have extrahepatic manifestations.  I'm between Stage 0 and 1 (based on biospy and Fibrosure results) and I have plenty of them.  I've tested postive for cryoglobulenemia and anti-phospholipid syndrome -- both are auto-immune disordered triggered by HCV. By the way, I've always had one of the lowest VL's on this board.  It's even slipped into the "undetectable" range at times.

Don't get me wrong...my QOL is very high and I have absolutely no plans to treat with the current drugs prior to reaching Stage 2.  But you won't convince me that people with little or no fibrosis don't have extrahepatic symptoms.  I have them and I'm not unique.

Susan

[Snookmiester]

In a thread down below, Cuteus asked you to provide the board with articles in which substantiate your claims of severe long term effects from combo tx. I have researched this myself, and have yet to see any creditable, or large scale studies or findings on this subject. If you can provide any, I'm sure many would be interested in them. Speculation and word of mouth does not take the place of "creditable", long term studies.
I know the risks, I I have read the insert in depth, and dicussed possible long term manifestations with my Doc's.. But again, I am yet to see clinical proof.

[PKCO]

Tator,

You make me wished I still smoked just so I could quit with you ! I didn't mean to make ya feel guilty. (well, actually I guess I was hoping some would). More like I was tossing out a "food for thought" like thing. lol My wife smokes but she goes outside so I got a big break there when it came time to quit my habit of one and a half packs a day of Winston's for 35 yrs.. I used 4 pieces of nicorette gum in my attempt. I really got lucky with withdrawal and didn't have any probs.

I hadn't thought of the financial gain at first. It sure is getting pricey to smoke. They are taxing the death out of smokers ! I don't think taxing addicts to pay for health and other budget items is really the answer. That's another thread.  ;)

I wish you and all others who may join you in any attempt at quitting the best of luck !!!

Best regards,
PK

[scruffy]

Hey guys!  Tx definitely brought on erectile dysfunction in my case. Things have improved since stopping tx. Does the hcv have its own effect? Maybe. Also, I have'nt smoked for many many years and I relapsed anyway for what that is worth. Just a quick hello to youse that still hang about.

[omyst]

I am on week 36/48 and my libibo went dead for about two months early on during tx. Absolutely dead! nothing!, I was frightened, never experienced anything close. But finally, after that period, I saw some signs of life again. Since then, I have been able with the help of some tried and true visualizations, to get the old periscope out of the water, if only on occasion.

I am still not near what I was like before tx, but at least now I know I am still alive.

I know depression can cause this as well, I wonder if it is somehow related. I have had some mood swings with tx, though it has been manageable without meds.

My wife has been great during tx, I really don't deserve her.

Hoping this and all the other sx go away for us all.

Take Care
Bob

[beamishboy]

So you want a quit partner?? when do you wanna start? i could sure use reinforcement...