Interferon/Ribavirin induces impotence?

[daring1]

Does this treatment of Hep C cause impotence?
And, if it does, is there a remedy for that?

[meakea]

Seems like it hasn't bothered the guys on this forum but on another HCV forum the guys there have made sort of a joke of the situation that many of them have experienced while on TX and gave this particular side effect a name:  Urdixaflopin.   :)

[spectda]

I find inf, boceprevir, riba, low hgb, low anc, and low platelets very stimulating personally!

[JamesRoop]

It definitely affected me in that department. Within a week after coming off the treatment, I was more potent then ever though.
James

[DoubleDose]

Actually...if you review past studies, both HCV, AND Interferon each have a significant impact on erectile function.  Several large scale studies from about ten years ago found a rate of ED among HCV positive persons that was close to 35% - 40%, or roughly three to four times higher than the general population at the age ranges studied.

The doctors that I saw for my two tx'es were both very quick to prescribe ED drugs for the tx period, since they had found a high percentage of men treating experienced ED while on tx.  I don't have any studies at hand for that, but have read a few that discussed the negative impact of interferon on erectile function.  The bigger question is whether these ED related issues carry over after tx ends.  That has not been discussed in the literature that I am aware of.  

I really think that the more intriguing question is:  why do those with HCV seem to experience a much higher rate of impotence than the general population?  What does the virus do that causes changes in the erectile system?  I don't think that the medical community has answered those questions yet.  Also, if you google the subject, some of the old studies on HCV and ED, and also Interferon and ED should be available.  Its an interesting subject, near and dear to our hearts...or some other organ.

DoubleDose

[mremeet]

Are you sure you're not confusing "impudence" with impotence? Temporary loss of libido during treatment is very common though...but once the drugs wear off, look out for the shag fairy coming around. ;-)

[DragonSlayer45]

I can only speak for myself. No issues in that department. As Horny and hard as ever!!!! :-)

[Marcia2202]

In my package insert it says that there is a 1 - 10% chance that people might experience decreased libido and/or temporary impotence.


Marcia

[CoWriter]

Some of the anti-depressants are usually what cause impotence during treatment.  

[ladybuglola]

It hasnt affected mine at all.  It's actually very alive and well.  But then tx affects everyone different.

[HCA]

It is not listed a among reported side effects.