Sexual problems and other possible symptoms

There is a growing body of medical literature about a possible link between sexual dysfunction and HAART, particularly the PIs. A small number of people on HAART have experienced reduced sex drive and sexual dysfunction which may be linked to metabolic disorders.1

One study of nearly 200 HIV-positive men found that 24% of the men taking HAART reported sexual problems compared with only 4% of those who were not on HAART. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction was six times higher in the treated men, with PI therapy most associated with sexual problems, although there was no difference in testosterone levels between treated and untreated men.2 3

Another study of approximately 900 HIV-infected men and women who were taking antiretroviral therapy has found that sexual dysfunction was linked to PIs, disease symptoms, use of tranquillisers, age, and contracting HIV through sex between men.4 Other studies have linked PIs (particularly ritonavir) with sexual dysfunction,5 while others have not.6

See also Sexual problems in A to Z of symptoms for details of management of these problems.

References

  1. Martinez E et al. Sexual dysfunction with protease inhibitors. Lancet 353: 810-811, 1999b
  2. Collazos J et al. Sexual hormones in HIV-infected patients: the influence of antiretroviral therapy. AIDS 16(6): 934-937, 2002a
  3. Collazos J et al. Sexual dysfunction in HIV-infected patients treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 31(3): 322-326, 2002b
  4. Schrooten W et al. Sexual dysfunction associated with protease inhibitor containing highly active antiretroviral treatment. AIDS 15(8): 1019-1023, 2001
  5. Colson AE et al. Male sexual dysfunction associated with antiretroviral therapy. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 30: 27-32, 2002
  6. Lallemand F et al. Sexual dysfunction in 156 ambulatory HIV-infected men receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy combinations with and without protease inhibitors. Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes 30(2): 187-190, 2002
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