Do Opioids Affect Male Sexual Function? Here's What You Need To Know
Yes, opioids can negatively affect sexual function in males.
Long-term use may lead to reduced testosterone levels, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction (ED), and impaired ejaculation.
These effects are due to opioids’ suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis.
While opioids are effective for managing pain, they can have unintended consequences on your male sexual health, too.
In this blog, we’ll explore how opioids impact hormones, libido, and erectile function of male, and what can be done to manage these side effects.
How Do Opioids Affect Male Sexual Function?
Opioids can disrupt hormonal balance and may affect your central nervous system, leading to several sexual health issues in men.
Long-term use may suppress testosterone levels, resulting in reduced libido and fatigue.
Hormonal disruption and impaired blood flow can contribute to erectile dysfunction, while nervous system suppression may cause delayed or absent ejaculation.
Over time, opioids may also lower sperm count and quality, potentially affecting fertility.
Know about other drugs that can cause erection problems.
What Research Says About Opioids and Their Effects on Sexual Function?
Limited studies have examined the link between opioid use and male sexual dysfunction.
A 2018 Danish study of 11,517 cancer patients found reduced sexual interest in those using opioids for over six months.
A 2017 study reported a higher risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult men using opioids, though it called for more reliable data.
Another 2017 study showed that 84–98% of people recovering from opioid use disorder also smoked, a known ED risk factor, complicating the direct connection.
A 2013 study linked long-term opioid use with higher rates of ED medication use.
However, factors like age, depression, and other medical conditions made it difficult to isolate opioids as the sole cause.
Another 2013 Spine Journal study of 11,327 men with back pain found that those on long-term opioids were more likely to use the ED or hormone replacement therapies.
Many also smoked, had depression, or used sedatives.
Overall, around 20% of long-term opioid users experienced sexual dysfunction, suggesting a strong association but also highlighting the need for further research.
Explore how smoking impacts human health.
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What are the Effects of opioids on hormones?
The use of opioids can influence hormones in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal pathways.
These pathways regulate sex hormone production by secreting gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gnrh).
When opioid inhibits Gnrh, it may decrease the production of luteinizing hormone in the body.
As a result, it will inhibit the production of sexual hormones like testosterone.
Having Low testosterone can cause depression and sexual issues in men and women.
It is the reason that their overuse of opioids may impair sexual function.
Know the impact of low testosterone on males.
Are These Effects Dose-Dependent?
Yes, the impact of opioids on sexual function is dose-dependent.
Research shows that higher doses and long-term use are more strongly linked to sexual dysfunction.
But while short-term or low-dose use, the effects tend to be minimal.
Can Sexual Function Recover After Stopping Opioids?
In many cases, yes, sexual function can improve after stopping opioids.
However, Recovery depends on how long and at what dose the opioids were used, the specific type of opioid, and the individual's hormonal response.
After stopping opioids, your testosterone levels often begin to normalize within a few weeks to months.
So, in most cases, yes, with time, stopping opioids may help restore sexual health over time.
What are the treatments for sexual dysfunction induced by opioids?
Treatment for men experiencing sexual dysfunction due to opioid use may include testosterone replacement therapy or ED medications.
ED drugs include medicines like Sildenafil Tablets (Viagra), Tadalafil Pills (Cialis), or Generic Vardenafil (Levitra), under a doctor's advice.
Those with opioid dependence may benefit from medically supervised rehabilitation programs, especially if withdrawal symptoms are severe.
Final Lines:
Long-term opioid use can negatively impact male sexual function, primarily through hormonal disruption and nervous system effects.
These issues are often dose-dependent but may improve after stopping the medication.
Awareness and medical guidance are key to managing risks and preventing the effects of opioid like drugs on your sexual health.
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For additional support, you may choose sexual health medicines under medical advice to help restore your sexual function safely and effectively.
Tweaking the drug's side effects may help in reversing ED-like medical issues. A testosterone supplement is one of the primary ways to treat Ed in such cases. Consult a doctor to get the most appropriate treatment to treat drug-included ED.
Certain medications may contribute to sexual dysfunction; these drugs include-
- Some Antidepressants
- Blood pressure medications
- Cancer treatments
- Antiepileptics
- Opioids
- Medications that affect sex hormones
- Antipsychotics drugs
- Statins
- Histamine-2 antagonists(H2 blockers)
- Heart failure medications
- Benzodiazepines
Yes, opioids may lead to erectile dysfunction, and it may be referred to as Norco erectile dysfunction or opioid-induced ED. Sexual dysfunction, like ED, can be a possible side effect of opioid medications. People who overuse or misuse and do not take them as prescribed will likely face such side effects.
Yes, regular opioid use, especially morphine, can reduce sperm count and cause sperm deformities. Also, it can lead to sexual dysfunction by impacting the reproductive system and hormonal balance.
Opioids can delay or inhibit ejaculation by disrupting hormone regulation in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, leading to reduced sexual function.
Yes, studies show that long-term opioid use can significantly lower levels of testosterone. Also, opioids can affect other key reproductive hormones, affecting libido, energy, and overall hormonal health.