Chronic Pain, Opioid Therapy, Sexual Desire, and Satisfaction in Sexual Life: A Population-Based Survey
Research output: Contribution to journal › Journal article › Research › peer-review
Objectives: Associations between chronic pain, opioid use, and sexual problems are acknowledged, but population-based investigations are sparse. Our study aimed at investigating the associations between chronic noncancer pain (CNCP), opioid use, lack of/low sexual desire, and dissatisfaction with sexual life.
Subjects: In 2013, 11,517 randomly selected individuals of the Danish population (18-74 years old without cancer) completed a self-administered questionnaire.
Methods: We classified CNCP: pain lasting six months or longer, short-term opioid use: one or more prescriptions the previous year, long-term opioid use: one or more prescriptions per month for six months the previous year. Sexual problems were assessed by four closed-ended questions. Data on dispensed opioids were retrieved from the Danish National Prescription Registry. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine associations between CNCP, opioid use, and lack of/low sexual desire, and dissatisfaction in sexual life, presented as odds ratios (95% confidence intervals [CIs]).
Results: Compared with individuals without CNCP, individuals with CNCP in the long-term and short-term opioid use group and in the nonopioid use group were more likely to report a lack of/low sexual desire (OR = 2.64, 95% CI = 1.80-3.88; OR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.39-2.38; OR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.28-1.67, respectively) and dissatisfaction with sex life (OR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.07-2.67; OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.00-1.82; OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.22-1.58, respectively). Compared with CNCP patients not using opioids, long-term opioid users with CNCP had statistically significant higher odds of reporting a lack of/low sexual desire (OR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.23-2.68).
Conclusions: Long-term opioid therapy for CNCP requires special attention due to its potential in suppressing sexual desire.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Pain Medicine |
Volume | 20 |
Issue number | 6 |
Pages (from-to) | 1132–1140 |
ISSN | 1526-2375 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2019 |
ID: 224551465