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1116669 tn?1269143266

Taboo? Sexual performance issues secondary to HCV?

I have read stats (sorry they are not at my fingertips) that ascertain an association between erection difficulties and HCV and/or advancing liver disease. I'm sure most have read of the association between HCV and depression which of course can contribute to such problems. I am interested in others experiences. I do not see this as a "social community" posting as it is a physiologic outcome of HCV i.e., erection difficulties with the advncing of Hepatitis C?
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683231 tn?1467323017
You have commented on a post in the Hepatitic c community from 2012

I suggest you could try the Living with HIV community they may be of more help

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/HIV--Living-With/show/97
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Avatar universal
I have been hiv+ for 27 years,I'm 45,I lost my libido and sexual desire, 5years ago, I have erectile dysfunction, loss of body hair 90%, really feel the cold air, depression, take high levels of morphine 120mg twice daily, haven't used deodorants for 5 years as do not give off odour, have slight increase in pictorial tissue, on haart, cd4 134 viral load non detectable, do not produce semen, self diagnosis is central hypogonadism, I'm awaiting testosterone results, although my gp looked at me as tho I'm an idiot.
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2147300 tn?1369689688
deleted or depleted? oink
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163305 tn?1333668571
The best answer got deleted.
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2147300 tn?1369689688
Well.........., waiting for best answer (with washcloth over my shoulder)
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Avatar universal
I am on a list again for trials.  It depends what rolls out.  One I just missed but there will be others and soon.  Lots of things are looking pretty good, some will be 12 week trials.

I'd like to think that in a year or so I may be in the ranks of the cured.  
Either way...... I'll still be old.  : )

willy
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179856 tn?1333547362
Fun while it lasted but at least we can remember the thread fondly ;)
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Avatar universal
"Tell me Rivill tell me! We wasted the best years...........but that doesn't mean we don't have more coming! "

Yeah, well I ****************************************
and furthermore *******************************
Ah, that was good!
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Avatar universal
LMAO :)~
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Avatar universal
Hi Dennis,
here is a link to an article that suggests there is a link between male sexual disfunction and HCV.

http://www.natap.org/2002/august/081402_1.htm

The ancient Greeks believed that the goddess of dawn,  Eos, was responsible for morning erections.  Alas, Eos has not visited me for many a moon.  
eric
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1116669 tn?1269143266
I have not been able to locate the stats that I believe ( my recollection is detail-vague) once informed my original thought that impotence was more of an HCV generality. Although I have to sift through all the humor (I guess that is to be expected) it seems it is less prevalent than I would have thought. I'm not naive - in fact I have worked in health care for decades - so I know such problems are multidimensional, relative to age and comorbidities, etc. And I know about urologic testing with caverject, etc...Just to clarify: I wasn't asking about desire per se (which is clearly related to hormones and psychic circumstances) or experiences while on therapy ( the Protease inhibitors are no aphrodisiacs) but an inability to have an erection while excited and a primary dg. of HCV......Finally it seems pretty obvious that such problems if they did exist (obviously they do for me) would be relative to the damage to the liver catalyzed by HCV...... ranging from stage 1- cirrhosis. Sex, like music,  and my kids, and being engaged by life in general are feasts I am not willing to give up.....And I find my ways to them all....Thanks to all. d
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179856 tn?1333547362
Tell me Rivill tell me! We wasted the best years...........but that doesn't mean we don't have more coming!

Love you Candy just to repeat myself again. Big secret around here...shhhhh. Dont let anyone know!

Willy are you ever going to do treatment finally? I dont mean that snarky - but just wondering. Weve been friends for many years, I would like to see you CURED.
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179856 tn?1333547362
You people...............I leave you alone for a little while and look what happens?

Nice to see you cheppie...havent seen you around in a awhile. Jules, girl, TMI TMI TMI LOL hahahahaha. Babe!

Sexual meteorologists..............I like that alot.  At least HCV gave us some talent ;)

You nutjobs. Love you Candyman! ♥
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Avatar universal
They should have named the Hurricane Beyonce' not Sandy! I was disappointed lol
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Avatar universal
lol
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3230925 tn?1397615965
As long as it is surrounding it,right in the middle of it would be another story.
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Avatar universal
  I could never differentiate he difference between normal aging, and Hep C sx. I am happy to report, the whole are "down there" (lmao) seems to feel much better, more healthy, and more reactive(9 wks post tx)
  I am having psychological issues, concerning lots of stuff, surrounding sex, etc.
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Avatar universal
whats up???....
-------------------

LOL!    billy that is classic !
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190885 tn?1333025891
whats up???....the ad's took it away for me......as soon as i started and as soon as i stopped them....billy
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766573 tn?1365166466
Nice to know I am not the lone member of the ol' "It's not you, it's me" club.
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1815939 tn?1377991799
I did find this article on Hepatitis Central:

How Hepatitis C Can Affect a Patient's Sex Life
March 15, 2007

"While some chronic Hepatitis C patients maintain normal sexual function and a healthy interest in sex, many experience reduced libido, erectile dysfunction and diminished sexual satisfaction. Learn how Hepatitis C impacts the sex lives of both men and women and how opening up about these issues can help improve patients' quality of life.

by Nicole Cutler, L.Ac.

Hepatitis C is commonly accompanied by fatigue and depression, followed by a decreased interest in sex. Additionally, antiviral medications typically used to battle Hepatitis C may cause sexual dysfunction and decreased libido. Sexual dysfunction is the most frequently encountered side effect of many antidepressant medications used to treat the depression and anxiety associated with Hepatitis C combination treatment. When discontinued, the medication-induced sexual dysfunction typically vanishes. Due to its prevalence in chronic Hepatitis C patients, openly discussing sexual problems with a physician can help identify if the source is the disease, prescribed medications or some other condition.

Studies
Although no large-scale clinical trials have been conducted proving that the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) directly causes sexual dysfunction, many patients report an association between the two. The following two studies demonstrate a relationship between sexual dysfunction and Hepatitis C:

1. A study published in the June 2006 issue of American Journal of Gastroenterology investigated the prevalence of sexual dysfunction among men with chronic HCV infection and evaluated its impact on health-related quality of life. After evaluating 350 participants, researchers concluded “…Our study demonstrates a strong association between chronic HCV infection and sexual dysfunction among men in the United States. Men with chronic HCV infection had markedly reduced sexual function in all the five domains evaluated (sex drive, erectile function, ejaculation, sexual problem assessment and overall sexual satisfaction) compared to HCV-uninfected controls…”

2. A study published in the February 2005 edition of Journal of Endocrinology evaluated sexual dysfunction in men with chronic HCV on antiviral therapy. Researchers found that testosterone levels decreased significantly during antiviral therapy, closely correlating with decreased libido and sexual function. Additionally, depression increased during interferon therapy, a condition also associated with sexual dysfunction.

Hormone Changes
Hepatitis C infection also contributes to advanced liver disease which can alter levels of hormones. Approximately two percent of middle-aged men experience decreased sexual interest and erectile dysfunction. This percentage remains consistent both in men without liver disease and those in the early stages of liver disease. However, men with advanced liver disease are more likely to experience the following conditions related to changes in hormone levels:

· Testicular dysfunction
· Loss of body hair
· Gynecomastia (enlarged breasts)
· Redistribution of body fat
· A female configuration of pubic hair
· Decreased muscle mass
· Decreased sexual desire
· Erectile dysfunction

The male sex hormone (testosterone) is typically lowered with advanced liver disease, while the female sex hormone (estrogen) typically increases. Because alcohol abuse further lowers testosterone levels, alcoholic men with Hepatitis C who have progressed to advanced liver disease are particularly vulnerable to sexual dysfunction issues.

Women
Women with chronic Hepatitis C commonly complain of vaginal dryness, which typically results in decreased sexual interest. The majority of women with Hepatitis C who experience pain during intercourse, vaginal irritation, vaginal burning and itching are on interferon and ribavirin therapy. Discomfort may be severe when combined with atrophic vaginitis, a condition common when estrogen levels decline, such as in postmenopausal women. While a topical estrogen and progesterone cream can improve or alleviate the dryness, oral estrogen supplements should only be taken under a physician’s close supervision. Whether in the form of natural soy estrogen or oral estrogen supplements, estrogen."

http://www.hepatitis-central.com/mt/archives/2007/03/how_hepatitis_c.html
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3230925 tn?1397615965
Did someone part the red sea? Great posts..LOL
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2035311 tn?1332679977
Well, I had hep c for more than 35 years and I've never had a problem with hydraulics yet. ( Knock on wood...lol )  My wife says it only because I'm so immature.  I'm fifty freakin eight! I've been clear since April and so far so good. I finished 7977 trial on Aug 30.  I do exercise almost everyday. O wonder if that has anything to do with it. I don't want to think about it too much, I might jinx "it"....lol
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2147300 tn?1369689688
What a nice conversation for intelligent adults.  You guys are a bunch of sexual meteorologists. And I appreciate the break from all the big words.
I need to hang my washcloth over my shoulder since tx started.
Nice thread everyone.
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