The effect of tramadol abuse on the quality of sexual life

Abstract

Objectives Tramadol abuse has spread markedly among the Egyptian people with many myths about its value in improving physical and sexual function. This study aims to assess the different aspects of sexual function in patients with long-term tramadol abuse. Patients and methods The participants of the study were recruited from the Hotline Clinic of Minia Psychiatric Hospital, Upper Egypt during a 6-month period. After taking their consent, 68 individuals with a history and a positive urine analysis test of tramadol abuse were included. They were assessed clinically and by addiction severity index, sexuality scale, and sexual quality of life questionnaire-male version. They were compared with a control group of 43 individuals with no history of drug abuse and negative urine analysis test. Results All the aspects of quality of sexual life were significantly better in the control group than the tramadol abuse group. There was a significant correlation between the number of symptoms and the sexual esteem; and between psychiatric status and sexual esteem and sexual depression; and between family and social problems and sexual esteem and sexual depression. Conclusion Patients with tramadol abuse are more likely to have poor quality of sexual life in comparison to healthy controls.