SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION IN HCV PATIENTS-EXPERIENCE AT TERTIARY CARE CENTER OF NORTHEREN INDIA

Introduction -Sexual dysfunction is highly prevalent in patients with chronic Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), with rates reported between 19% and 88%. It presents in various forms, including premature ejaculation, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction,and arousal disorders, often linked to both the disease itself and its treatment.Aimof study-To estimate prevalence ofsexual dysfunctionin Hepatitis Cpatientsat tertiary care center of Northern India.Material and Methods-This study was conducted at Medical Gastroenterology Department at PGIMS, Rohtak.Itwas a prospective study done over one year, from 01.04.2025 to 31.03.2026, during which 200 confirmed hepatitis Cpatients were enquired for any kind of sexual dysfunction.For better understanding 100 patients each of chronic hepatitis andcirrhosiswere enrolled. All 200 HCV patients were males, in 20-50 yrs age group and were sexually active. Patient with past history of sexual dysfunction, anxiety, depression, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hypothyroidism which can cause sexual dysfunction were not included in the study. All hepatitis Cpatients were confirmed on anti HCV antibodyonEnzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)testand HCV RNA Quantitative on Polymerase chain reaction test (PCR).The written informed consent was taken before enrollment in the study.Observation and Results-Our department is Model treatment Center (MTC) under National Viral Hepatitis Control Program (NVHCP) and is one of the high flow centers in India. On daily basis, 8-10 new and 20follow up patients of HCV come for consultation and till date 12,000 HCV patients have been enrolled in last twelve years in this program.On prospective analysis of 200 confirmed hepatitis Cpatients, all were malesand 100 each were in chronic hepatitis and cirrhotic stage and both were treated with oral antiviral drugs.The sexual dysfunction was seen in40 patients (20 %), out of which25were in F0-F3 stageand 15 hadcirrhosis.Most common kind of sexual dysfunction was erectile dysfunction, followed by premature ejaculationand loss of libido.Conclusion -The management of hepatitis Cpatients need broader approach and all of them should be evaluated not only from hepatic point of view but also for its extra hepatic impact, of which sexual evaluation is must. The sexual aspect is often missed by treating team as well as not shared by patients. In India, masculinity is attached to core of heart of males and majority do not accept and share with health professionals. Hence, good repo of doctor with patients will help in healthy discussion among them on this sensitive issue.