Male patients with GW (genital warts) have higher rates of sexual dysfunction. (1) – The Journal of Sexual Medicine
The journal, “Sexually Transmitted Infections” reported in 2008 that:
“Psychological effects of GWs (genital warts) have much greater impact on well-being than the physical effects; people with anogenital warts may display anxiety, depression, and sexual difficulties.” (2)
There are many reasons for sexual dysfunction.
This, and other studies, have shown that having genital warts is one of these reasons.
Another study published in JAMA noted that sexual dysfunction “is characterized by disturbances in sexual desire and in the psychophysiological changes associated with the sexual response cycle, including arousal difficulties, erection problems, inability to reach orgasm, and not finding sex pleasurable.”(3)
Further, “it can be proposed that men with GWs may have deteriorated sensation during sexual contact or a feeling of being less sexually attractive because of the localization of the disease. In fact, when some skin diseases such as erosive lichen planus, psoriasis, and contact dermatitis are located in the anogenital area, they are implicated to cause difficulties in sexual functioning.” (Journal of Andrology, Jan. 2013) (4)
Dr. Asli Kucukunal and colleagues wrote in conclusion to the first study mentioned in this article that “It can be concluded that GWs affect male sexual functions negatively and there is a possitive correlation between SD with depression and anxiety. Sexual concerns in men suffering from GWs should not be underestimated.” (1)
In other words, sexual dysfunction in men with genital warts and the concerns that arise because of them are serious issues that must be addressed by health providers.
References:
(1) Asli Kucukunal MD1,*, Ilknur Kivanc Altunay MD1 andSibel Mercan MD2 “Sexual Dysfunction in Men Suffering from Genital Warts” published online: 2 APR 2013
(2) L Scrivener1, J Green2, J Hetherton1, G Brook3 “Disclosure of anogenital warts to sexual partners” Sex Transm Infect 2008;84:179-182
(3) Laumann EO1, Paik A, Rosen RC. “Sexual dysfunction in the United States: prevalence and predictors.” JAMA. 1999 Feb 10;281(6):537-44.