Sexual Dysfunction in Chronic Hepatitis B
A narrative review highlights that sexual dysfunction is a common but frequently overlooked complication for patients with chronic hepatitis B. The condition is linked to a mix of biological, psychological, and social factors, and the report recommends regular clinical screening.
Why it matters
It addresses a significant, under-reported quality-of-life issue for millions of chronic hepatitis B patients, potentially improving standard clinical care protocols.
SEXUAL dysfunction in chronic hepatitis B is common, multifactorial, and frequently missed in routine clinical care.
A narrative review found prevalence estimates ranging from 8.6% to 63.1% across heterogeneous studies of hepatitis B virus related disease. In one larger chronic hepatitis B cohort, 25.4% of patients experienced sexual dysfunction, with higher rates among those with poorer liver function, greater fibrosis, and more severe depression.
The review presents sexual dysfunction in chronic hepatitis B as the product of interacting biological, psychological, and social factors. Liver dysfunction may disturb sex hormone metabolism, while chronic inflammation, endothelial impairment, neuropathy, and cardiometabolic comorbidities may further affect sexual response.
In men, erectile dysfunction is the most frequently studied manifestation. Women may experience reduced desire, impaired arousal or lubrication, dyspareunia, and orgasmic difficulties, although female specific evidence remains limited.
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