When Alcohol Affects Intimacy: The Link between Dependence and Erectile Dysfunction

Alcohol dependence is a major health concern, affecting physical, psychological, and social well-being. One often-overlooked issue is sexual dysfunction, which can impact relationships and quality of life. This study examines the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in men with alcohol dependence and its correlation with severity. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the School of Medical Sciences and Research, Greater Noida, from May 2023 to November 2024, involving 116 men aged 18–50 years diagnosed with alcohol dependence. The Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire (SADQ) and the Changes in Sexual Functioning Male Questionnaire (CSF-MQ) were used for assessment, with data analyzed using SPSS version 22 and significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Sexual dysfunction was observed in 89.7% of participants, with erectile dysfunction (76.7%). A significant positive correlation was found between higher SADQ scores and increased severity of sexual dysfunction (p < 0.05). These findings emphasize the need for routine sexual health assessments in alcohol-dependent patients to enhance overall well-being and treatment outcomes.