Hi all
I have read about people having a reduced or non existent sex drive when suffering with cirrhosis and after transplant as well. My experience is a bit more complicated. I'm a bisexual man, happily married to a woman and until a year ago I was happy keeping my feelings for men to one side. Initially following the transplant, everything seemed fine but since last year, every sexual act with my wife has been a disaster. I seem to have completely lost any interest in women but the attraction to men is still there. Am I alone in this?
Hello Confused,
From a male's perspective I think it's a common side effect which unfortunately isn't spoken of much. I guess there is a very British taboo surrounding this particular subject. Sadly there's appears to be very little information on the internet (From UK websites especially) about this subject. I myself had emailed Doctor Patrica Lalor back in April this year, but sadly never received a response. (Dr Lalor is Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy at the QE, and we have in the past year exchanged a number of emails).
I too sadly suffered from erectile dysfunction after liver transplantation, sadly I can't go down the Viagra route due to possible angina, and high blood pressure.
From what little information I have read, there is some suggestion that a cirrhotic liver can cause problems to both Testosterone and Androstenedione. So rather than problems arising post transplant, they could have already been there before hand. There defiantly needs to be more research carried out on this subject, and more information widely available. There could also be a connection between this problem, and of the possible side effects of all the drugs we are now having to take.
One of the main reasons to carrying out a liver transplant in the first place is to improve quality of life, but this subject is never spoken of at the transplant selection stage, or at any of the post follow up appointments. I personally would welcome some more information. I should also point out that this can have a profound effect upon a mans self-esteem and confidence. It can also put an enormous strain on a relationship.
Sadly I can't comment on this from a woman's perspective, but would welcome a chance to understand more.
Well done is raising this question, I hope we both find the answers we're looking for.
I should also have a look at the possible side effects of steroids. We are put on these for a while post transplant, and while the dosage can be low, they may produce side effects. It's Just a thought.
Thank you for replying Richard. Just to clarify, I can still get and maintain an erection, just not with women. I read somewhere a couple of months back about a guy claiming painkillers turned him gay. After my experience I believe that's not as far fetched as many may think although I think he must have had some kind of inclination to start with. Whilst I admit I've always been bi, I now seem to have turned exclusively gay. Not sure if that's due to medications or the transplant itself. In certain situations that wouldn't be an issue, you simply come out but when you're married with kids, it's not easy.
14 months in and all is ok in that respect for me. The whole erectile dysfunction thing is a nuisance. My hubby is a diabetic so I know the problems it can cause.