Abstract
Sexual health is a key element in the overall health and quality of life. Sexual activity increases pain threshold, increases physical activity, cardiovascular health, improves mood, emotions, overall well-being, improves depression and quality of life.
Chronic pain that negatively affect the patient, causes suffering, limits daily routine activities and social ties, disturbs, sleep and adversely affects sexuality. The incidence of sexual dysfunctions is 60 % in patients with chronic pain.
Half to two thirds of patients report reduced sexual desires and frequency of sexual activity. The causes of sexual dysfunction in patients with chronic pain are psychological, somatic, pharmacological, or a combination of these.
Side effects of opioid medications, antidepressants or anticonvulsants on sexuality are important. In men, there is erectile dysfunction, in opioid users associated with low testosterone, women complain of low libido, difficulty in lubrication and achieving orgasm.