ABSTRACT
The frequency of sexual dysfunction [SD] is not well known in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus [HCV]. In spite of the fact that histological benefits of peginterferon [Peg-IFN]/ribavirin therapy are well established, the effects on sexual health are less certain. To assess the prevalence of the SD and explore its relevance to histopathologic changes and Peg-IFN treatment. The study included 100 HCV males; all the patients completed questionnaires to assess their sexual function before and during the treatment. Before treatment, SD was reported only by 12 [19.4%] and 10 [29.4%] patients of early and advanced liver fibrosis, respectively. SD during HCV treatment [with Peg-IFN and ribavirin] for liver fibrosis was significant, as 24 [70.6%] out of 34 [100%] of HCV patients had advanced fibrosis but only 20 [32.3%] out of 62 [100%] patients had early fibrosis and were sexually affected [P = 0.01]. SD before treatment was found in 22 [22%] patients; 16 [16%] were >40 years old and 6 [6%] patients were