Do ARVs cause impotence in men?
ARVs are not known to cause impotence. Actually many people, who were impotent because of ill health and depression caused by HIV/AIDS regain their desire for sex once they are put on ARVs.
Face HIV with Dr. Watiti
Dear Doctor,
Do ARVs cause impotence in men? My husband started on them two months ago and has lost his libido. I am HIV-negative but chosen to continue living with him.
Mary
Dear Mary,
ARVs are not known to cause impotence. Actually many people, who were impotent because of ill health and depression caused by HIV/AIDS regain their desire for sex once they are put on ARVs.
Your husband needs counselling to cope with the challenges he is facing. With the help of your doctor and counsellor, talk openly about sex and HIV to dispel any fears you may be having and find solutions to them as a couple.
Your husband could also have lost his libido because he fears infecting you with HIV each time he thinks of having sex with you. Many men also find it hard to start using condoms when used to unprotected sex.
Some lose their erection on trying to put on a condom. Such should be encouraged by their partners instead of making derogatory comments about them.
With practice, your husband should be able to get used to having sex with a condom.
Dear Doctor,
Do ARVs cause impotence in men? My husband started on them two months ago and has lost his libido. I am HIV-negative but chosen to continue living with him.
Mary
Dear Mary,
ARVs are not known to cause impotence. Actually many people, who were impotent because of ill health and depression caused by HIV/AIDS regain their desire for sex once they are put on ARVs.
Your husband needs counselling to cope with the challenges he is facing. With the help of your doctor and counsellor, talk openly about sex and HIV to dispel any fears you may be having and find solutions to them as a couple.
Your husband could also have lost his libido because he fears infecting you with HIV each time he thinks of having sex with you. Many men also find it hard to start using condoms when used to unprotected sex.
Some lose their erection on trying to put on a condom. Such should be encouraged by their partners instead of making derogatory comments about them.
With practice, your husband should be able to get used to having sex with a condom.