Many of the side effects of Suboxone are similar for men and women. Suboxone may impact both men’s and women’s sexual functions and libido. However, there are some Suboxone side effects that are specific to men and some that are specific to women.. Suboxone can affect a woman’s menstruation cycle. Suboxone can lead to erectile dysfunction in men. One Many studies have examined how Suboxone affects men and women and how side effects may be different between the sexes.
About the Suboxone Side Effects for Men and Women:
How Suboxone Can Affect Men and Women Differently
Suboxone Side Effects in Females
Menstrual Side Effects from Suboxone
Suboxone Side Effects in Males
How Suboxone Can Affect Men and Women Differently
Many of the side effects common to Suboxone users, including the dental impacts, present the same way in men and women. Suboxone use can affect both men’s and women’s sexual and reproductive functions. However, in cases of sexual dysfunction, men and women can experience differing side effects.
Suboxone Side Effects in Females
Although the general side effects of Suboxone are similar for men and women, women specifically tend to experience symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles and increased constipation. Additionally, many women experience sexual side effects while taking Suboxone medications, including the sublingual films.
Sexual Side Effects for Women Taking Suboxone
Women using Suboxone films may experience a decreased sexual drive, difficulties in psychological arousal, and a decreased ability for sexual fulfillment. Buprenorphine, an active chemical component of Suboxone which is used for Opioid Maintenance Treatment (OMT), disrupts the body’s endocrine system, which significantly helps to regulate sexual functioning. Additionally, many individuals undergoing OMT tend to experience mental health challenges as well as difficulties in intimate relationships.
A study called, “Sexual Functioning and Opioid Maintenance Treatment in Women. Results From a Large Multicentre Study” found that 56.6% of women receiving buprenorphine (one of the two active drugs in Suboxone) for at least 3 months presented sexual dysfunction. The same study, which was published in the journal “Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience,” also found that women experiencing sexual dysfunction related to buprenorphine had poorer quality sexual relationships and suffered impacts to their mental health.
According to the study, some women experienced the following types of sexual dysfunction while taking buprenorphine :
- Decreased sex drive
- Trouble becoming aroused
- Difficulties in enjoying sex or climaxing
Menstrual Side Effects from Suboxone
Menstrual side effects for women taking Suboxone strips can range from irregular cycles to missing periods (which is called amenorrhoea). One study examined the menstrual cycles of women who took oral opioid pills. This study supported the claim that the chemical components of some oral opioids may cause menstrual side effects, including abnormalities in menstruation regularity. Because Suboxone is a partial opioid agonist drug, it often behaves in the body like an opioid. This could explain why many women report changes to their periods while using Suboxone.
Suboxone Side Effects in Males
Men who take Suboxone report many of the same side effects as women, but some effects are unique to males. For male Suboxone users, it was specifically found that difficulty ejaculating was the most common sexual side effect. General side effects for men and women also include a decreased desire for sexual activity, men may experience this at a higher rate than women. Erectile dysfunction was discovered to be significantly connected to opioid maintenance treatment (OMT), which often includes buprenorphine-naloxone combination treatments like Suboxone.
Sexual Side Effects For Men Taking Suboxone
Medical treatment that has been used to manage opioid dependence, such as Suboxone, has been investigated for its impact on male sexual function. One study found that 83 to 90% of men treated with buprenorphine and naltrexone experienced at least one symptom of sexual dysfunction. The study further points out that there would likely be similar effects for men who had taken the drugs (buprenorphine and naltrexone) separately as well as in combination.
Suboxone and Erectile Dysfunction
Multiple studies have shown some men taking Suboxone experience erectile dysfunction (ED). One study of 100 men showed the combination of buprenorphine/naloxone could lead to a higher number of cases of erectile dysfunction (ED). ED is the highest reported sexual dysfunction side effect of men who have used Suboxone films.
A similar study of those who had undergone opioid substitution therapy found that 49 out of the 50 participants had reported ED to some degree. These studies show the high rates of erectile dysfunction among men who have been treated for opioid use with buprenorphine/naloxone combination drugs and similar drugs.
Does Suboxone Affect Sperm and Reproduction?
In addition to sexual dysfunction, treatments like Suboxone may impact reproduction abilities in men, specifically in the quality of sperm. According to Yale Medicine, addiction treatments such as Suboxone can influence hormones that impact testosterone and sperm. While further research needs to be conducted in humans, a study done on mice found that buprenorphine had impacted the activity and integrity of sperm.
Suboxone and Sex Drive
Suboxone may affect the sex drives of men and women. Studies described that sexual dysfunction was defined on the Arizona Sexual Life Scale (ASEX), which evaluates factors such as desire, arousal, and satisfaction. The specific ingredients of buprenorphine and naloxone in Suboxone strips are suspected to interrupt the body’s hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and gonads. These organs work together in the body to regulate hormones. Because Suboxone can affect these organs, there may be effects to testosterone and estrogen production
These symptoms of sexual dysfunction and decreased sex drive in those who have used Suboxone strips have been observed on a short-term and long-term basis. For men specifically, a reduced libido and erectile function were the two most reported sexual function side effects from Suboxone.
Treatments for Sexual Side Effects Related to Suboxone
Individuals who may be experiencing any sexual dysfunction after taking Suboxone strips should speak with their doctors. It is not recommended that individuals stop taking Suboxone to treat negative effects without consulting with their doctor. Although Suboxone users may experience negative side effects, the medication has been prescribed to them to treat opioid use disorders. Individuals undergoing opioid management treatment (OMT) should not make any changes to their Suboxone use without talking to their doctor.
There may be treatment options for men and women experiencing sexual side effects related to Suboxone. One study points to possible treatments such as bupropion, trazodone, rosa Damascena, and ginseng in being able to help men and women who are experiencing difficulties with sexual functioning after OMT. While these therapy methods have the potential to treat cases in which individuals may experience decreased sexual desire, arousal, and satisfaction, further research is necessary to confirm.
Additional research should be done to further explore the side effects of sexual functions to Suboxone users, as the current conclusions have been limited to the participating sample size and the limited number of studies. Again, medical consultation is highly recommended to assist individuals who may have experienced any kind of sexual dysfunction after using Suboxone strips.