The Effects of Morphine Dependence and Detoxification with Methadone and Buprenorphine on Sexual Behavior and Sex Hormones

Background: Opiate dependence, a great worldwide obstacle, is regularly treated by detoxification via opioid agonists and antagonist administration. However, different effects and severity of detoxification on the male reproductive system have not been evaluated so far. Objectives: Thus, the present study intended to investigate the impact of morphine dependence and detoxification with methadone and/or buprenorphine on sexual behavior and sex hormones in an animal model of opiate dependence. Materials and Methods: sixty-six adult male mice were randomly allocated into six groups of control (ctl40), morphine-dependent (Mrph40) (which received morphine for 40 days), another control (Ctrl80), morphine-dependent (Mrph80) (which received morphine for 80 days), methadone (Mtdn) detoxified, and buprenorphine (Bprn) detoxified groups (n = 11). Different aspects of sexual activities and Sex hormones were assessed at the end of the treatment period. Data were analyzed by ANOVA test and chi-squared test using SPSS version 16 software for Windows. Results: Testosterone level significantly decreased in all treated groups compared with its level in the Ctl40 group. Detoxification with buprenorphine was reduced following 80 days of treatment, the level of testosterone significantly reduced in all treated groups compared to its level in the Ctrl80 group. The highest and lowest levels of FSH were observed in the Bprn group and in the Mrph40 group, respectively, even lower than that of the Mrph80 and Mtdn groups. Either of the treatments has decreased the level of LH when compared with its level in the controls. Various sexual behaviors were differently disturbed in the treated groups. Duration of sexual activity, Mount frequency, ejaculation latency, and sexual activity duration was higher in the Bprn group than the Mtdn group, but the rate of pregnancy was much higher in the Mtdn group. Conclusions: Either Short or long-term dependence on morphine affects the sex hormones and activities. Following detoxification with methadone and/or buprenorphine, various aspects of sexual behaviors were differently altered, which could alert clinicians in detoxification programs.