Loss of libido and Lyme disease

by Daniel J. Cameron, MD MPH

A cross-sectional pilot study carried out in the Breakspear neuroscience department in the United Kingdom reported that 50% of 16 serologically positive Lyme disease patients had a loss of libido compared to 0% in 18 controls (p<.001)  The loss of libido was not associated with detrusor muscle dysfunction or medications.

The investigators recommended further study including the use of a well-validated measure of libido. It would also be helpful to examine whether antibiotic treatment would reverse the loss of libido.

References:

1. Puri BK, Shah M, Julu PO, Kingston MC, Monro JA. The association of lyme disease with loss of sexual libido and the role of urinary bladder detrusor dysfunction. International neurourology journal, 18(2), 95-97 (2014).