Sexual Medicine Reviews

Penile augmentation and cosmetic surgery: recommendations from the Fifth International Consultation on Sexual Medicine (ICSM 2024)
Chung E, Jenkins L, Moon DG, Ziegelmann M, Deveci S, Lin HC, Broderick G, Seyam R, Morey A and Levine L
Penile augmentation or penis enlargement surgery refers to any technique aimed at enhancing penile length or girth. These male enhancement surgical techniques can increase total penile length, either flaccid or erect, while others add to the penile shaft's girth and/or glans size. Proposed strategies include physical methods such as various penile exercises, mechanical traction devices, and medical therapy, while surgical interventions include cosmetic and phallic reconstructive techniques and use of fillers, sleeves, grafts, and flaps to augment penile size.
A critical analysis of the methodological limitations in trials of low-intensity shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction
Salter CA, Taniguchi H, Kim DJ and Mulhall JP
Low-intensity shockwave therapy (LiSWT) is a novel treatment option for patients with erectile dysfunction (ED). To date, numerous randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies have been published.
Dermatological adverse effects of testosterone replacement therapy: a scoping review of the literature
Abou Chawareb E, Campos L, Savio L, Hartman-Kenzler J, Mahdi M, Hammad MAM and Yafi FA
While testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is generally effective in restoring testosterone levels and improving quality of life, its dermatological adverse effects are underreported compared to cardiovascular and oncologic risks.
Couple's orgasm as a dyadic experience: a scoping review of dyadic data
Nóbrega CA, Tavares I and Quinta-Gomes AL
Orgasm experience is associated with greater sexual and relational well-being within couples' relationships. In the context of a partnered sexual relationship, this dimension of the sexual response has been mainly studied from an individualistic perspective, with few studies adopting a dyadic approach.
History of Peyronie's disease: from early descriptions to modern treatments
Fuell W, McKnight D, Lewis R, Trost L, Machado B, Miranda A and Hellstrom WJG
Peyronie's disease (PD) is a fibroproliferative disorder of the tunica albuginea characterized by localized plaque formation, penile curvature, and erectile dysfunction, most commonly affecting men between 40 and 70 years of age. Although François Gigot de La Peyronie is credited with the first formal description of the disease in 1743, depictions of penile curvature predate his description by millennia.
Myths, challenges, and misconceptions around men's sexual health in Saudi Arabia
Mulhall JP, Baazeem A, Al-Bakri AM, Moazin MS, Assari SM, Campos-Sañudo JA, Atallah S and Hamdy Y
Men's sexual health is an essential yet under-addressed aspect of well-being in Saudi Arabia, shaped by a complex interplay of cultural traditions, religious teachings, and stigma. While Islam encourages marital intimacy, open conversations on sexual health are obstructed by taboos and misinformation. Misconceptions about erectile dysfunction, penile size, masturbation effects, and sexual performance, fueled by pornography, uncontrolled social media, and limited education, result in poor health-seeking behaviors and incorrect use of medications.
Can antidepressants compromise sperm quality? A comprehensive review of preclinical evidence
de Paula Dos Santos LO, da Silva PRQ, Rigo GMO, Pinto CLO, Perini HF and Siervo GEML
Infertility is a significant global health concern, particularly among individuals of reproductive age. At the same time, psychiatric disorders-especially depression and anxiety-are increasingly prevalent, leading to a growing global demand for antidepressants.
Evaluation and management of hypoactive sexual desire disorder in women. Recommendations from the 5th International Consultation on Sexual Medicine (ICSM 2024)
Rowen TS, Abdo C, El Kak F, Maseroli E, Pope R, Prasad P, Velten J and Vignozzi L
Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) is one of the most common female sexual dysfunctions.
Male genitalia trauma. Recommendations from 5th International Consultation on Sexual Medicine (ICSM 2024)
Chung E, Morey A, Seyam R, Ziegelmann M, Moon DG, Broderick G, Jenkins L, Lin HC, Deveci S and Levine L
The lower urinary tract injury, although often not life-threatening, can result in devastating long-term morbidity and, in some cases, permanent disability. Male genital trauma adversely affects male sexual function.
Sexual health outcomes following gender affirming metoidioplasty: a systematic review
Goldstein B, Uloko M, Okamuro K, Moore M, Peters BR, Blumenthal J, Marinkovic M and Anger J
Numerous studies have evaluated urologic and aesthetic outcomes of genital gender affirming surgery. However, minimal data exist on sexual function of transmasculine individuals after genital gender affirming surgery, and studies often aggregate outcomes from different techniques. This paper aims to systematically review the literature on sexual health outcomes following metoidioplasty surgery.
Sexuality in female patients on hemodialysis: a scoping review
Imhof S, Nerbass FB, Dos Santos RG, Ribeiro HS and Nilson LG
Kidney failure significantly affects sexuality, particularly female sexual function.
Attention to sexual stimuli and its relationship to sexual identity in the context of empirical studies with sexual minorities: a scoping review
Kostiukova M, Tselenti D and Carvalho J
In experimental sex research, attention to sexual stimuli is considered a well-established indicator of sexual interest, with patterns that differ across sexual orientations. While earlier studies primarily focused on heterosexual populations, recent research has increasingly explored attention in sexual minority individuals (SMIs). Building on the incentive motivation and information processing models of sexual response, it can be hypothesized that differences in the appraisal of sexual stimuli contribute to variations in individuals´ sexual responses, raising the possibility that attention to sexual stimuli may be related to individuals' sexual identities.
Unveiling research landscapes in erectile dysfunction: a bibliometric analysis comparing basic scientific research and clinical studies
Zheng Z, Lu Y, Chen Y, Chen Q, Chung E, Jiang H, Hong K, Li H and Lin H
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a highly prevalent male sexual disorders, affecting million of men worldwide. Given the volume of literature in ED, bibliometric analyses will provide an important resource to highlight landmark articles.
Scoping review to assess the role of the immune system in the pathophysiology of vulvodynia and post-orgasmic illness syndrome
Johnson O, Ikedionwu I, Banton J, Natale C, Pearlman AM, Hellstrom WJG, Rubin R and Yong PJ
Disorders that affect sexual function, including vulvodynia and post-orgasmic illness syndrome (POIS), are under-reported and under-researched, leaving many patients without optimal treatment strategies. These conditions often present with inflammatory or allergic-type symptoms, such as itching, burning, and congestion. Immune system dysregulation, including mast cell (MC) dysfunction, has been proposed as a potential mechanism underlying these disorders.
Male hypogonadism: recommendations from the Fifth International Consultation on Sexual Medicine (ICSM 2024)
Khera M, Torres LO, Grober ED, Morgentaler A, Miner M, Jones TH, Mills JN and Salonia A
Male hypogonadism is a clinical condition combining low circulating testosterone (T) and specific signs and symptoms associated with impaired hormone production.
The socio-cultural aspects of sexual medicine: recommendations from the Fifth International Consultation on Sexual Medicine (ICSM 2024)
Wittmann D, Promodu K, Osur J, Abdulcadir J, Johnson-Agbakwu C, Sorial N, Ghanem H, Sharlip I, Edler Zandoná PC, Pearlman A, Chang HC and Glina S
The intersection of culture, history, religion, traditions, laws, political trends, and evolving attitudes affects sexual expression and acceptance or rejection of sexual practices. Clinicians and clinical care are affected by these factors as well, although clinicians are not always aware of the way in which their training, their own experiences and attitudes influence the way in which they approach patients. In this paper, we contextualize and then describe 2 areas of sexual practices and 1 area of sexual difficulty that sexual medicine clinicians encounter in their practice, namely, the practice of female genital mutilation/cutting, penile circumcision, and the experience of unconsummated marriages.
Time flies when you're having fun
Giraldi A
Virtual reality in the management of male sexual dysfunction: an updated narrative review of the literature
Krishnappa P, Tammaro S, Sneha J, Matippa P, Arcaniolo D, De Sio M and Manfredi C
Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a promising technology in medicine, offering innovative approaches for diagnostics, treatment, and patient education. However, its role in male sexual dysfunction (MSD) management remains underexplored, particularly among urologists.
Erectile dysfunction in patients with Peyronie's disease treated with different grafts: a systematic review
Tozzi M, Gobbo A, Fallara G, Depalma M, Quistini A, Chierigo F, Jannello LMI, Lee WG, Sedigh O, Pang KH, Castiglione F, Cakir OO, Luzzago S, Mistretta FA, Bianchi R, Maggi M, Buffi NM, Damiano R, Musi G, Ferro M, Bettocchi C, Salonia A and Ralph D
Peyronie's disease causes penile curvature and painful erections, potentially impairing quality of life; surgical grafts are employed to correct curvature and restore penetrative sexual function.
Psychological perspectives on male erectile dysfunction: a reappraisal
Althof SE and Rosen RC
With accumulating, strongly supportive epidemiological evidence, a new understanding has emerged of the complex interactions between psychological factors (e.g., depression) and both erectile dysfunction (ED) and ischemic heart disease (IHD) in men.
Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM): recommendations from the Fifth International Consultation on Sexual Medicine (ICSM 2024)
Simon JA, Nappi RE, Chedraui P, Clark AL, Gompel A, Nasreen SZA, Palacios S and Wolfman W
Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) encompasses a cluster of sexual symptoms like dyspareunia associated with genital and urinary symptoms like urinary urgency, which may be variably reported in the clinical setting.