Male sexual dysfunction and comorbidity

Abstract

Introduction: Male sexual dysfunction is prevalent amongindividuals with psychiatric or physical comorbidities. Psychiatricdisorders per se can cause male sexual dysfunctions;psychotropic medications used in their treatment can also resultin male sexual dysfunctions. Thus, having sound knowledgeabout these variables would assist clinicians in comprehensiveassessment and management. This paper aims to review existingliterature on male sexual dysfunctions with co-morbidpsychiatric and physical illnesses, including their management.Methodology: PubMed and Google Scholar databases weresearched, along with bibliographic- and grey literature search, toobtain relevant records.We described the findings of the reviewnarratively.Results: A total of 34 records were eligible for the currentreview. Male sexual dysfunctions are frequent with psychiatric(e.g., psychotic disorders, depression, substance use disorders)and physical (neurological-, cardiovascular-, and genitourinaryconditions) illnesses. Medications, bothpsychotropic, e.g., selective-serotonin-reuptakeinhibitors, antipsychotics and non-psychotropic,e.g., beta-blockers, thiazides, are equallyimplicated in male sexual dysfunction. Therefore,treating underlying co-morbid illnesses,reducing/discontinuing the offending drugs, andswitching to an agent with lesser adverse sexualeffects are the cornerstone of the management.Furthermore, using medications, e.g.,phosphodiesterase inhibitors, devices likeprostheses and implants, and correction ofgenito-urinary conditions are also equallyimportant.Conclusion: Better knowledge and understandingof sexual dysfunctions among co-morbidpsychiatric or physical illnesses, adequateassessment, and formulation of a comprehensivetreatment plan are crucial to addressing thesecomorbidities.