Investigating male sexual dysfunction

Abstract

Sexual dysfunction occurs commonly in men of reproductiveage. Male sexual dysfunction may include low libido, erectiledysfunction, premature ejaculation, and other issues. The typesof sexual dysfunction reported commonly are lack of sexualsatisfaction and hypoactive sexual desire; its prevalence rangesfrom 8.9% to 68.7%. Multiple aetiologies like medical illnessessuch as infections, hepatic, renal, or pulmonary diseases,endocrinal diseases (hormonal imbalance), nutritional, genetic,neurological, surgical, or vascular causes, and chronic substanceuse can lead to significant sexual dysfunction in males. Males withsexual dysfunction can experience a heavy psychological burden.A detailed psychopathological history and evaluation with thehelp of standardized rating scales, physical examination, andlaboratory-based evaluation can help diagnose sexualdysfunction. Multi-disciplinary approach with the help ofvarious specialties like neurology, urology, radiology,endocrinology, and psychiatry is needed to establish a properdiagnosis and initiate an early intervention for treating sexualdysfunction in males.