Conditions
Erectile Dysfunction
What is erectile dysfunction (ED)? Erectile dysfunction (ED) occurs when a consistent inability to get or maintain an erection prevents you from having satisfying sex. A man with ED either loses his erection before intercourse, gets only a partial erection, or gets no erection at all. ED is sometime...
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Options for Managing the Penile Prosthesis Reservoir During Revision Surgery
Penile implants have come a long way, from using rib cartilage in the past to modern silicone devices, offering a reliable solution for men with severe erectile dysfunction (ED). Today’s inflatable pe...
Expert Guidelines on Erectile Dysfunction and Heart Health: Insights from the Princeton IV Consensus
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is not just a sexual health concern; it is often an early indicator of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Research has shown that most men with ED have underlying conditions such ...
Understanding Wearable Male Sexual Devices: Trends, Safety, and Benefits for Erectile Dysfunction
Male sexual dysfunction (MSD) is common, especially as men age, with over 50% of men aged 40 to 70 reporting erectile dysfunction (ED). Conditions like ED, Peyronie’s disease, and premature ejaculatio...
Early Trauma May Be Linked to Hypersexual Behavior and Erectile Dysfunction in Men
Sexual dysfunction involves difficulties during any stage of the sexual response cycle, affecting a person’s ability to engage in or enjoy sexual activities. A lot of research focuses on low sexual de...
The Intersection of Telemedicine and Men’s Health
Telemedicine (TM) describes seeing a health care professional without going to their office, which can be done through a video call or over the phone in certain cases. This type of care has been aroun...
The Effect of Regular Aerobic Exercise on Erectile Function
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity. As men get older, their erectile functioning may naturally decline due to cha...
What Are the Potential Side Effects of Erectile Dysfunction Medications, and Are There Alternative Treatments?
Erectile dysfunction (ED), or the inability to get and maintain an erection long enough for satisfactory sexual activity, is a common condition that affects men around the world. This condition can co...
Over-the-Counter Gel for Treating Erectile Dysfunction Approved by FDA
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common sexual dysfunction that affects an estimated 1 in 5 men worldwide, and around 22 million men in the United States. Simply put, ED is the inability to get and main...
Oral ED Medications May Have a Protective Effect on Men’s Cardiac Health, Says New Study
Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE-5is) are a group of oral medications that are used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). These drugs are more commonly known by their commercial brand names like...
Patient Quality of Life and Satisfaction After Inflatable Penile Implantation
The inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) is a treatment option for erectile dysfunction (ED) that is most often used in men who cannot take or do not respond well to oral medications or injections. It i...
How Affordable Are Erectile Dysfunction Treatments Around the World?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition that affects men all around the world. Nevertheless, the most common ED treatment options – phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i, or oral ED medications)...
Erectile Dysfunction Is a Risk Factor for Major Depressive Disorder, According to New Study
Past research has demonstrated an association between erectile dysfunction (ED) and depression. Sometimes, people experience mood disorders like depression or anxiety when they are facing other challe...
Are Men and Their Partners Really Satisfied With Their Penile Implants?
A penile prosthesis (PP), also called a penile implant, is a device that is surgically implanted into a man’s penis to allow him to achieve an erection that is suitable for intercourse. This is a trea...
Enlarged Prostate: Surgical Approach Preserves Ejaculatory Function in Men with BPH
Scientists have developed a new surgical approach for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH – an enlarged prostate). It’s called urethral-sparing robot-assisted simple prostatectomy (usRASP)...
Prostate Cancer: Study Investigates Surgery Vs. Delayed Treatment
When men make prostate cancer treatment decisions, they need to weigh the pros and cons of their options. For those considering surgery, new research compares this approach with two others: watchful w...
Priapism Risk “Over Exaggerated” to Men Taking ED Drugs
Men who take erectile dysfunction (ED) drugs are often warned about a side effect called priapism – an erection lasting four hours or longer. However, a recent Journal of Sexual Medicine art...
Men With Both Peyronie’s Disease and Erectile Dysfunction Have Surgical Options
Many men with Peyronie’s disease also develop erectile dysfunction (ED – the inability to get an erection firm enough for sex). It’s possible to surgically treat both conditions, and a new study in&nb...
Statins Before Prostatectomy Don’t Improve Erectile Function, Study Finds
Taking statins before radical prostatectomy doesn’t seem to affect erectile function after surgery, scientists report in the Journal of Sexual Medicine.
Prostatectomy – surgical removal of the p...
Prostate Cancer Survivors Need Sexual “Support”
Most men experience sexual problems, especially erectile dysfunction (ED), after prostate cancer treatment. But for many, these problems aren’t addressed by doctors, according to a recent survey of me...
Prostate Cancer is a “Couples Disease,” Scientists Say
When a man has prostate cancer, his partner may feel the effects, too.
...
One in Three Male Childhood Cancer Survivors Has Erectile Dysfunction, Study Finds
Almost 30% of male childhood cancer survivors develop erectile dysfunction (ED) as adults, according to a research letter published last month in JAMA Oncology.
...
Study: Antidepressant Lurasidone Has Fewer Sexual Side Effects
People with a certain form of depression might benefit from a drug called lurasidone, which has fewer sexual side effects than other depression medications, according to a recent clinical trial.
Depr...
Stem Cell Therapy for Men’s Sex Health Needs More Research
Can stem cells help men with erectile dysfunction (ED) or Peyronie’s disease? Scientists have been investigating the use of one particular type of stem cell, but the data for these purposes are “defic...
Prostate Treatments May Have Sexual Side Effects, But Patients Not Always Aware
Some treatments for an enlarged prostate and related urinary symptoms have sexual side effects. However, doctors don’t always let patients know about them, according to a recent survey.
...
U.S. House Resolution: Continue Health Coverage for Certain Men with Incontinence and ED
The United States House of Representatives is considering a resolution that would protect Medicare and Veterans’ Administration (VA) benefits for men who need urological therapies after treatment for ...
Prostate Cancer Treatment Affects Both Patients and Partners
Radical prostatectomy – the surgical removal of the prostate gland – is an effective treatment for prostate cancer, but it can also have sexual complications for both patients and partners.
...
Some Men Regret Prostate Cancer Treatment Decisions
Almost 15% of long-term prostate cancer survivors regret their treatment decisions, according to new research in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
The findings underscore the need for infor...
Radiation to Penile Bulb Might Result in Severe ED, Study Suggests
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common side effect of radiation therapy for prostate cancer. However, new research suggests that avoiding the penile bulb – the base of the penis – during treatment migh...
Study: ED Drugs Don’t Increase Risk for Prostate Cancer Recurrence
New research suggests that oral drugs for erectile dysfunction (ED) don’t increase a man’s risk for biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer.
The term “biochemical recurrence” refers to the possibil...
ED After Transperineal Prostate Biopsy Generally Improves Within 3-6 Months
Sometimes, men develop erectile dysfunction (ED) after a transperineal prostate biopsy. However, new research shows that such ED is usually temporary and that erections don’t typically worse...
Finasteride Linked to Sexual Problems in Men
Researchers have found that men who take finasteride, a drug prescribed to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) – an enlarged prostate, may be at higher risk for erection problems when c...
Prostate Cancer Surgery May Affect Both Partners
When a man has surgery for prostate cancer, it can affect sex for both him and his partner, Swiss researchers have found.
...
Love, Sex, and Antidepressants
Antidepressants seem to affect men and women differently in terms of love and sex, Italian researchers have found.
...
Depression Linked to Erectile Dysfunction
Depression may play a bigger role in erectile dysfunction (ED) than testosterone levels, according to a recent study.
...
Insulin Resistance Predicts LUTS and Erectile Dysfunction
Men who have insulin resistance are at higher risk for erectile dysfunction (ED) and severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), according to Italian researchers.
...
Sildenafil Citrate May Help Men Who Have Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer
Men who have undergone radiotherapy for prostate cancer may benefit from taking a drug called sildenafil citrate, American researchers say.
The drug could improve their ability to have erec...
PDE5 Inhibitors and Alpha-Blockers May Help Men with ED and LUTS
Erectile dysfunction (ED) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) become more common as men get older. New research suggests that taking a combination of two drugs may benefit these men more than...
Sex Health Blog
How Does Dehydration Affect Erectile Dysfunction?
The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and he...
Using Erectile Dysfunction Medications May Decrease Alzheimer’s Risk
Recent research suggests that medications commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) may also help reduce one’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. This revelation comes from a large study c...
Is Erectile Dysfunction Reversible?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a prevalent condition that affects millions of men worldwide, impacting their quality of life and relationships. The question of whether ED is reversible is a crucial one,...
The Timing of Penile Implant Placement May Affect Complications for Priapism Patients
Priapism is a long-lasting (>4 hours), unwanted erection that is not related to sexual stimulation. There are two types of priapism: low-flow (ischemic) priapism and high-flow (non-ischemic) priapi...
How Cigarette Smoking Can Contribute to Erectile Dysfunction
Smoking cigarettes has long been considered an important independent risk factor for erectile dysfunction (ED). Nevertheless, approximately one-third of men worldwide are active smokers, and many are ...
Did You Know?
What Is the Typical Recovery Process After Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Surgery?
Inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) surgery is a common treatment option for men with erectile dysfunction (ED) who haven’t found success with other treatments like medication or injections, or who des...
What Are Some Causes of Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction (ED), or the inability to maintain an erection long enough for satisfactory sexual activity, is a prevalent condition that affects millions of men worldwide. ED can cause emotiona...
What Is Venous Leakage?
Venous leakage, (also known as venous leak,) is a cause of erectile dysfunction (ED) in individuals with penises.
...
How Can Overly Tight Pelvic Floor Muscles Impact One’s Sexual Health?
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that holds the pelvic organs in place. A strong pelvic floor is associated with good sexual outcomes. People may encounter sexual health issues if their pelvic f...
What Is the P-Shot? Does It Actually Work?
The P-Shot, also known as a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection, is being tested as an experimental therapy for erectile dysfunction (ED). It involves taking a sample of the patient’s blood, using a ...
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Materials viewable in this section of SMSNA for Patients have been contributed by Sponsors of the SMSNA Foundation and reviewed by SMSNA Website Committee for the purposes of patient education. SMSNA requires that medications and prosthetics discussed are FDA approved for use in the United States. The SMSNA Foundation and SMSNA are not endorsing the medications or prosthetics displayed. Investigational Procedures and Therapeutics are not shown. Patients are advised to consult an expert in sexual medicine or surgery to enhance their understanding of risks and benefits of treating their sexual dysfunctions – link for Find a Provider.
Conditions
Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder
Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) refers to person’s chronic or ongoing lack of interest in sex, to the point of personal or relationship distress. HSDD affects both men and women, however it is most common in women.
...
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Could Testosterone Therapy Be a Key to Weight Loss?
Testosterone therapy might lead to weight loss in obese men with low testosterone (hypogonadism), researchers have reported.
...
Overweight/Obese Women Likely to Have Sexual Difficulties
Women who are overweight or obese are less likely to be sexually active, report the authors of a recent Journal of Sexual Medicine study.
...
New Details on Oral Testosterone
Men in the United States have had the option of taking an oral form of testosterone for about a year and a half now. Recently, scientists published more of their research results.
...
Sexual Issues Need Attention in Female Childhood Cancer Survivors
About 1 in 5 female survivors of childhood cancer experience sexual problems as adults, according to new research in the Journal of Sexual Medicine.
...
Taking Testosterone? Watch for Polycythemia and Sleep Apnea, Experts Warn
Men undergoing testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) should be aware of links between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and polycythemia, an abnormal amount of circulating red blood cells in the bloodstr...
About Half of Breast Cancer Survivors Seek Help for Sexual Issues
Why do some breast cancer survivors seek help for sexual problems while others don’t?
...
After Childhood Cancer, Sexual Dysfunction More Common in Women
When female pediatric cancer survivors reach adulthood, they are more likely to have sexual problems than their male counterparts, according to new research in the Journal of Sexual Medicine.
...
Study: Antidepressant Lurasidone Has Fewer Sexual Side Effects
People with a certain form of depression might benefit from a drug called lurasidone, which has fewer sexual side effects than other depression medications, according to a recent clinical trial.
Depr...
For Women, Placebo Effect Might Explain Improvement in Sexual Function
Treatments for female sexual dysfunction are “minimally superior to placebo,” according to new research in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Researchers reached this conclusion after analyz...
Childhood Sexual Abuse Linked to Sexual Problems in Women
Women who have been sexually abused as children develop more sexual problems than their non-abused peers, according to a recent review of medical literature by American scientists.
In an effort to un...
Inhibition May Hinder Women’s Orgasms
Sexual inhibition can lead to orgasm issues in women, new research suggests.
Problems with orgasms are common in women, with an estimated 10% to 40% of women reporting difficulty. Some women never re...
PTSD Linked to Sexual Problems in Midlife Women
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a history of personal violence is linked to menopause-related sexual dysfunction in midlife women, according to recent research.
While these factors do affect...
Low Desire Common in Midlife Women
Many women lose interest in sex at midlife, and doctors should consider addressing the problem, experts say.
In a recent study of 2,020 Australian women between the ages of 40 and 65, almost 70% had ...
For Breast Cancer Survivors, Sexual Concerns May Last Years
For breast cancer survivors, sexual problems related to treatment may last for several years, according to a recent study in BMC Cancer.
...
Poor Health and Lack of Communication Related to Low Sexual Interest, Study Says
Why might people lose interest in sex? Recently, scientists provided their insights in the journal BMJ Open, and their findings differed somewhat for British men and women.
...
Study Addresses Psychological Aspects of Female Sexual Problems
When treating sexual problems in women, healthcare providers should consider mental health, according to new research in the Journal of Sexual Medicine.
Women’s sexual response can be quite complex. ...
Body Image, Binge Eating, and Sexual Dysfunction in Women
Poor body image esteem and binge-eating tendencies in women are linked to sexual distress and dysfunction, according to new research in the Journal of Sexual Medicine.
Body esteem and dissociation du...
Can Disclosing a Sexual Assault Help a Woman’s Sexual Functioning?
It’s not uncommon for women to have sexual problems after a sexual assault. However, new research suggests disclosing the assault to someone might alleviate those problems to some extent.
Experts est...
Women’s Sexuality Affected by Body Image and Relationship Quality, Study Says
A woman’s acceptance of her body and the quality of her relationship with her sex partner may influence her overall sexual function, according to a new study.
...
Love, Sex, and Antidepressants
Antidepressants seem to affect men and women differently in terms of love and sex, Italian researchers have found.
...
Exercise Helps Women With Antidepressant-Induced Sexual Side Effects
Exercising, especially right before sexual activity, seems to help women with sexual side effects caused by antidepressants, American scientists report.
Past research has shown that 96% of women taki...
Sex Health Blog
Is It “Normal” for Libido to Vary Over Time?
Libido, often referred to as one’s sexual desire or drive, is a complex aspect of human sexuality that can fluctuate throughout life. Questions are often raised about what is considered “normal” regar...
HSDD: I Have No Sexual Desire, What Can I Do About It?
Do you find yourself with a lack of sexual desire, which is bothersome to you? This could be a symptom of HSDD.
...
What Are Some Ways a Person Can Enhance Sexual Desire?
A person’s sexual desire will naturally fluctuate over the course of their lifetime, increasing in some periods and decreasing in others. However, if an individual finds that they are consistently lac...
Enlarged Prostate Treatment and Your Sex Life
Getting older? If you’re a man, the size of your prostate might become a concern.
...
Female Cancer Survivors and Sex Health Issues
If you’re a woman going through cancer treatment, you’ve probably had to adapt to a lot of changes in your life. You might have seen some dramatic changes in your sex life, too – changes you might not...
Did You Know?
Mindfulness Meditation May Reduce Sexual Stress
Have you or your partner ever experienced racing thoughts during sex? Not just fleeting thoughts here and there, but thoughts that take your whole attention away from what you’re doing?
...
Veterans Often Face Further Sexual Difficulties after Military Sexual Trauma
Women veterans who experience military sexual trauma have high rates of sexual dysfunction, according to a new study in Sexual Medicine Reviews.
...
Antidepressant Trintellix Has Fewer Sexual Side Effects, Study Finds
Sexual problems – such as low desire, poor arousal, and orgasm difficulties - are common side effects of some antidepressants. However, patients experiencing these effects may have a new alternative.
...
For Women, Meditation Could Have Sexual Benefits
New research suggests that women who meditate could have better sexual function than those who don’t.
...
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A Third of Cervical Cancer Survivors Feel Sexual Distress
For cervical cancer survivors, it can be difficult to adjust to changes in sexuality. Pain, poor lubrication, and anxiety are common issues, and it takes time to feel comfortable with sex again. For s...
