The hormonal regulation of men's sexual desire, arousal, and penile erection: recommendations from the fifth international consultation on sexual medicine (ICSM 2024).

Abstract

Introduction: The sexual response, including sexual desire and arousal/penile erection in men, is affected by several hormones and neurotransmitters.

Objectives: To give resources to understand the usefulness to assess different hormones when considering a man with hypoactive sexual desire or erectile dysfunction and to provide evidence-based recommendations for clinical practice. A level of evidence grading system was used to provide strong, moderate, or conditional recommendations.

Methods: An extensive revision of the scientific literature was performed by the subcommittee of the International Consultation of Sexual Medicine. The results were first extensively discussed by the sub-committee members and presented publicly for further discussion with other experts. The roles of hypothalamic (kisspeptin, α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone), pituitary (prolactin, oxytocin [OT], and growth hormone), thyroid, adrenal (dehydroepiandrosterone, glucocorticoids, and mineralocorticoids) and sex hormones were considered.

Results: Testosterone has a primary role in controlling and coordinating male sexual desire and arousal, acting at multiple levels. Accordingly, meta-analysis indicates that testosterone therapy for hypogonadal individuals can improve low desire and erectile dysfunction. Hyperprolactinemia is associated with low desire which can be successfully corrected by appropriate treatments. OT, α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, and kisspeptin are important in eliciting sexual arousal; however, the use of these peptides or their analogs, for stimulating sexual arousal is still under investigation. Evaluation and treatment of other endocrine disorders are suggested only in selected cases.

Conclusions: Endocrine abnormalities are common in patients with sexual dysfunction. The identification of some of these is mandatory (ie, testosterone, prolactin), whereas, for others, it is known that their disorders may cause sexual dysfunction without, however, being frequently recognized in subjects consulting for sexual dysfunction (ie, thyroid and growth hormones). Others may be important, but the clinical use is limited by issues with their measurement (ie, estradiol, dihydrotestosterone), whereas for some hormones or neuropeptides, the clinical usefulness for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes should still be established.