{"title":"Letter to the Editor on \"Common misconceptions\" are not limiting testosterone therapy.","authors":"Scott Selinger","doi":"10.1093/sxmrev/qeaf040","DOIUrl":"10.1093/sxmrev/qeaf040","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":21813,"journal":{"name":"Sexual medicine reviews","volume":" ","pages":"764-765"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144691532","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Stacy Elliott, Veronika Birkhäuser, Frederique Courtois, Murat Gül, Emad Ibrahim, Carlotte Kiekens, Peter Wayne New, Dana A Ohl, Mikkel Fode
{"title":"Sexual and reproductive health in neurological disorders: recommendations from the Fifth International Consultation on Sexual Medicine (ICSM 2024).","authors":"Stacy Elliott, Veronika Birkhäuser, Frederique Courtois, Murat Gül, Emad Ibrahim, Carlotte Kiekens, Peter Wayne New, Dana A Ohl, Mikkel Fode","doi":"10.1093/sxmrev/qeaf030","DOIUrl":"10.1093/sxmrev/qeaf030","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Neurological disorders impact both the central and peripheral nervous systems, often leading to sexual dysfunction (SD). These conditions affect not only genital function but also sensory and motor abilities, pain perception, bladder and bowel control, mood, and hormonal balance. Despite the significance of sexual health for overall quality of life, SD in individuals with neurological conditions remains an under addressed issue.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This review aims to provide an overview of SD in individuals with neurological disorders, examining underlying neurophysiological mechanisms, the impact of various neurological conditions, and available treatment strategies. The goal is to offer clinically relevant recommendations to healthcare professionals managing SD in these patients.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A panel of experts reviewed and synthesized the literature on SD in neurological disorders, with an emphasis on randomized controlled trials and high-quality evidence. The review covers central and peripheral neural control of sexual function, SD associated with specific neurological disorders, and diagnostic and treatment approaches.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Sexual dysfunction in neurological disorders varies by condition. For example, erectile dysfunction (ED) and anejaculation are common in spinal cord injury, while Parkinson's disease may be associated with hypersexuality and orgasmic disorders. Brain injuries such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, and neurodegenerative diseases can reduce libido and satisfaction, and multiple sclerosis is associated with ED and reduced genital arousal. Pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions, including phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, vibratory stimulation, hormonal therapy, pelvic floor therapy, and assistive devices, demonstrate variable efficacy depending on the neurological condition. A multidisciplinary approach, including medical, psychological, and rehabilitative interventions, is crucial for optimizing sexual health in these patients.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Sexual dysfunction is a prevalent consequence of neurological disorders. Proper assessment, should include a sexual history and neurological examination with specific attention to genital sensation and reflex testing. Effective management requires a holistic, multidisciplinary approach. Addressing sexual health should be a core component of neurological rehabilitation to enhance patients' quality of life.</p>","PeriodicalId":21813,"journal":{"name":"Sexual medicine reviews","volume":" ","pages":"456-470"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144733323","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Attention to sexual stimuli and its relationship to sexual identity in the context of empirical studies with sexual minorities: a scoping review.","authors":"Maryna Kostiukova, Danai Tselenti, Joana Carvalho","doi":"10.1093/sxmrev/qeaf049","DOIUrl":"10.1093/sxmrev/qeaf049","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>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.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This scoping review aimed to map the existing literature on attention to sexual stimuli among SMIs and to clarify the relationship between attention to sexual stimuli and sexual identity.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, EBSCOhost, Web of Science, and ProQuest databases, adhering to the PRISMA guidelines for scoping reviews.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The search resulted in 1107 records, 56 of which were included in the review. Overall, the results highlight patterns of automatic and controlled attention to sexual stimuli in SMIs. These findings are interpreted as reflecting attention-identity relationships in each sexual minority group. The review also suggests several areas for future research.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This review underscores opportunities to improve healthcare for SMIs by clarifying attentional patterns across non-heterosexual orientations and factors related to their sexual self-identification. The findings also offer valuable insights for clinicians in dealing with sexual identity conflicts and advancing sexual minorities´ mental health and well-being.</p>","PeriodicalId":21813,"journal":{"name":"Sexual medicine reviews","volume":" ","pages":"736-750"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144837751","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Time flies when you're having fun.","authors":"Annamaria Giraldi","doi":"10.1093/sxmrev/qeaf054","DOIUrl":"10.1093/sxmrev/qeaf054","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":21813,"journal":{"name":"Sexual medicine reviews","volume":" ","pages":"431-432"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144969628","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Bianca de O Ferreira, Bruno J Teixeira, Leda L Talib, Marco D T Scanavino
{"title":"Peripheral biomarkers in compulsive sexual behavior disorder: a systematic review.","authors":"Bianca de O Ferreira, Bruno J Teixeira, Leda L Talib, Marco D T Scanavino","doi":"10.1093/sxmrev/qeaf046","DOIUrl":"10.1093/sxmrev/qeaf046","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD) is defined by a persistent inability to regulate sexual impulses, leading to significant distress and impairment. Although it is recognized as a disorder in the International Classification of Diseases-11, the underlying neurobiological mechanisms are not yet fully understood.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The aim of this systematic review is to summarize recent findings on peripheral biomarkers in individuals with CSBD and to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of the field.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We searched articles published in the last 10 years in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science following The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Eligible studies included adult participants formally diagnosed with CSBD, hypersexual disorder, or sexual addiction, and that assessed peripheral biomarkers. Exclusion criteria comprised studies focused on neurological comorbidities, neuroimaging alone, or animal models. A total of 10 articles met the inclusion criteria.</p><p><strong>Outcomes: </strong>The primary outcomes were associations between peripheral biomarkers and clinical or psychological variables in CSBD, including hormone levels, epigenetic patterns, and immune markers.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The reviewed studies investigated neuroendocrine, epigenetic, and immunological biomarkers in individuals with CSBD. Altered DNA methylation was identified in stress-related genes (e.g., CRH, CRHR1, FKBP5, NR3C1), often associated with HPA axis dysregulation and non-suppression in the dexamethasone suppression test (DST). Specific microRNAs (e.g., MIR4456, MIR708) showed differential methylation and expression patterns. Neuroendocrine findings included elevated post-DST cortisol and ACTH levels, increased plasma oxytocin and LH levels, and associations between salivary testosterone and CSBD symptoms in men. Immunological alterations included increased TNF-α and decreased IL-6.</p><p><strong>Clinical implications: </strong>These preliminary findings suggest biological alterations related to stress, hormonal regulation, and inflammation in CSBD, but clinical application remains limited.</p><p><strong>Strengths and limitations: </strong>This is the first systematic review focused on peripheral biomarkers in CSBD. However, limited sample diversity, cohort overlap, and lack of replication restrict generalizability.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Evidence supports a multifactorial biological profile in CSBD. Future longitudinal, multimodal studies in diverse populations are essential to clarify the diagnostic and clinical relevance of these biomarkers.</p>","PeriodicalId":21813,"journal":{"name":"Sexual medicine reviews","volume":" ","pages":"589-600"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144733322","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Noah Stern, Petar Bajic, Jeffrey Campbell, Paolo Capogrosso, Trustin Domes, Eduardo P Miranda, John P Mulhall, Bruno Nascimento, Michael Pignanelli, Alexander W Pastuszak, Gerald Brock
{"title":"Evolving medical management of erectile dysfunction: recommendations from the Fifth International Consultation on Sexual Medicine (ICSM 2024).","authors":"Noah Stern, Petar Bajic, Jeffrey Campbell, Paolo Capogrosso, Trustin Domes, Eduardo P Miranda, John P Mulhall, Bruno Nascimento, Michael Pignanelli, Alexander W Pastuszak, Gerald Brock","doi":"10.1093/sxmrev/qeaf035","DOIUrl":"10.1093/sxmrev/qeaf035","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Treatment of erectile dysfunction is based on pharmacotherapy for most patients.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To review the current data on pharmacotherapy for erectile dysfunction based on efficacy, psychosocial outcomes, and safety outcomes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A review of the literature was undertaken by the committee members. All related articles were critically analyzed and discussed, and consensus statements were developed after presentation at the 2024 ICSM.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Eight recommendations are provided with the corresponding level of evidence and grade of recommendation.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The management of erectile dysfunction should be personalized to address the psychosocial needs and expectations of both the patient and their partner. PDE5 inhibitors remain the first-line treatment for most men, while intracavernosal injections, vacuum erection devices, and penile prostheses serve as second-line options, with treatment decisions guided by patient preferences. Key recommendations are summarized in table 1.</p>","PeriodicalId":21813,"journal":{"name":"Sexual medicine reviews","volume":" ","pages":"513-537"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144769072","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Application of peripheral electrical stimulation for treatment of erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Fateme Tahmasbi, Alireza Rahimi-Mamaghani, Farzin Soleimanzadeh, Hanieh Salehi-Pourmehr, Mohsen Mohammad-Rahimi","doi":"10.1093/sxmrev/qeaf038","DOIUrl":"10.1093/sxmrev/qeaf038","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common and debilitating condition that can have significant impacts on quality of life. Peripheral electrical stimulation (PES) has emerged as a potential alternative therapy for ED, as it aims to improve penile hemodynamics and neuromuscular function. However, the clinical evidence on the effectiveness of PES for managing ED remains unclear.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To conduct a comprehensive systematic review evaluating the effectiveness of PES for the management of ED in adult male patients.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched from inception to April 2024 using relevant keywords. Studies evaluating the use of any form of PES for the management of ED in adult male patients were included. Two independent reviewers screened titles and abstracts, retrieved full-text articles, and extracted data using a standardized form. Methodological quality was assessed using the appropriate Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklists. A meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4.1 software.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 13 studies [6 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 7 quasi-experimental studies], published from 1998 to 2024, satisfied the inclusion criteria. Studies reported on using different PES techniques, including transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS), functional electrical stimulation (FES), and transanal pelvic plexus stimulation (TPPS). Six studies were eligible for the meta-analysis. The first analysis, evaluating the before-and-after results of PES on ED, showed a mean difference in International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scores of 3.09 (95% CI: -2.19 to 8.38; I2 = 99%), indicating a non-significant improvement in erectile function following PES. The second analysis, comparing the intervention group with a control group, showed a significantly higher mean difference of 6.27 (95% CI: 4.30 to 8.27; I2 = 79%), suggesting a positive effect of PES on erectile function compared to the control group, though moderate heterogeneity was observed. All the studies were of low to moderate quality, and the certainty of the evidence was weak.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Limited and low-quality research suggested the potential benefits of PES for treating ED. However, the current evidence is weak and cannot support routine administration. More high-quality research is needed to establish PES optimization.</p>","PeriodicalId":21813,"journal":{"name":"Sexual medicine reviews","volume":" ","pages":"601-611"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144769070","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sharon L Bober, Yacov Reisman, Rafi Heruti, Eusebio Rubio-Aurioles, Eli Coleman, Ian Eardley, Juliana M Kling, Sharon J Parish
{"title":"The goals and needs of qualitative research in sexual medicine: recommendations from the Fifth International Consultation on Sexual Medicine (ICSM 2024).","authors":"Sharon L Bober, Yacov Reisman, Rafi Heruti, Eusebio Rubio-Aurioles, Eli Coleman, Ian Eardley, Juliana M Kling, Sharon J Parish","doi":"10.1093/sxmrev/qeaf041","DOIUrl":"10.1093/sxmrev/qeaf041","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>As the field of sexual medicine continues to grow, there has been increasing attention on methodological integrity and rigor of sexual medicine research, including an emphasis on guidelines for quantitative research design and standards for assessing clinical trial outcomes. However, qualitative research (QR) methodology has garnered relatively scant attention in comparison.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To clarify the value of QR and provide recommendations for improving implementation of QR methods in sexual medicine research.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A PubMed review was conducted. Expert opinion was based on a process of literature review and expert consensus.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>An essential goal of QR is to describe and explain unknown or insufficiently understood phenomena through detailed investigation of subjective human experience. Results from QR allow for generating hypotheses that may then be tested. More recently, mixed-methods research, ie, research integrating both qualitative and quantitative methods, is being increasingly used across domains of biomedical and health science research. While there remain differences of opinion regarding use of qualitative methodology in sexual medicine, best-practice models of QR underscore the principle of trustworthiness and include ethics and transparency in protocols for data collection and analysis. It is recommended that established QR frameworks for developing a research question are utilized and that consolidated criteria for reporting research results are employed. Furthermore, authors and reviewers need training in both QR methods and qualitative reporting frameworks to be able to adequately report and review this type of research. Specific areas in sexual medicine that would ideally benefit from QR methods are suggested.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>As the field of sexual medicine continues to expand, qualitative methodologies including mixed-methods research, offer significant value for understanding domains of inquiry that have not been thoroughly investigated. To achieve these targets, training of authors and reviewers on QR is needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":21813,"journal":{"name":"Sexual medicine reviews","volume":" ","pages":"538-547"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144837753","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Bibliometric analysis of infertility psychology: current status, hotspots, and emerging trends (2014-2024).","authors":"Yingqi Li, Wanyu Wang, Shuting Huang, Jiangyou Long, Yingyue Shi, Lei Qiu","doi":"10.1093/sxmrev/qeaf045","DOIUrl":"10.1093/sxmrev/qeaf045","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The mental health concerns associated with infertility, encompassing conditions such as anxiety, depression, and stress, are of paramount importance. However, bibliometric analyses employing tools like CiteSpace and VOSviewer to study this domain have been notably lacking.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This research aims to fill this gap by employing these tools to analyze the current state, hotspots, and trends in infertility psychology, thereby offering a comprehensive review to assist researchers in navigating the research landscape.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Using Web of Science Core Collection as the data source, search for articles on psychological research on infertility patients from 2014 to 2024, and conduct bibliometric analysis using Microsoft Office Excel 2019, VOSviewer software, and CiteSpace. And draw tables and trend charts, generate network maps, cluster maps, etc., to evaluate relevant literature information, such as authors, countries, institutions, and keywords. In addition, use Price's law to calculate the number of core authors.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 324 articles related to the research on infertility psychology were retrieved. We observed that the number of publications has increased with fluctuations. The United States ranks first in terms of the overall research strength in this field. Review literature has the highest number of citations, and most of the research topics in the cited literature are related to stress, depression, anxiety, and so on. Keywords and clustering analysis indicate that, in the past decade, research has gradually been carried out on multiple dimensions around the psychological conditions of this group, such as group psychological interventions, birth cohort studies, the relationship between couples, measurement tools, and so on.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The results of this study provide a scientific and comprehensive overview of the development of psychological research on infertility patients, enabling relevant authors and research teams to understand the current research status in this field. At the same time, the mental health of infertile patients is closely related to the sexual function of both spouses, and it is particularly important to use the Internet to intervene. Exploring hot topics and cutting-edge directions can also guide researchers to seek new perspectives and directions, such as groups, couples, interdisciplinary intersections, and so on.</p>","PeriodicalId":21813,"journal":{"name":"Sexual medicine reviews","volume":" ","pages":"719-735"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144769071","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sidney Glina, Amy Pearlman, Ira Sharlip, Pedro Caetano Edler Zandoná, Hussein Ghanem, Jasmine Abdulcadir, Crista Johnson-Agbakwu, Natalie Sorial, Hong-Chiang Chang, Joachim Osur, Kunjappan Promodu, Daniela Witmann
{"title":"The ethical and economic aspects of sexual medicine: recommendations from the Fifth International Consultation on Sexual Medicine (ICSM 2024).","authors":"Sidney Glina, Amy Pearlman, Ira Sharlip, Pedro Caetano Edler Zandoná, Hussein Ghanem, Jasmine Abdulcadir, Crista Johnson-Agbakwu, Natalie Sorial, Hong-Chiang Chang, Joachim Osur, Kunjappan Promodu, Daniela Witmann","doi":"10.1093/sxmrev/qeaf028","DOIUrl":"10.1093/sxmrev/qeaf028","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>In recent years, the field of sexual medicine has undergone major transformations brought about by the internet and concern with genital performance and aesthetics. On the other hand, economic transformations have increased barriers to better care and sexual education.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Given the emerging knowledge of this topic, we conducted a narrative review of the extant literature through wide searches in PubMed and Google and on global websites relevant to this topic, such as the World Health Organization, the United Nations, and others. The content of this paper was reviewed by all the authors, discussed where disagreements occurred, or additional perspectives were needed, and further literature was incorporated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The Internet has made valuable contributions to the dissemination of sexual health education, but it has also promoted non-evidence-based information that can contribute to sexual dysfunctions and has contributed to sexual exploitation and cyberbullying. Of concern is the rise of an Internet-based industry that promotes and dispenses dietary supplements. Liberal, unfettered marketing has brought the dissemination of products that, at best, do not deliver the desired result, and at worst, are adulterated and become a threat to individual and public health. In the context of false advertising, men's anxiety about penis size has been exploited. Advertising of techniques that would produce penis enlargement preys on these anxieties without evidence to support efficacy of these techniques. Economic barriers have impeded men's ability to access sexual healthcare. The lack of coverage by health plans, the lack of trained professionals, and the costs of exams and treatments impede access to sexual healthcare in many parts of the world.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>We recommend that doctors inform patients of the risks of non-evidence-based practices and that the International Society of Sexual Medicine produce evidence-based information accessible to the general public and seek to work toward finding solutions to existing economic barriers.</p>","PeriodicalId":21813,"journal":{"name":"Sexual medicine reviews","volume":" ","pages":"471-482"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-10-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144769074","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}