Infection, inflammation, and sexual function in male and female patients-recommendations from the Fifth International Consultation on Sexual Medicine (ICSM 2024).

Introduction: Sexual dysfunction in men and women is an important clinical issue; infection and inflammation can cause social, medical, and psychological problems that have a profound impact on sexual and reproductive health worldwide.

Objectives: We set out to identify sexual dysfunctions in men and women that arise from infection and inflammation and propose meaningful interventions, as evaluated by the Fifth International Consultation on Sexual Medicine (ICSM) held in June 2024 in Madrid (Spain).

Methods: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) for published peer-reviewed journal articles and ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization's (WHO's) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform for prospective trials. This manuscript represents the opinions of 10 experts from 6 countries developed in a consensus process after completing the literature review, which produced a list of recommendations graded as weak or strong. This document was presented for peer review and debate in a public forum, and revisions were made based on the recommendations of chairpersons of the 5th ICSM.

Results: Infections, and in particular sexually transmitted infections (STIs), dramatically affect the sexual and reproductive health of individuals and couples, irrespective of sexual orientation and gender. Similarly, non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs), through the common pathogenetic mechanism of inflammation, can directly impair the ability to copulate, reproduce, and enjoy sexual life.

Conclusions: This expert consensus recommends prioritizing early detection, comprehensive treatment approaches, and preventive measures to mitigate the effects of infection and inflammation on sexual health, both for the patient and the couple. These insights provide a foundation for improving patient outcomes and fostering global awareness of the interconnections between infection, inflammation, and sexual dysfunction.