Giulia Rastrelli1, Federica Guaraldi2, Yacov Reismann3, Alessandra Sforza4, Andrea M Isidori5, Mario Maggi1, Giovanni Corona6. 1. Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy. 2. Pituitary Unit, IRCCS Institute of Neurological Science of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Endocrinology Unit, Medical Department, Azienda Usl, Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy. 3. Amstelland Hospital, Department of Urology, Amsterdam, The Nederland. 4. Endocrinology Unit, Medical Department, Azienda Usl, Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy. 5. Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy. 6. Endocrinology Unit, Medical Department, Azienda Usl, Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy. Electronic address: jocorona@libero.it.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Several data have clearly shown that the endocrine system-and androgens in particular-play a pivotal role in regulating all the steps involved in the male sexual response cycle. Accordingly, testosterone (T) replacement therapy (TRT) represents a cornerstone of pharmacologic management of hypogonadal subjects with erectile dysfunction. AIM: The aim of this review is to summarize all the available evidence supporting the role of T in the regulation of male sexual function and to provide a comprehensive summary regarding the sexual outcomes of TRT in patients complaining of sexual dysfunction. METHODS: A comprehensive PubMed literature search was performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Specific analysis of preclinical and clinical evidence on the role of T in regulating male sexual function was performed. In addition, available evidence supporting the role of TRT on several sexual outcomes was separately investigated. RESULTS: T represents an important modulator of male sexual response function. However, the role of T in sexual functioning is less evident in epidemiologic studies because other factors, including organic, relational, and intrapsychic determinants, can orchestrate their effect independently from the state of androgens. Nonetheless, it is clear that TRT can ameliorate several aspects of sexual functioning, including libido, erectile function, and overall sexual satisfaction. Conversely, data on the role of TRT in improving orgasmic function are more conflicting. Finally, further controlled studies are needed to investigate the combination of TRT and PDE5 inhibitors. CONCLUSION: Positive effects of TRT are observed only in the presence of a hypogonadal status (ie, total T < 12 nmol/L). In addition, TRT alone can be effective in restoring only milder forms of erectile dysfunction, whereas the combined therapy with other drugs is required when more severe vascular damage is present. Rastrelli G, Guaraldi F, Reismann Y, et al. Testosterone Replacement Therapy for Sexual Symptoms. Sex Med Rev 2019;7:464-475.
BACKGROUND: Several data have clearly shown that the endocrine system-and androgens in particular-play a pivotal role in regulating all the steps involved in the male sexual response cycle. Accordingly, testosterone (T) replacement therapy (TRT) represents a cornerstone of pharmacologic management of hypogonadal subjects with erectile dysfunction. AIM: The aim of this review is to summarize all the available evidence supporting the role of T in the regulation of male sexual function and to provide a comprehensive summary regarding the sexual outcomes of TRT in patients complaining of sexual dysfunction. METHODS: A comprehensive PubMed literature search was performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Specific analysis of preclinical and clinical evidence on the role of T in regulating male sexual function was performed. In addition, available evidence supporting the role of TRT on several sexual outcomes was separately investigated. RESULTS: T represents an important modulator of male sexual response function. However, the role of T in sexual functioning is less evident in epidemiologic studies because other factors, including organic, relational, and intrapsychic determinants, can orchestrate their effect independently from the state of androgens. Nonetheless, it is clear that TRT can ameliorate several aspects of sexual functioning, including libido, erectile function, and overall sexual satisfaction. Conversely, data on the role of TRT in improving orgasmic function are more conflicting. Finally, further controlled studies are needed to investigate the combination of TRT and PDE5 inhibitors. CONCLUSION: Positive effects of TRT are observed only in the presence of a hypogonadal status (ie, total T < 12 nmol/L). In addition, TRT alone can be effective in restoring only milder forms of erectile dysfunction, whereas the combined therapy with other drugs is required when more severe vascular damage is present. Rastrelli G, Guaraldi F, Reismann Y, et al. Testosterone Replacement Therapy for Sexual Symptoms. Sex Med Rev 2019;7:464-475.
Authors: G Corona; S Filippi; P Comelio; N Bianchi; F Frizza; M Dicuio; G Rastrelli; S Concetti; A Sforza; L Vignozzi; M Maggi Journal: Int J Impot Res Date: 2021-03-21 Impact factor: 2.896
Authors: A Sansone; M Sansone; R Selleri; A Schiavo; D Gianfrilli; C Pozza; M Zitzmann; A Lenzi; F Romanelli Journal: J Endocrinol Invest Date: 2019-07-02 Impact factor: 4.256
Authors: Giovanni Corona; Federica Guaraldi; Giulia Rastrelli; Alessandra Sforza; Mario Maggi Journal: World J Mens Health Date: 2020-04-01 Impact factor: 5.400
Authors: Paolo Capogrosso; Christian Fuglesang S Jensen; Giulia Rastrelli; Josep Torremade; Giorgio I Russo; Amr Abdel Raheem; Anders Frey; Mikkel Fode; Mario Maggi; Yacov Reisman; Carlo Bettocchi; Giovanni Corona Journal: Sex Med Date: 2021-06-02 Impact factor: 2.491
Authors: Giovanni Corona; Giulia Rastrelli; Sara Marchiani; Sandra Filippi; Annamaria Morelli; Erica Sarchielli; Alessandra Sforza; Linda Vignozzi; Mario Maggi Journal: World J Mens Health Date: 2021-06-01 Impact factor: 5.400