Endocrine aspects of sexual dysfunction in men.
BACKGROUND
Endocrine disorders of sex steroid hormones may adversely affect men's sexual function. Aim. To provide expert opinions/recommendations concerning state-of-the-art knowledge for the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of endocrinologic sexual medicine disorders.


METHODS
An International Consultation in collaboration with the major urology and sexual medicine associations assembled over 200 multidisciplinary experts from 60 countries into 17 committees. Committee members established specific objectives and scopes for various male and female sexual medicine topics. The recommendations concerning state-of-the-art knowledge in the respective sexual medicine topic represent the opinion of experts from five continents developed in a scientific and debate process. Concerning the Endocrine committee, there were eight experts from seven countries.


METHODS
Expert opinions/recommendations are based on grading of evidence-based medical literature, extensive internal committee discussion over 2 years, public presentation and deliberation.


RESULTS
Hypogonadism is a clinical and biochemical syndrome characterized by a deficiency in serum androgen levels which may decrease sexual interest, quality of erections and quality of life. Biochemical investigations include testosterone and either bioavailable or calculated free testosterone; prolactin should be considered when hypogonadism has been documented. If clinically indicated, androgen therapy should maintain testosterone within the physiological range avoiding supraphysiologic values. Digital rectal examination and determination of serum prostate specific antigen values are mandatory prior to therapy and regularly thereafter. Androgen therapy is usually long-term requiring regular follow-up, frequent monitoring of blood levels and beneficial and adverse therapeutic responses.


CONCLUSIONS
Safe and effective treatments for endocrinologic sexual medicine disorders examined by prospective, placebo-controlled, multi-institutional clinical trials are needed.
Morales
Alvaro
A
Department of Urology, Queen's Univerisity, Kingston, ON, Canada. moralesa@post.queensu.ca
Buvat
Jacques
J
Gooren
Louis J
LJ
Guay
Andre T
AT
Kaufman
Jean-Marc
JM
Tan
Hui Meng
HM
Torres
Luiz O
LO
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology*; D000728:Androgens / Q000172:deficiency*; D032921:Consensus; D004702:Endocrine Glands / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D004700:Endocrine System Diseases / Q000150:complications; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D007006:Hypogonadism / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D007391:International Cooperation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic / Q000592:standards; D013739:Testosterone / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000728:Androgens; D013739:Testosterone