title: Male sexual dysfunction and HIV--a clinical perspective.
abstract: Sexual dysfunction in men with HIV is often overlooked by clinicians owing to many factors, including the taboo of sexuality. The improved life expectancy of patients with HIV requires physicians to consider their general wellbeing and sexual health with a renewed interest. However, data on sexual dysfunction in those with HIV are scarce. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the most common sexual dysfunction in men, with a prevalence of ∼30-50% and is frequent even in men <40 years of age. HIV infection itself is the strongest predictor of ED, and many factors related to the infection-fear of virus transmission, changes in body image, HIV-related comorbidities, infection stigma, obligatory condom use-all impair erectile function. The diagnosis and treatment of sexual dysfunction is based on a multidisciplinary approach, which involves specialists in both infectious diseases and sexual medicine. Particular attention should be paid to the promotion of safer sex in these patients. This Review, describes the issues surrounding sexual dysfunction in men with HIV and aims to provide clinical advice for the physician treating these patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Endocrinology, University of Modena & Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy.
authors.forename: Daniele
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Santi
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Endocrinology, University of Modena & Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy.
authors.forename: Giulia
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Brigante
authors.affiliation: Metabolic Clinic, Infectious and Tropical Disease Unit, Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Modena & Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41124 Modena, Italy.
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Zona
authors.affiliation: Metabolic Clinic, Infectious and Tropical Disease Unit, Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Modena & Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41124 Modena, Italy.
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Guaraldi
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Endocrinology, University of Modena & Reggio Emilia, Via Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy.
authors.forename: Vincenzo
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Rochira
mesh_terms: D003663:Decision Trees; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male