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HIV and Sexual Dysfunction in Men
Sara De Vincentis1,2, Giulia Tartaro1,2, Vincenzo Rochira1,2
1Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via Giardini 1355, 41126 Modena, Italy.
Insights
Sexual dysfunction is common in men with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), affecting libido and erectile function. Addressing these issues requires a multidisciplinary approach to improve quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Sexual Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Men's Health
Background:
- Sexual dysfunction is more prevalent in people with HIV than in the general population.
- Erectile dysfunction affects 30-50% of men with HIV, even those under 40.
- Factors include HIV transmission fears, stigma, comorbidities, and psychological distress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on sexual dysfunction in men with HIV.
- To explore contributing factors and provide clinical guidance.
- To emphasize the importance of sexual health in HIV management.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of existing literature.
- Analysis of factors contributing to sexual dysfunction in HIV.
- Synthesis of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Main Results:
- Sexual issues are often overlooked in HIV care.
- Both HIV-specific and general factors influence sexual health.
- A multidisciplinary approach is crucial for effective management.
Conclusions:
- Sexual dysfunction is a significant concern for men with HIV.
- Comprehensive care addressing sexual health improves patient quality of life.
- Collaboration between infectious disease and sexual medicine specialists is recommended.
Abstract:
Sexual issues tend to go unaddressed in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) management, although overt sexual dysfunctions are more prevalent in people living with HIV than uninfected people. Erectile dysfunction is the most frequent sexual problem, with a prevalence of 30-50% even in men <40 years of age, but other issues such as loss of libido and ejaculatory disorders should not be overlooked. Peculiar factors related to HIV infection (e.g., fear of virus transmission, changes in body image, HIV-related comorbidities, HIV distress and stigma), alongside classical factors non-related to HIV, should be considered when approaching sexual problems in HIV patients. For this reason, the diagnostic and therapeutic workout of sexual dysfunction in the context of HIV requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving specialists in both infectious diseases and sexual medicine. This narrative review presents an overview of current knowledge on sexual dysfunction in HIV men, deepening the factors driving and taking part in these issues, providing advice for the clinical approach, and underlining the importance of caring for sexual health to improve the quality of life of HIV patients.
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