Rethinking sexual pleasure in research, health care and society

Sexual pleasure is a fundamental aspect of human sexuality and well-being, but it has often been overshadowed by the clinical focus on dysfunction and reproduction in sexual medicine, particularly in urology. The historical neglect of sexual pleasure, particularly in female and queer people, has been perpetuated by sociocultural and gender biases. However, advances in understanding and identification of research gaps help to illustrate the potential of multidisciplinary approaches that address the diverse experiences and needs of individuals across their lifespan. Integrating pleasure into research, clinical practice, sexuality education and public health initiatives has transformative potential to enhance individual well-being, intimate relationships and overall quality of life. A biopsychosocial view of the subject offers actionable strategies for redefining sexual medicine to embrace the complexity and universality of pleasure as a driver of sexual health and equity, demonstrating that it is time for a paradigm shift, positioning sexual pleasure as a vital component of sexual health.