Childhood Sexual Abuse and Self-Reported Erectile Difficulties in Adult Men

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) may impact adult male sexual function, but population-based data are limited.
• Understanding these long-term effects is crucial for public health and clinical practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate associations between CSA history and adult male sexual function (erectile difficulties, decreased libido).
• To examine how age and cohabitation status modify these associations.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from 8837 men (aged 18-79) in the 2023 JACSIS population-based online survey in Japan.
• CSA identified using specific questions; sexual function outcomes defined by self-report.
• Adjusted for confounders using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW); tested for effect modification by age and cohabitation status.

Main Results:

• 7.5% of men reported CSA history.
• CSA was significantly associated with higher odds of erectile difficulties (aOR 3.14) and decreased libido (aOR 2.83).
• Associations were consistent across age groups and cohabitation statuses; mental health and sleep problems partially attenuated the links.

Conclusions:

• CSA history has a lasting, independent negative impact on male sexual function across different demographics.
• Findings suggest trauma consequences persist into adulthood, potentially via mechanisms beyond concurrent mental health or sleep issues.
• Integrating trauma-informed care and screening for comorbidities in urology is vital for patient management.