Title

Translational Perspective on the Role of Testosterone in Sexual Function and Dysfunction

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Journal of Sexual Medicine

Publication Date

2016

School

Donna and Allan Lansing School of Nursing and Health Sciences

Department

Department of Physical Therapy

Abstract

Introduction

The biological importance of testosterone is generally accepted by the medical community, however controversy focuses on its relevance to sexual function and the sexual response, and our understanding of the extent of its role in this area is evolving.

Aim

This article aims to provide scientific evidence examining the role of testosterone at the cellular and molecular levels as it pertains to normal erectile physiology and the development of erectile dysfunction, and to assist in guiding successful therapeutic interventions for androgen-dependent sexual dysfunction.

Methods

In this White Paper, the Basic Science Committee of the Sexual Medicine Society of North America assessed the current basic science literature examining the role of testosterone in sexual function and dysfunction.

Results

Testosterone plays an important role in sexual function via multiple processes: physiological (stimulates activity of NOS), developmental (establish and maintain the structural and functional integrity of the penis), neural (development, maintenance, function and plasticity of the cavernous nerve and pelvic ganglia), therapeutically for dysfunctional regulation (beneficial effect on aging, diabetes and prostatectomy), and PDE5i (testosterone supplement to counteract PDE5i resistance).

Conclusions

Despite controversies surrounding testosterone with regard to sexual function, basic science studies provide incontrovertible evidence for a significant role of testosterone in sexual function and suggest that properly administered testosterone therapy is potentially advantageous for treating male sexual dysfunction

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