16 UROLOGY, URO-ONCOLOGY AND SEXOLOGY UPDATE Male sexual dysfunction (MSD) can signicantly impact not only the individuals suffering from the dysfunction but also their partners. Much research has explored the attitudes and responses experienced among men with sexual dysfunction. Loss of self-esteem, depression, mental health concerns and deterioration in sexual and overall (1–5) quality of life has been documented . Far less attention has been paid to the impact of male sexual dysfunction on their partners. This article delves into the various types of male sexual dysfunctions, including erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation and low libido and examines the profound impact these conditions might have on their partners. By understanding the emotional, psychological and relational dimensions of the partner’s experience, healthcare professionals can provide holistic support to couples facing these challenges. Introduction Laan et al. proposed a new denition of sex as a ”Sexually pleasurable activity affectionately shared (6) among equals” . International comparative research consistently shows that diverse forms of sexual pleasure improve both individual happiness and overall health, as well as relationship quality, which can contribute to the health and well-being (6) of individuals, couples, families and communities . But once an individual suffers with sexual difculties, the benets of sexual pleasure can be affected in several ways. Sexual dysfunctions are characterised by disturbances in sexual desire, sexual arousal or orgasms and in the psychophysiological changes associated with the sexual response cycle in men (7,8) and women . The classication of sexual dysfunctions is illustrated in Table 1. The most common male sexual dysfunctions seen in clinical practice are premature ejaculation, difculty/inability achieving or maintaining an erection and sexual desire disorder (low libido). The International Consultation on Sexual Medicine denes these sexual dysfunctions as follow: 1. Sexual interest/desire dysfunctions Diminished or absent feelings of sexual interest or desire, absent sexual thoughts or fantasies, and a lack of responsive desire. Motivations (here dened as reasons/incentives) for attempting to become sexually aroused are scarce or absent. The lack of interest is considered to be beyond a normative lessening with life cycle and relationship duration. 2. Erectile dysfunction (ED) ED is dened as the consistent or recurrent inability of a man to attain and/or maintain penile erection sufcient for sexual activity. Consistency is an important component of the denition of ED. A 3month minimum duration is accepted for establishment of the diagnosis. 3. Premature Ejaculation (PE) It is the persistent or recurrent ejaculation with minimal stimulation before, on, or shortly after penetration, and before the person wishes it, over which the sufferer has minimal or no voluntary control, which causes the sufferer and/or his partner bother or distress. Early ejaculation is dened according to three essential criteria: (i) brief ejaculatory latency; (ii) loss of control; and (iii) psychological distress in the patient and/or the Dr Jireh Serfontein – Medical doctor and sexologist MBChB (University of Pretoria, SA) Dip HIV Managment (College of Medicine, SA) MMed Sexual Health (Univ. Sydney) Male sexual dysfunctions: the impact on the partner Jireh Serfontein is a medical doctor who has a special interest in sexual health and HIV management. She is a highly qualied medical doctor and sexologist with over 10 years of experience in the eld. Dr Serfontein is dedicated to providing the highest standard of medical care, focusing on a holistic approach to sexual health that takes into consideration the physical, mental and emotional health of patients. First published in Pharmacy Focus Issue 12 2023
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