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.
Highlights
A healthy and satisfactory sex life is considered an important element for a good health status and a gratifying quality of life [1,2]
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 human immunodeficiency virus (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
Sexual dysfunctions are common among HIV-infected men
Summary
A healthy and satisfactory sex life is considered an important element for a good health status and a gratifying quality of life [1,2]. Sexual dysfunctions, erectile dysfunction (ED) [11], are more common among HIV-infected than HIV-uninfected men These dysfunctions, especially if undermanaged, further impair the quality of life and general health, interfering with intimate relationships and lowering the adherence to antiretroviral medications [12,13,14], probably due to an individual’s belief that HIV medication itself may cause sexual dysfunctions. Health professionals involved in the management of patients with HIV infection should address sexual difficulties to promote a healthy and satisfying sexual life, and to enhance survival, improve general quality of life and relationships, Disclosure of HIV status to the partner. Importance of sexual performance and (through greater medication adherence) potentially nullify risk of transmission of HIV Anal sex to another person [6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
