Endocrine-Related Sexual Dysfunction in Young People

Although sexual dysfunction is well-recognized and widely studied among adult populations, there is relatively little research on this topic in young people. Endocrine disease can negatively impact sexual function as well as quality of life, and in turn sexual dysfunction may be one of the signs of an endocrine pathology. Normal sexual function results from a complex network of multiple endocrine and non-endocrine systems working in harmony with each other. Management of sexual dysfunction therefore often requires a multidisciplinary approach targeting physical and psychological components. In men, diabetic autonomic neuropathy and endothelial dysfunction cause erectile dysfunction, and phosphodiesterase inhibitors remain the mainstay of treatment. In women, effects of diabetes on sexual function are complex and remain unclear. Androgen deficiency in men impairs sexual function causing low sexual desire and reduced nocturnal erections and ejaculate volume—these can be treated with testosterone supplementation. In women with premature ovarian insufficiency, testosterone replacement in addition to estrogen and progesterone hormones can improve some aspects of sexual functioning; however, long-term outcome data are needed. There is a need for more research into sexual dysfunction in young people with endocrine conditions as the current available evidence about prevalence rates and efficacy of treatments is limited.