Management of honeymoon impotence.
Author: Shamloul R.
Source:
The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 3(2), 361-366.
INTRODUCTION: Honeymoon impotence can be defined as the failure to be
successfully involved in sexual intercourse at the beginning of marriage,
particularly in the first few nights. While its exact causes are not yet
elucidated, many studies recognize this problem as related to performance
anxiety. AIM: The aim of this study was to report the outcome of management of
patients with honeymoon impotence. METHODS AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: This study
included 100 consecutive patients presenting to our department complaining of
failed sexual intercourse since the beginning of their marriage. History taking,
completion of the abridged form of the International Index of Erectile Function
(IIEF-5) questionnaire, and combined intracavernous injection and stimulation and
nocturnal penile tumescence monitoring were performed. Penile duplex was
performed to elucidate vascular insufficiency. All psychogenic patients with
erectile dysfunction (ED) were treated with sildenafil and sex therapy. All
organic ED patients were treated either with sildenafil alone or combined therapy
with either intracavernous prostaglandin E1 or vacuum constriction device.
RESULTS: Seventy-four patients had psychogenic ED and 26 patients had
vasculogenic ED. All psychogenic ED patients were treated successfully with
sildenafil and sex therapy. Twenty-two patients with vasculogenic ED were treated
successfully with sildenafil or combined therapy, while four patients needed
venous surgery. Minimal side effects of all treatment modalities occurred
throughout the study. CONCLUSIONS: Management of honeymoon impotence requires
profound diagnosis of its causative factors. Treating physicians in areas with
high prevalence of this condition should be ready to manage this problem with
vigilant systematic overture. A combined approach of sildenafil and sex therapy
proved highly effective in treatment of honeymoon impotence of psychogenic
origin; however, controlled studies are needed. Other patients showing functional
erectile abnormalities should be treated accordingly.