ESSM - European Society of Sexual Medicine

Spotlight on ESSM: Sex, sensation, and urinary function

Giovanni Corona
The association between obesity, hypogonadism and erectile dysfunction (ED) is well documented. Similarly, low urinary tract symptom (LUTS) severity is tightly related to ED. Several recent reports have also documented that obesity, and in particular, visceral obesity, as well as metabolic diseases are frequently comorbid with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The specific mechanisms linking obesity and hyperglycemia to BPH have been not completely clarified but hyperinsulinemia might play a crucial role, most probably stimulating prostate growth acting on insulin-like growth factor receptors. Dyslipidemia represents another independent risk factor associated with LUTS. In particular, it has been reported that lipids (oxidized LDL) increase in vitro the secretion of growth (e.g. beta basic fibroblast growth factor) and pro-inflammatory factors [interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, and IL-7] by isolated stromal BPH cells. It can be speculated that dyslipidemia, could induce the development of an inflammatory response within the prostate, leading to BPH progression and LUTS. Accordingly a recent meta-analysis documented that metabolic syndrome (MetS), is tightly associated with a higher total and transitional zone prostate volume. Finally, it is important to recognize that obesity and MetS are frequently associated with reduced testosterone, which can contribute to the chronic prostatic inflammatory response associated with metabolic derangements and to development of sexual dysfunction.

Lior Lowenstein
My talk will cover the current existing literature regarding the role of genital sensation measurement in evaluating sexual function and following pelvic floor surgeries.

The European Society for Sexual Medicine (ESSM) with more than 1.800 members is a not-for-profit, multidisciplinary, academic and scientific organization dedicated to male and female sexual function and dysfunction.

The main purposes of the ESSM are:
1. To promote research and exchange of knowledge about the clinical entity of sexual dysfunction throughout Europe.
2. To establish and support the highest standards of ethics in clinical practice, education, and research in the field of sexual dysfunction.
3. To promote the cooperation and improve interaction between European researchers and clinicians in sexual dysfunction.
4. To provide education to clinicians who had limited or no experience in the field, as well as continuing education to those involved in the management of sexual dysfunction.
5. To provide patients, the public and the media with accurate and updated information about male and female sexual function and dysfunction.
6. To develop programs, promoting public and health authorities’ awareness within Europe, on the prevention and treatment of sexual dysfunction.