A Chinese proverb says, 'It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.' The term 'impotence' comes from the Latin word for inability, and it has haunted men since the dawn of time, causing wars, losing kingdoms, and tarnishing reputations. Due to its negative connotation, the term was redefined positively a few years ago as 'erectile dysfunction,' which describes the condition more accurately and has become globally accepted. Around 152 million men worldwide suffer from this inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for successful penetration and reaching orgasm, with the number expected to rise to over 320 million by 2025. Erectile dysfunction can affect over 50% of men over 40, with a third finding it particularly distressing. Despite a large majority of adults seeing sexual activity as crucial for quality of life, the issue is underreported and undertreated in the United States and worldwide, even though it is a major cause of marital conflict and potential divorce. For men affected by sexual dysfunction, life can seem shattered, leading to loss of self-confidence and esteem, anxiety, depression, and tension with partners, affecting professional performance and social relationships. This problem might be denied or blamed on the partner, often resulting in complete avoidance of sexual activity due to fear of failure or embarrassment. The groundbreaking development of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, like Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra, used by millions with minimal side effects, began a new era of effective and safe management. This progress has significantly increased awareness, allowing many to discuss the issue openly, encouraging millions globally to seek new treatments, resulting in high satisfaction and improvement in psychological disturbances associated with erectile dysfunction. Interestingly, treatment success also led to marital problems due to the sudden return of virility in men who regained their sexual function, sometimes unwelcome to spouses, particularly those in menopause or without sexual interest. This can create conflict with couples who feel 'reborn' sexually, faced with reluctance and rejection, potentially leading to infidelity or divorce, undermining previously strong marriages. Some men suffer from 'Viagravation,' coined to describe the pressure to resume sexual activity after restoration, leading to lack of enjoyment, as there's been significant growth in understanding the physiology and pathophysiology of sexual dysfunction. Men today have a chance to understand all contemporary treatment options for their condition. Education for partners or spouses is crucial, not just resolving their own sexual issues, but reintegrating them into sexual participation, as shown by a study highlighting sexual disorder as a primary cause of marital problems in the West. Correct education and high awareness are essential to dispel myths and misconceptions about normal sexual function and its disorders. Dr. Kamal Hanash hopes this book answers current questions and stimulates more inquiries, believing that through curiosity and desire, readers can fully benefit from this work. This book includes a comprehensive review of sexual literature, scientific presentations from American and international conferences, and the author's personal 35-year experience in treating this psychologically devastating condition, aiming to be the most comprehensive modern reference on male sexual dysfunction, providing insightful knowledge to both professionals and lay readers. The material is presented in an accessible manner to indicate his understanding that personal and spousal relationships are affected by male sexual dysfunction.

Publishing house: Arab Science Publishers/Lebanon

Number of Pages: 406

Year of publication: 2007