Pharmacosexology: The Effects of Drugs on Sexual Function – A Review

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Abstract
The literature on the sexual side effects of drugs and chemicals has been reviewed. There are many substances which alter the human sociosexual response cycle either negatively, positively or both. Many of the drugs used therapeutically have been reported to have adverse effects on sexuality, and this must be taken into account when these drugs are used clinically. Many substances which are used for recreational purposes (or sometimes abused) also have profound effects on sexual response. Many of these substances are used in such a way that they can correct underlying sexual problems. Treatment of a drug abuser may well prove unsuccessful without consideration of preexistent sociosexual problems and concerns. From the dawn of recorded history, many substances have been used for the purpose of sexual enhancement. Some of these have known success and their reputations have been passed down through the millenia. The chapter has not yet been closed on aphrodisiacs, even though none have survived the rigors of scientific scrutiny. As long as humans place value on optimal sexual functioning, there will be a demand for sex-enhancing drugs. In order for the scientific and medical community to successfully meet these challenges, more effective and relevant study designs will have to be utilized in order to separate fact from fancy. The study of pharmacosexology is in its infancy, and in order for it to grow and contribute to the world body of knowledge, more researchers and clinicians must be trained in both pharmacology and sexology.