¹Department of Andrology and STDs, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt

Correspondence: Dr I Fahmy, The Egyptian IVF-ET Center, 3, St 161 Hadayk El-Maadi, Cairo 11431, Egypt. E-mail: ifahmy@idsc.net.eg

Received 2 November 2005; Revised 13 December 2005; Accepted 21 December 2005; Published online 19 January 2006.

Abstract

Normal erectile function is subjected to the influence of psychological, hormonal, neurological, vascular and cavernosal factors. Unconsummated marriage is a common medical and social problem in andrology clinics in conservative communities. However, its etiological factors remain unclear. This work aimed to define the probable etiology of unconsummated marriage. A total of 191 patients were evaluated through history taking, constructed questionnaire, educational settings, clinical examination, lab investigation, imaging procedures and other measures. Psychogenic factors were the cause in 74.4% of the investigated patients. Performance anxiety was the cause in 52.9%, and in 21.5% other psychological distresses were responsible. Organic causes represent 7.3%, vaginismus 8.4%, premature ejaculation 3.1% and cases with undetermined etiology were 6.8%. In conclusion, performance anxiety was revealed to be the main contributor. However, other psychogenic, organic and social factors represent sizable etiological factors.