The future of sexual medicine for the urologist

Abstract

Editor's note: Winston Churchill said, ‘I never worry about action, but only inaction’. Experience has taught the medical profession that action, change and adaptation are the rule as novel technologies and therapies are introduced into the mainstream of medical care. Sexual medicine is no exception. Originally thought to be psychogenic in origin, it is now well accepted that erectile dysfunction (ED) is predominately organic in origin in most middle-aged men. Treatment of organic ED has evolved with the introduction of novel, oral therapies, such as phosphodiesterase inhibitors. Adaptation has also led to incorporation of ED into the treatment realm of the primary-care physician. As sexual medicine becomes increasingly non-surgical, the challenge to the surgical specialists will reside in their ability to change and adapt to this ever-burgeoning medical discipline. Lawrence Ross, President-Elect of the American Urological Association, discusses action and change below. If urologists are to remain involved in sexual medicine, then his action plan must be brought to fruition.