A cure, or return to a previous sexual state? Developments in the concept of cure in sexology

SummaryObjectiveTo describe how the concept of “cure” has evolved in sexology: is the patient cured, or does he return to how he was before?MethodologyUsing the dictionary definition of “cure”, a review of the literature was conducted with a view to investigating the three dimensions of sexual disorders that are part of the potential cure. The first dimension is that of time, the second is the cause, and the third, the efficacy of treatments prescribed with the aim of curing the patient.ResultsMost available data concern erectile disorders and PDE5 inhibitors. No study can currently provide information on “cure” rates more than one year after discontinuation of the treatment. Spontaneous “cure” can be observed in 20% of cases at 5-year follow-up. Sexual disorders are often due to many different factors, some of which are reversible, mainly those related to lifestyle. The criteria for measuring efficacy of the treatment have changed in past years and now include measurements of satisfaction and quality of life for the patient and his partner, in addition to criteria relating purely to penile rigidity.ConclusionIt can be estimated that the best possible outcome is that the treatment will enable the patient to recover his previous state, and that global management can help him to manage his “fragility” in the longer term.