CONTEXT:Cardiovascular health of the transgender population receiving hormone therapy (HT) has been a concern. OBJECTIVE:To investigate weight, body mass index (BMI), and lipid profiles in a national cohort of transgender adolescents starting HT before 18 years of age. METHODS:In this observational study, 164 trans boys and 55 trans girls were followed longitudinally during HT. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog (GnRHa) was initiated either before or alongside sex steroid therapy. Anthropometry and lipid profiles were analyzed at the start of HT and at routine visits. RESULTS:Before HT, overweight (BMI 1-2 standard deviation score [SDS]) and obesity (BMI ≥ 2 SDS) were found in 26.8% and 22.0% of trans boys, and in 5.7% and 5.7% of trans girls, respectively. BMI SDS correlated positively with total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides, and negatively with high-density lipoprotein (HDL). In trans boys and girls, high percentages had lipids above normal reference intervals; total cholesterol (12.5% and 6.1%), LDL (21.8% and 12.5%), and triglycerides (3.4% and 6.3%), and HDL below normal reference intervals (9.0% and 18.4%), respectively. During GnRHa monotherapy, there was a trend toward declining weight SDS, but BMI SDS and lipid profiles did not change consistently. After initiation of sex steroids, weight SDS, BMI SDS, and HDL decreased along with increased triglycerides in trans boys, and HDL increased in trans girls. CONCLUSION:Overweight, obesity, and dyslipidemia were common in transgender adolescents before HT initiation. BMI did not deteriorate, but dyslipidemia worsened slightly during sex steroid therapy in trans boys but not in trans girls.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:Many men with cancer experience that changes created by cancer and its treatment may impair sexual function. However, many studies investigating sexual impairments fail to consider whether such impairments are perceived as distressing, i.e. create sexual distress. We investigated the prevalence of sexual distress, overlap with sexual impairment, and sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and other symptoms associated with sexual distress in a heterogeneous male cancer population. PATIENTS AND METHODS:Across cancer diagnoses, 2792 men in treatment or follow up at the Department of Oncology, Rigshospitalet, were invited. The Sexual Complaint Screener (SCS) assessed sexual impairments and sexual distress. Regression analyses estimated the association of sexual distress with sociodemographic and tumor-related factors, other symptoms (pain, depression, fatigue, insomnia, fear of recurrence), and health-related quality of life. The number of patients who received help for or were interested in a consultation for sexual problems was calculated. RESULTS:Six hundred and ninety-six patients, most frequently diagnosed with testicular (26%) or multiple (16%) cancers, completed the SCS. Forty-one per cent experienced sexual distress, 60% sexual impairment, and 34% overlapping sexual distress and impairment. Sexual distress was significantly associated with clinically relevant insomnia (OR:2.15; 95% CI:1.5-3.1) and pain (OR:1.90; 95% CI:1.3-2.9). Two thirds of all patients wished for help, but only one third of these were receiving help. INTERPRETATION:Sexual distress was widespread in men across different cancer diagnoses and sometimes presented without impairment, demonstrating that assessment of sexual problems must include the personal experience of distress and extend to men across cancer diagnoses.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:Radical prostatectomy can cause erectile dysfunction; however, subsequent treatment with, e.g., phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors may improve sexual function in the patients. We aim to examine prescriptions for erectile dysfunction after radical prostatectomy and to identify factors that may affect the prescription rate. PATIENTS AND METHODS:A study based on men included in the Danish Prostate Registry (DanProst) in 1995-2021, and information on prescriptions for erectile dysfunction (ATC: G04BE) from the Danish Prescription Registry. We calculated the proportion of prescriptions per month from 1 year before to 2 years after the initial biopsy and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the risk of having a prescription. RESULTS:We included 9,286 men with radical prostatectomy, 4,221 men managed on active surveillance, and 47,572 men with nonmalignant biopsies for comparison. The proportion of prescriptions increased significantly after biopsy among men with radical prostatectomy compared to men with nonmalignant biopsies and active surveillance. Patients with prior prescriptions for erectile dysfunction had an OR of 3.49 (95% CI, 2.98-4.08) of new prescriptions 6 months after the initial biopsy. Compared to patients treated with bilateral nerve-sparing surgery, patients with unilateral nerve-sparing surgery had an OR of 1.23 (95% CI, 1.06-1.43), whereas patients without nerve-sparing surgery had an OR of 0.40 (95% CI, 0.34-0.46). INTERPRETATION:The observed patterns of prescriptions demonstrate a high demand for the treatment of erectile dysfunction following radical prostatectomy. The group of prostate cancer survivors is large, and, thus, a strong clinical focus on managing erectile dysfunction is needed.

IntroductionSexual distress is interrelated with mental health and relationship quality and is fundamental for establishing a diagnosis of sexual dysfunction, even though it also affects people who do not seek professional clinical help. Research on sexual distress related to partnered sexual activity is limited, and no comprehensive model exists to guide research or clinical interventions. We conducted an online cross-sectional qualitative study to: 1) explore the reasons why people experiencing sexual distress in partnered face-to-face sexual activity do not seek professional clinical help; 2) analyze the experiences of participants’ of sexual distress in partnered sexual activity; 3) reflexively compare the experiences reported by participants who seek and do not seek professional help; and 4) reflexively compare experiences across genders.MethodsWe performed reflexive thematic analysis on 438 heterosexual people answers (Mage = 41.06, SD = 12.19), including 306 women (69.7%) and 132 men (30.1%).ResultsMost participants (54.1%) had not sought professional clinical help but wanted to do so. Some participants (13.2%) expressed a desire for clinical consultations but reported financial or time constraints. Using the reflexive thematic analysis on the qualitative data provided, we created three themes: (1) Sexual (dys)function (It’s the function), which focuses on sexual function and lack of pleasure; (2) Intimacy dynamics (It’s us!), which discusses relationship challenges; (3) Intrapersonal struggles (It’s me!), which highlight individual factors, some influenced by social messages. Comparison across groups revealed that people who sought professional clinical help emphasise genital function and negative emotions, and women highlighted experiencing sexual pain, while men emphasised desire discrepancies and erectile disorder.DiscussionOur results demonstrate that difficulties related to sexual pleasure and with penetrative sex are important sources of distress in partnered sexual activity, which is in line with DSM and ICD frameworks of sexual dysfunction. Participants’ accounts show that pre-existing psychological characteristics, partnered communication, cognitive, and emotional factors are key factors to shape the experience of sexual distress related to sexual dysfunctions. This has implications for clinical work as interventions should target transdiagnostic individual factors that may not be sexual specific (e.g., repetitive negative thinking) as well as couple-level factors (e.g., communication). Internet-based integrative therapies directed at these factors may be a promising venue for those who experience sexual distress with partnered sexual activity and are reluctant to seek in-person sexual healthcare.

INTRODUCTION:The purported predominance of the biopsychosocial model is reviewed, including its underlying factors that determine the etiology and treatment of sexual disorders. We recommend that sexual health professionals embrace a broader recognition of all facets of the model. Periodic re-examination is necessary to optimize its strengths and minimize misapplication. OBJECTIVES:Improving the application of the full scope of the biopsychosocial model will help ensure that it remains robust and inclusive. Awareness of its limitations should prompt clinicians to expand their knowledge through continuing education. METHODS:Co-authors reviewed database searches, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Publications, sexual society presentations, and guidelines were also considered, along with expert opinions. Authored by an intentionally recruited, diverse group of experts representing different disciplines, geographic regions, genders, and perspectives, our manuscript deserves substantial consideration. However, this work does not employ the rigorous methodology used by professional societies in producing guidelines. RESULTS:The biopsychosocial model is widely used; however, too many sex therapists and sexual medicine experts claim to adopt the model while merely paying it lip service. Clinicians support multidisciplinary approaches, yet siloed thinking persists. Collegial respect is increasing, but perspectives remain divided. While sex therapists recognize psychosocial nuances, many are unaware of biomedical advances in diagnosis and treatment that impact sexuality. Conversely, many physicians lack sufficient awareness of the cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and cultural factors contributing to sexual disorders. Physicians who prefer broader assessments often find that time constraints in clinical practice hinder multilayered engagement. CONCLUSION:The biopsychosocial model must encompass all predisposing, precipitating, and maintaining biological, medical/surgical, cognitive, behavioral, emotional, social, and cultural factors involved in the etiology and management of sexual disorders. Etiology is best understood at a granular level that acknowledges multiple proportional contributing factors. We recommend that clinicians across disciplines increase their awareness of all relevant etiologic and treatment factors while continuing to use the accessible term "biopsychosocial."

Purpose: Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) diagnosed with cancer face unique psychosocial challenges, including sexual complaints. Despite the prevalence of these sexual issues, they are underexplored in AYA oncology care. The aim of this study is firstly to examine the prevalence of sexual complaints among AYAs with cancer across genders, age groups, and types of cancer. Second, we explore the association between sexual complaints and depressive symptoms. Methods: This cross-sectional sub-study included 305 AYAs (aged 15-39 at diagnosis) actively affiliated with the oncology department at Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet. Participants completed questionnaires assessing sexual complaints and depressive symptoms. Sexual problems, distress, satisfaction, and willingness to discuss these issues were analyzed alongside demographic, clinical, and treatment data. Univariate and multivariable regression analyses evaluated associations with depressive symptoms. Results: Sexual problems affected 63.9% of AYAs, 49.5% experienced sexual distress, and 58.4% were dissatisfied with their sexual lives. Younger AYAs reported higher sexual satisfaction than older AYAs. Sexual distress, dissatisfaction, and reluctance to discuss sexual issues were associated with increased depressive symptoms in the univariate analysis. In the multivariable model, sexual distress remained independently associated with depressive symptoms, alongside age at diagnosis, civil status, cancer type, and pain. Conclusion: Sexual complaints, particularly distress, are prevalent among AYAs with cancer and are significantly associated with depressive symptoms. Integrating routine discussions about sexual health into oncology care could probably improve mental health outcomes and overall quality of life for this vulnerable group. Future research should focus on targeted interventions to address these interconnected challenges.

Hypersexuality is characterized by a persistent lack of control of intense and repetitive sexual urges or impulses, which causes distress or impairment in one or more important areas of functioning. This study aims to investigate the interaction of early traumatic experiences, body uneasiness and general psychopathology with respect to erectile dysfunction (ED) and hypersexual behaviors. The study is cross-sectional and observational. Data were collected from 321 participants. The clinical sample (n = 118) was composed of male patients with a primary complaint of ED and an indication for referral to psychiatry services by the Andrology Unit, while the control sample (n = 203) was recruited from the general population through an online survey. Clinical classification was assessed with the Structured Interview on Erectile Dysfunction (SIEDY). All participants were administered the following questionnaires: Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire–Short Form (CTQ-SF), Hypersexual Behavior Inventory (HBI), Body Uneasiness Test–A (BUT-A), and 5-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5). Descriptive statistics were computed, and group differences were evaluated using the Mann–Whitney U test. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were calculated to assess the relationship between the variables within each group. Significant differences were observed in HBI and BUT domains between HC and ED groups. In particular, the ED group reported a higher likelihood to report difficulties in controlling sexual behaviors. Additionally, correlations between HBI dimensions (coping, control, and consequences) and BUT variables were significant, indicating that early traumatic experiences predict hypersexual behaviors and ED through the mediating effect of body uneasiness and psychopathology. Specifically, body uneasiness mediates the correlation between early traumatic experiences and hypersexuality. The present study highlights the complex interplay among early traumatic experiences, body image concerns and sexual functioning, showing that body uneasiness plays a mediating role in the indirect effect of childhood trauma on hypersexuality. Interventions aiming to improve coping strategies and perceived control might be beneficial in patients reporting difficulties within wider ED management. The authors declare no conflicts of interest in relation to this work.

Engel’s (1977) introduction of the biopsychosocial model emphasized multiple etiological determinants and upended traditional medical views of disease and its treatments. Evidence gradually accumulated that a combined biomedical and psychotherapeutic approaches were the most effective treatment for most sexual conditions. Urologists were late to this realization, in part because of sildenafil’s successful launch (1998), which catalyzed urology’s ascendancy over other specialties (psychiatry, psychology, and gynecology) which previously had managed sexual issues. The educational efforts of sexual medicine societies (ISSM, ISSWSH, SMSNA, SSTAR, etc.) in the early 21st century helped rebalance appreciation for multidisciplinary expertise and multidimensional understanding. Subsequently, most sex therapy and sexual medicine experts have adopted a biopsychosocial model. The biopsychosocial model’s path to its current predominance is reviewed, including the specifics of how its underlying factors’ can determine sexual disorder etiology and treatment. Given the biopsychosocial model’s importance to sexual medicine and sex therapy, the need for periodic re-examination is encouraged in order to optimize the models’ strengths and minimize misapplication. The authors encourage sexual health professionals to embrace a broadened recognition of all facets of the model, not merely those emphasized by their profession of origin disciplines. The author searched relevant terms using databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, https://clinicaltrials.gov, etc. Co-authors reviewed the articles, offering additional references and expert opinions. Authored by an intentionally recruited diverse expert group from different disciplines, geography, gender, and opinion, their view has substantial merit. However, it lacks the rigorous process used by professional societies’ methodologies when producing guidelines. The biopsychosocial model is used productively, but many secondary to their discipline’s training have limited focus with insufficient awareness of alternative etiologic factors. Clinicians support a multidisciplinary approach, but siloed thinking remains. Collegial respect is increasing, but perspectives remain separated. Sex therapists are aware of psychosocial nuances, but many are ignorant regarding the impact of biomedical advances in diagnosis and treatment that impact sexuality. Reciprocally, too many physicians are insufficiently aware of the cognitive, emotional, behavioral, social and cultural factors contributing to sexual disorders. Physicians preferring broader assessment often find office time limitations negating multilayered engagement. The necessity of fully embracing the comprehensive scope of the biopsychosocial model for sexual health professionals cannot be overstated. Biopsychosocial must stand for all the predisposing, precipitating, and maintaining biological, medical/surgical, cognitive, behavioral, emotional, social, and cultural factors involved in the etiology and management of sexual disorders. These components are best understood at a granular detail level that recognizes multiple proportional factor contributions. Having disciplines spending more time training together would enhance understanding of each other’s strengths and contributions. We must train the next generation of sexual medicine and sex therapy/sexology experts to have an appreciation of all the contributory and mutually influential factors that underlie sexual disorder etiology and treatment to best serve their patients. Furthermore, it is incumbent upon all of us to mindfully seek continuing education opportunities (offered by our professional societies, etc.) to fill in our own gaps in both knowledge and expertise. Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: None of the relationships to industry are relevant to this presentation’s content. If the presentation is selected and if detailed information regarding the above question is required, all 8 authors would be happy to detail all industry relationships they have, despite their clear lack of relavance to the presentation.

Background:Some transgender individuals wish to become biological parents in the future and transfeminine persons may be offered cryopreservation of semen before starting hormone therapy. However, there is a lack of knowledge about semen cryopreservation outcomes among transfeminine adolescents seeking gender-affirming care. Objective:To investigate transfeminine adolescents who decide for or against semen cryopreservation. Methods:This is a retrospective observational national cohort study of 58 transfeminine individuals aged <18 years, assessing clinical data, semen parameters, and reproductive hormone levels. Results:Among the 58 individuals, 23 (39.7%) opted for semen cryopreservation and successfully collected a semen sample. They were older and more advanced in pubertal development compared with those who did not: median age was 16.4 years (range, 13.7-19.4) vs 15.8 years (11.7-17.9); Tanner stage G5 (4-5) vs G3 (2-4); and testis volume 20 mL (15-25) vs 8 mL (3-20). Among 17 individuals with no prior hormone therapy, the median sperm concentration was 11.1 × 106/mL (0.02-163), semen volume 1.8 mL (0.2-3.9), total sperm count 17.8 × 106 (0.1-214.2), and percentage of progressively motile spermatozoa 46% (8-74). Reproductive hormones were within normal ranges for age and registered sex at birth. Conclusion:The percentage of adolescents opting for semen cryopreservation was comparable to other countries with a publicly financed national healthcare system. Overall, semen quality was impaired.

Objectives:Good interpersonal relationships are associated with improved functioning, quality of life, and a better prognosis in patients with bipolar disorder (BD). Little information is available regarding relationship satisfaction and sexual satisfaction within couples where 1 partner has BD. Aim:This cross-sectional study aimed to examine relationship and sexual satisfaction in patients with BD and partners to patients with BD. Methods:Patients with BD and partners to patients with BD were included, and outcomes were assessed using semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. Outcomes:Couple satisfaction was measured by the self-reported questionnaire Couple Satisfaction Index (CSI-4), and sexual satisfaction was measured by 3 self-reported questions. Multiple regression analyses were used to compare the groups adjusting for sex, age, mood symptoms, overall functioning, and stress symptoms. The results were compared to general populations. Results:One hundred eleven patients with BD and 74 partners were included. We found a significant difference between patients with BD and partners concerning relationship satisfaction measured with the CSI, with partners being less satisfied (P = .050). Comparing relationship satisfaction in patients with BD and partners to the general population, we found that the general population was more satisfied in each CSI item (P < .050). In multiple regression analyses adjusted for sex, age, mood symptoms, stress, and function, patients with BD were more satisfied with their sexual life over the last year compared to partners (P = .039). They further rated the importance of a good sexual life higher than partners (P = .006). Finally, more patients with BD and partners rated their sex life the last year as being bad to extremely bad compared to the control group from the general population (partners = 21.1%, BD = 23.4%, general population = 16%). Clinical implications:In clinical practice, it is essential to focus on relationships including sexual life in patients with BD and partners as both groups have a lower degree of relationship and sexual satisfaction compared to the general population. Strengths and limitations:The use of validated questionnaires and clinical ratings is a strength, albeit the cross-sectional design is a limitation. Conclusions:Patients with BD reported a higher degree of satisfaction with their relationship and sexual life compared to their partners. Compared to the general population, both groups expressed lower degree of relationship and sexual satisfaction.

Sexual health is an essential aspect of women’s well-being throughout life. However, pregnancy and childbirth cause biological, psychological, and social changes that can impact negatively on sexual health. Studies have thus indicated that sexual function often declines during pregnancy and may not fully recover to pre-pregnancy levels in the postpartum period. Unfortunately, healthcare providers often overlook addressing sexual aspects during this crucial time. With approximately 90% of women sustaining perineal tears during vaginal birth and 1-6 % being affected by obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI), the current scoping review aims to assess the existing evidence on the associations between OASI and postpartum sexual health. Specifically, the review investigates the domains of sexual functioning, activity, and satisfaction. PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cinahl and Cochrane were systematically searched for relevant peer-reviewed papers as well as grey literature. Studies were selected in a three-stage process involving title and abstract assessment, complete article evaluation, and inclusion meeting predefined criteria. Only original quantitative studies providing statistical evidence on the impact of OASI on postpartum sexual health were included. The initial search yielded 749 articles, with 26 selected for inclusion. OASI impacted women's sexual health postpartum. In particular, women with OASI had delayed resumption of sexual intercourse compared to those with no or tears of lower degrees although the majority had resumed their coital activity twelve months postpartum. According to most studies, OASI increased the risk of dyspareunia, which oten persisted several years after birth. Also, these women were more likely to develop other long-term consequences, such as fecal incontinence, which can lead to, or exacerbate, sexual problems. Women with OASI have increased risk of sexual dysfunction and low coital activity. This underscores the importance of initiating conversations with women regarding their sexual health after delivery with OASI and offer referral to physiotherapy, couples therapy, or sexological expertise when necessary. Declaration of conflicts of interest for all authors: H. S. Gibrael: None. S. Linhardt: None.

Introduction Midlife men and women are facing frequent sexual problems that affect not only individuals' sexual health but also the sexual health of aging couples.Objectives To review the main sexual life challenges faced by midlife couples, to present the concepts of couplepause and doublepause as 2 new paradigms to address the sexual health needs of aging couples, and to discuss key aspects in couple-focused care.Methods An online meeting attended by 5 European experts in sexual health was carried out in June 2023 to discuss the topic. The conversation centered on their clinical experience and expert opinion. Additionally, the indexed literature was reviewed to endorse and complement the expert opinions obtained in the aforementioned meeting.Results Midlife men and women face physical, psychological, and sociocultural changes that affect their sexual activity. These changes may be experienced differently between genders. Both members of a couple may experience age-related changes concurrently or in an unsynchronized manner affecting their sexual health. Communication, sharing expectations, defining sexual dynamics, and couple goals are determinant for the sexual health of a midlife couple. Couplepause and doublepause are 2 new complementary paradigms that effectively address the sexual health needs of aging couples as a unit, considering physical, psychological, cultural, social, and dyadic-related factors. Couple-centered strategies should promote open communication about couple intimacy issues, understanding the diverse expectations according to gender and orientation, communication styles, and goals. The following are identified as crucial aspects to promote couple-focused care: education and training of health care professionals, the provision of information to aging couples, physician involvement in addressing sexual problems, the need for collaboration across medical specialties, and the development of effective tools and strategies.Conclusions The sexual problems of aging couples should be managed following couple-centered strategies that effectively address their sexual health needs as a couple.

Introduction Peyronie's disease (PD) can have an immense psychological impact, with depression being a reported possible, severe consequence. To date, no literature reviews have systematically and critically assessed the relationship between PD and depression.Objectives The study sought to identify and critically appraise the current literature on the association between PD and depression.Methods Studies had to address men with PD or probable PD and assess depression or depressive symptoms. Quantitative and qualitative, peer-reviewed, primary, empirical studies written in English or Danish were included. According to the guidelines for scoping reviews and the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews) guideline, we performed a systematic review of PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. Reference lists of included studies were screened for additional sources. Gray literature was searched for in Google Scholar and Bielefeld Academic Search Engine. Data were charted using a data extraction form, and critical appraisal was performed using the QuADS (quality assessment with diverse studies) tool.Results Thirteen studies were included. Most studies had a cross-sectional design, and also cohort studies and longitudinal observational studies without a control group were found. Depression was assessed mainly by validated questionnaires or diagnostic codes. Questionnaire studies found a prevalences of moderate to severe depression of 24% to 48%, while studies using diagnostic codes found depression in 4% to 37% of men with PD. The quality of the included studies varied from 38% to 82% of the maximum possible score in the QuADS assessment.Conclusion While most studies describe an association between PD and depression, the evidence is not comprehensive. The current literature is especially at risk of selection bias and the influence of confounding factors, and a direct causality between PD and depression cannot be established. Future research calls for more methodically rigorous studies as well as qualitative studies to understand the relationship.

Abstract Introduction At midlife and beyond, both men and women face organic changes that can affect their sexual functioning. Women may suffer from vaginal dryness, irritation/itching, inadequate lubrication, and dyspareunia due to ovarian exhaustion. Whilst erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory dysfunctions, and testosterone deficiency may affect sexual activity in men. Objective To understand the perceptions and changes in sexual intimacy in middle-aged couple (40 years and above) and their evolution over time. To explore the supportive role of partner and health care professionals (HCPs) during this evolution. Methods 30 HCPs in the space of sexual health and couple intimacy across six countries (the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, France, Germany and Spain) participated in this survey. An in-depth interview (45–60 minutes) was conducted about key issues that middle-aged couple face about sexual/couple intimacy, the language used to initiate conversations with patients, how issues evolve over time, as well as the role that a partner and HCP can play in providing support, guidance, and treatment. Results Interviews with HCPs showed that despite some progress, couple intimacy continues to be a taboo topic. HCPs play a crucial role in initiating conversations amongst the 40 and above aged group, especially before pausing their sexual activities. Many HCPs have developed their own personal style to explore the couple intimacy topic but they believe they need more education. To effectively address sexual dysfunction in couples, a comprehensive, gender-sensitive approach is crucial. This involves recognizing and addressing the unique challenges each gender faces, particularly considering the healthcare providers’ biases that disproportionately affect women compared to men. However, distinct challenges do not imply an individualistic approach to treatment, as HCPs recognize the benefits of involving both partners. While HCPs offer some resources to help patients understand intimacy issues, patients can also encounter unreliable information on social media and within society, particularly when there is inaccurate information available. Misconceptions about intimacy treatments can be a significant barrier to solving the issue, with the disparity in HCPs’ conversations with women compared to men being a significant contributing factor. HCPs face several challenges when approaching the subject of couple intimacy with patients, ranging from time constraints to a lack of psychological training. Additionally, their professional networks are often limited to referrals, and inadequate training of practitioners can further complicate their clinical duties Conclusions To effectively address sexual dysfunction in couples, a comprehensive, gender-sensitive approach is crucial. This involves recognizing and addressing the unique challenges each gender faces, particularly considering the HCP’s biases that disproportionately affect women compared to men. Disclosure Yes, this is sponsored by industry/sponsor: Viatris Inc. Clarification: Industry initiated, executed and funded study. Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: 1Mental Health Centre Copenhagen and University of Copenhagen, Denmark.