The ISSM's Testosterone Deficiency Process of Care Committee has published a new report in The Journal of Sexual Medicine.  

Based on a comprehensive literature review and the input of a panel convened last year, the committee offers an evidence-based definition of testosterone deficiency along with diagnosis and treatment guidelines for specific patient populations. 

The report also includes best practice treatment recommendations for clinicians, including those without expertise in endocrinology. 

The committee suggests that the process of care be re-evaluated and updated in four years. 

Further details are available here. 

Drinking the equivalent of two to three cups of coffee each day might lower a man's risk for erectile dysfunction (ED), researchers say.

More specifically, consuming 170 - 375 mg of caffeine each day appears to have a beneficial effect on men's erections. 

American and Greek researchers analyzed data from 3,724 men who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). All of the men responded to a survey question about ED. They also reported on what they ate or drank in the previous 24 hours. 

For the study, caffeine sources included coffee, tea, soda, and energy drinks. 

After adjusting for variables like age, activity level, and body mass index, the researchers found that men who consumed between 85 and 303 mg of caffeine daily had lower rates of ED than those who took in less than 85 mg. Overall, an intake of 170 - 375 mg seemed to have the best results.

These findings applied to overweight, hypertensive, and non-diabetic men as well. However, no association was found in diabetic men. 

The study was published in April in PLOS One. Please click here for more details. 

On June 4th, an advisory panel voted 18-6 to recommend approval of flibanserin by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). But the recommendation does come with certain conditions.

Developed by Sprout Pharmaceuticals, flibanserin is a drug intended to treat premenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). Women with HSDD have a persistent lack of sexual desire that can't be explained by another cause. This diminished desire is accompanied by distress.

The drug has been twice rejected by the FDA because of concerns over safety and effectiveness. 

Fainting, sleepiness, and low blood pressure are some of the possible side effects of flibanserin. The FDA panel recommended that warnings of these effects be printed on package labels. 

The panel also suggested that only certified physicians be allowed to prescribe flibanserin. 

Reactions to the panel's decision has been mixed. Advocates of flibanserin hail it as a victory, while opponents continue to worry about safety and efficacy. 

It is unclear whether the FDA will follow the panel's recommendation. The agency's decision deadline is in August. 

For more details, including reactions from members of the medical community, please click here.