Guest editorial: Pharmacology of male sexual behavior

The introduction of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in the mid 1980s has led not only to an increased attention to antidepressant-induced sexual side effects, but also to a paradigm shift in the theory of premature ejaculation (PE). Because of their ejaculation delaying effects, in both in vivo animal studies as in men with PE, the authority based behavioristic theory of self-learned behavior as the cause of lifelong PE was no longer tenable. Instead an evidence based neurobiological-genetic theory was formulated. Concurrent with this development, the efficacy of PDE-5 inhibitors, introduced in the late 1990s, to restore erectile dysfunctioning has replaced the prevailing psychological view on erectile dysfunction, into a medical and pharmacological approach. The neurobiological view on ejaculatory and erectile dysfunctions has only become possible by fundamental animal sexual pharmacological and neurophysiological research. Although we have become used to an ever increasing number of sexual pharmacological studies becoming available monthly, it is refreshing when experts in the field are sometimes given the opportunity to critically contemplate the current state of their field of expertise. The present special issue contains state of the art articles on both animal and clinical research regarding the pharmacology and neurobiology of ejaculation and erectile functions and dysfunctions.

The present special issue will present research findings, from rodent and human studies, on pharmacological and functional aspects not only of normal sexual functions, but also of male sexual dysfunctions.