Back to Stir It Up: Erectile Dysfunction in an Evolutionary,Developmental, and Clinical Perspective |
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Authors: | Ylenia Nicolini Antonella Tramacere Stefano Parmigiani Harold Dadomo |
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Affiliation: | 1. Unit of Neuroscience, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma;2. Lichtenberg-Kolleg/The G?ttingen Institute for Advanced Study and the German Primate Center/Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Georg-August-Universit?t G?ttingen;3. Max Planck for the Science of Human History, Jena, Germany;4. Evolutionary and Functional Biology Unit, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Sustainability, University of Parma |
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Abstract: | In this review, we analyze erectile dysfunction (ED) in the context of sexual selection. We highlight that ED is a specific human male characteristic linked to the loss of the baculum or penile bone and results from a range of physical and psychological factors. We discuss evolutionary interpretations that consider dysfunctional penile erection as an honest signal of a low-quality male. We further emphasize the importance of considering psychosocial context and early attachment dynamics for understanding the etiology of some types of ED. Finally, we suggest that the integration of developmental factors for understanding the emergence of this sexual disorder is instrumental for the calibration of more effective therapies. |
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