Where we are and where we aim. Towards a complex model of the male sexual desire.

Objective: Literature shows a close relationship between desire and arousal on the female side emphasized by the new DSM. There is a need for better understanding the male sexual response which has historically been considered more simple and mechanistic compared to female’s one. Aim of this study is to analyze the biopsychosocial determinants and their interaction in male desire that could be useful for the improvement of male’s sexual response models. Methods: We examined 133 articles published in the last 5 years, found inWeb of Science, Scopus, PubMed and PsycINFO about male sexual desire and related biopsychosocial factors. Results: Results showed that even in male sexuality there is a strong interdependence between desire and arousal. Men’s desire is stronger, more frequent and lasting longer through the lifespan. Cognitive factors linked to cultural values (sexual dysfunctional beliefs) and mechanisms of distraction in sexual context (automatic thoughts) seem to be the best predictors of difficulties in the area of male desire. Emotions and relational aspects (anticipatory anxiety, feelings of sadness and shame, alexithymia, lack of attraction, liability of partners, conflicts and poor communication) seem to have a minor role, even if significant, in the generation/maintenance of male sexual interestdifficulties. Conclusion: Male sexual desire is characterized by a complex interaction between biological, psychological and social elements. The analysis of these factors seem to suggest that current models are not sufficient to explain the complexity of male sexual response. These results emphasize the need to conduct more detailed studies which integrate clinical practice and research for a better understanding of the request in sexology field.