Late-onset hypogonadism (LOH), masculinity and relationship and sexual satisfaction: are sexual symptoms of LOH mediators of traditional masculinity on relationship and sexual satisfaction?

Abstract

Background Late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) is characterised by significant changes in the male life cycle, and may increase the likelihood of experiencing sexual difficulties. Further, it is assumed that traditional gender roles (masculinity) can affect the experience of sexual difficulties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of masculinity on sexual symptoms of LOH, as well as on sexual and relational satisfaction. Methods: A community sample of 460 Portuguese men aged between 40 and 91 years (mean (± s.d.) 51.64 ± 8.03 years) was collected. Correlation and moderation analyses were conducted to investigate relationships among the variables being studied. Results: There was an association between the sexual symptoms of LOH, masculinity and sexual and relationship satisfaction. Moderation analysis revealed direct relationships between masculinity and sexual and relationship satisfaction, as well as direct relationships between sexual symptoms of LOH and sexual and relationship satisfaction. However, sexual symptoms of LOH did not significantly moderate the relationships between masculinity and sexual and relationship satisfaction. Conclusions: These findings indicate the existence of a direct effect of both masculinity and sexual symptoms of LOH on sexual and relational satisfaction, although masculinity did not have an effect on sexual symptoms of LOH. The implications of these findings are discussed. Instrumentality as an indicator of masculinity was associated with relational and sexual satisfaction, suggesting the importance of involving a man’s partner in sexual dysfunction interventions.