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Hawley WR, Cancilla BA, Barnes JL, Morrow GD. Social Perceptions of Masculinity and Sexual Esteem Are Impacted by Viagra Use, Testosterone, and Sexual Performance. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2024; 53:2473-2488. [PMID: 38740630 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-024-02880-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Sexual behaviors play a role in the social construction of masculinity. Moreover, this stereotype has been capitalized upon by pharmaceutical companies, as well as those that sell products not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, for purposes of marketing sexual medicines. Stereotypical notions of masculinity, however, also emphasize the importance of self-reliance, which may cause some to look unfavorably upon the use of sexual medicine. Consistent with this notion, a male target was viewed as more masculine when his female partner consistently reached orgasm, unless he had no history of erectile dysfunction (ED), but was taking Viagra anyway (Experiment 1; N = 522). In addition, when his partner consistently reached orgasm, ratings of his sexual esteem were also lower if he used Viagra than if he did not, but only if he had no history of ED. In Experiment 2 (N = 711), although there was no effect of a male target's use of testosterone, social perception of his masculinity and sexual esteem increased as his "natural" levels of testosterone increased. In addition, exploratory analysis revealed that if the male target had low (but not normal or high) "natural" levels of testosterone, ratings of his masculinity were higher if his female partner consistently had an orgasm, which suggests that female orgasm served to "rescue" masculinity. Because expectations about drugs drive their use, it is important to address preconceived notions about the use of sexual medicines for purposes of enhancing masculinity and sexual esteem, as the social perception of their use is much more complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wayne R Hawley
- Department of Psychology, Counseling, and Art Therapy, Pennsylvania Western University-Edinboro, 210 East Normal Street, Edinboro, PA, 16444, USA.
| | - Bryn A Cancilla
- Department of Psychology, Counseling, and Art Therapy, Pennsylvania Western University-Edinboro, 210 East Normal Street, Edinboro, PA, 16444, USA
| | - Julia L Barnes
- Department of Psychology, Counseling, and Art Therapy, Pennsylvania Western University-Edinboro, 210 East Normal Street, Edinboro, PA, 16444, USA
| | - Gregory D Morrow
- Department of Psychology, Counseling, and Art Therapy, Pennsylvania Western University-Edinboro, 210 East Normal Street, Edinboro, PA, 16444, USA
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Nickel B, Heiss R, Shih P, Gram EG, Copp T, Taba M, Moynihan R, Zadro J. Social Media Promotion of Health Tests With Potential for Overdiagnosis or Overuse: Protocol for a Content Analysis. JMIR Res Protoc 2024; 13:e56899. [PMID: 38833693 PMCID: PMC11185923 DOI: 10.2196/56899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, social media have emerged as important spaces for commercial marketing of health tests, which can be used for the screening and diagnosis of otherwise generally healthy people. However, little is known about how health tests are promoted on social media, whether the information provided is accurate and balanced, and if there is transparency around conflicts of interest. OBJECTIVE This study aims to understand and quantify how social media is being used to discuss or promote health tests with the potential for overdiagnosis or overuse to generally healthy people. METHODS Content analysis of social media posts on the anti-Mullerian hormone test, whole-body magnetic resonance imaging scan, multicancer early detection, testosterone test, and gut microbe test from influential international social media accounts on Instagram and TikTok. The 5 tests have been identified as having the following criteria: (1) there are evidence-based concerns about overdiagnosis or overuse, (2) there is evidence or concerns that the results of tests do not lead to improved health outcomes for generally healthy people and may cause harm or waste, and (3) the tests are being promoted on social media to generally healthy people. English language text-only posts, images, infographics, articles, recorded videos including reels, and audio-only posts are included. Posts from accounts with <1000 followers as well as stories, live videos, and non-English posts are excluded. Using keywords related to the test, the top posts were searched and screened until there were 100 eligible posts from each platform for each test (total of 1000 posts). Data from the caption, video, and on-screen text are being summarized and extracted into a Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corporation) spreadsheet and included in the analysis. The analysis will take a combined inductive approach when generating key themes and a deductive approach using a prespecified framework. Quantitative data will be analyzed in Stata SE (version 18.0; Stata Corp). RESULTS Data on Instagram and TikTok have been searched and screened. Analysis has now commenced. The findings will be disseminated via publications in peer-reviewed international medical journals and will also be presented at national and international conferences in late 2024 and 2025. CONCLUSIONS This study will contribute to the limited evidence base on the nature of the relationship between social media and the problems of overdiagnosis and overuse of health care services. This understanding is essential to develop strategies to mitigate potential harm and plan solutions, with the aim of helping to protect members of the public from being marketed low-value tests, becoming patients unnecessarily, and taking resources away from genuine needs within the health system. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/56899.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke Nickel
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Raffael Heiss
- Center for Social & Health Innovation, Management Centre Innsbruk, Innsbruk, Austria
| | - Patti Shih
- Australian Centre for Health Engagement Evidence and Values, School of Health and Society, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Emma Grundtvig Gram
- Center for General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Denmark, Australia
| | - Tessa Copp
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Melody Taba
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Ray Moynihan
- Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Joshua Zadro
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Dietrich PN, Doolittle J, Brink S, Hanna D, Fitzgerald J, Dadhich P, Sandlow JI, Kansal J, Bajic P. An Online Investigation Into Direct-to-Consumer Men's Health Clinics: The Who, What, and Where. Urology 2023; 174:135-140. [PMID: 36736913 DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2023.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize direct-to-consumer (DTC) men's health clinics by reviewing their online content. Increasing numbers of patients are seeking treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) and hypogonadism from DTC "men's health" clinics. Treatments are often used off-label, with lack of transparency of provider credentials and qualifications. METHODS We identified DTC Men's Health Clinics in the United States by internet search by state using the terms, "Men's Health Clinic," and "Low T Center." All stand-alone clinics were reviewed. RESULTS Two hundred and twenty-three clinics were reviewed, with 147 (65.9%) offered ED treatments and 196 (87.9%) offering testosterone replacement, and 120 (53.8%) offering both ED treatment and testosterone replacement. Of those clinics offering ED treatments, 93 (63.3%) advertised shockwave therapy and 84 (57.1%) PRP therapy. There were 56 (38%) who offered shockwave therapy and PRP. ICI was significantly more likely to be offered if there was a urologist on staff (p <.001). Clinic providers represented 20 different medical and alternative medicine specialties. Internal medicine was most common (17.4%), followed by family medicine (11.1%). A nonphysician (nurse practitioner or physician assistant) was listed as the primary provider in 10 clinics (4.5%) and 45 clinics (20.1%) did not list their providers. Urologists were listed as the primary provider in 10.3% of clinics. A naturopathic provider was listed as a staff member in 22 (11.6%) of clinics. CONCLUSION There is significant heterogeneity and misinformation available to the public regarding men's health. Familiarity with and insight into practice patterns of "men's health" clinics will help provide informed patient care and counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter N Dietrich
- Department of Urology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI.
| | | | - Sarah Brink
- Department of Urology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Daniel Hanna
- Department of Urology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - John Fitzgerald
- Department of Urology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Pranav Dadhich
- Department of Urology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Jay I Sandlow
- Department of Urology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Jagan Kansal
- Department of Urology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Petar Bajic
- Center for Men's Health, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
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Gagliano-Jucá T, Alvarez M, Basaria S. The medicalization of testosterone: reinventing the elixir of life. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2022; 23:1275-1284. [PMID: 35999482 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-022-09751-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The pursuit of longevity, which during the Renaissance era was limited to longing for miraculous ways of rejuvenation, such as bathing in the fountain of youth, took a scientific turn in 1889 with the publication of Brown-Sequard's self-experiments with an extract of animal testes, which apparently improved his vitality, physical strength and cognition. This extract, marketed then as the "Elixir of Life", was sold for decades throughout Europe and North America. However, recent replication of Brown-Sequard's experiments demonstrated that such an extract only contains homeopathic concentrations of testosterone that are insufficient to exert any biological effect. Thus, the birth of Andrology began with a placebo effect. Over the past few decades, the quest for compounds that might lead to rejuvenation has regained traction, with testosterone being at the forefront. Though clinical practice guidelines advocate testosterone therapy in men with organic hypogonadism-the only indication approved by the Food and Drug Administration-testosterone continues to be marketed as a wonder drug with rejuvenating effects on sexual function, vitality, and a host of other unproven benefits. Additionally, the epidemic of obesity and diabetes, conditions associated with low testosterone, has further brought testosterone into the limelight. Although the number of testosterone prescriptions written have increased several-fold in the past two decades, carefully conducted randomized trials suggest modest benefits of testosterone therapy. At the same time, safety concerns, particularly in older men, remain valid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiago Gagliano-Jucá
- Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, McHenry, IL, United States
| | - Mauricio Alvarez
- Section of Endocrinology, Hospital Militar Central, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Shehzad Basaria
- Section On Men's Health, Endocrinology Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 221 Longwood Ave, BLI 541, Boston, MA, 02115, United States.
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Zhao JV, Schooling CM. The role of testosterone in chronic kidney disease and kidney function in men and women: a bi-directional Mendelian randomization study in the UK Biobank. BMC Med 2020; 18:122. [PMID: 32493397 PMCID: PMC7271464 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-020-01594-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has an apparent sex disparity, with a more rapid progress in men than in women. Whether the well-established sex-specific evolutionary biology trade-off between reproduction and longevity might inform CKD has not previously been considered. Relevant evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) is not available. METHODS We used a bi-directional Mendelian randomization study to obtain unconfounded estimates using the UK Biobank. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that strongly (p value < 5 × 10-8) predicted testosterone in a sex-specific manner were applied to 179,916 white British men (6016 CKD cases) and 212,079 white British women (5958 CKD cases) to obtain sex-specific associations with CKD, albuminuria, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). We also used multivariable MR to control for sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). For validation, we similarly examined their role in hemoglobin and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c). We also assessed the role of kidney function in serum testosterone, by applying eGFR-related SNPs to testosterone in the UK Biobank. RESULTS Genetically predicted testosterone was associated with CKD in men (odds ratio (OR) for bioavailable testosterone 1.17 per standard deviation, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03 to 1.33) based on 125 SNPs but not in women (OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.14 for total testosterone) based on 254 SNPs. Multivariable MR allowing for SHBG showed consistent patterns. Genetically predicted bioavailable testosterone in men and women and genetically predicted total testosterone in women increased hemoglobin and lowered HDL-c, as seen in RCTs. Genetically predicted eGFR was not related to serum testosterone in men or in women. CONCLUSIONS Genetically predicted testosterone was associated with CKD and worse kidney function in men, whilst not affected by kidney function. Identifying drivers of testosterone and the underlying pathways could provide new insights into CKD prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie V Zhao
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 1/F, Patrick Manson Building, 7 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - C Mary Schooling
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 1/F, Patrick Manson Building, 7 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, China.,School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
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Irwig MS, Fleseriu M, Jonklaas J, Tritos NA, Yuen KCJ, Correa R, Elhomsy G, Garla V, Jasim S, Soe K, Baldeweg SE, Boguszewski CL, Bancos I. OFF-LABEL USE AND MISUSE OF TESTOSTERONE, GROWTH HORMONE, THYROID HORMONE, AND ADRENAL SUPPLEMENTS: RISKS AND COSTS OF A GROWING PROBLEM. Endocr Pract 2020; 26:340-353. [PMID: 32163313 DOI: 10.4158/ps-2019-0540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Over the past few decades, there has been an unprecedented rise in off-label use and misuse of testosterone, growth hormone, thyroid hormone, and adrenal supplements. Testosterone therapy is often promoted to men for the treatment of low energy, lower libido, erectile dysfunction, and other symptoms. Growth hormone is used in attempts to improve athletic performance in athletes and to attenuate aging in older adults. Thyroid hormone and/or thyroid supplements or boosters are taken to treat fatigue, obesity, depression, cognitive impairment, impaired physical performance, and infertility. Adrenal supplements are used to treat common nonspecific symptoms due to "adrenal fatigue," an entity that has not been recognized as a legitimate medical diagnosis. Several factors have contributed to the surge in off-label use and misuse of these hormones and supplements: direct-to-consumer advertising, websites claiming to provide legitimate medical information, and for-profit facilities promoting therapies for men's health and anti-aging. The off-label use and misuse of hormones and supplements in individuals without an established endocrine diagnosis carries known and unknown risks. For example, the risks of growth hormone abuse in athletes and older adults are unknown due to a paucity of studies and because those who abuse this hormone often take supraphysiologic doses in sporadic intervals. In addition to the health risks, off-label use of these hormones and supplements generates billions of dollars of unnecessary costs to patients and to the overall health-care system. It is important that patients honestly disclose to their providers off-label hormone use, as it may affect their health and treatment plan. General medical practitioners and adult endocrinologists should be able to begin a discussion with their patients regarding the unfavorable balance between the risks and benefits associated with off-label use of testosterone, growth hormone, thyroid hormone, and adrenal supplements. Abbreviations: DHEA = dehydroepiandrosterone; FDA = U.S. Food and Drug Administration; GH = growth hormone; IGF-1 = insulin-like growth factor 1; LT3 = L-triiodothyronine; LT4 = levothyroxine; T3 = total triiodothyronine; T4 = thyroxine; TSH = thyroid-stimulating hormone.
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Balasubramanian A, Thirumavalavan N, Srivatsav A, Yu J, Lipshultz LI, Pastuszak AW. Testosterone Imposters: An Analysis of Popular Online Testosterone Boosting Supplements. J Sex Med 2020; 16:203-212. [PMID: 30770069 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2018.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Testosterone-boosting supplements (T-Boosters) are prominently featured on Amazon.com, with numerous dedicated pages and claims that they "naturally" increase testosterone levels. AIM To evaluate the highest rated and frequently reviewed T-Boosters on Amazon.com to facilitate patient counseling regarding marketing myths, T-Booster formulations, and evidence for efficacy and safety. METHODS The Amazon marketplace was queried using the key words "testosterone" + "booster," with default search settings and ranking items based on relevance. The top 5 T-Boosters identified on July 22, 2018, were reviewed based on price, ratings, reviews, manufacturer details, and ingredients. Consumer reviews were categorized using core themes in the Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male (ADAM) questionnaire as a proxy to understand T-Booster efficacy and reanalyzed after filtration of untrustworthy comments using ReviewMeta.com, a proprietary Amazon customer review analysis software. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Quantitative and qualitative evaluation of T-Boosters on Amazon.com was performed. RESULTS The top 5 T-Boosters had an average ± SD of 2,761 ± 5,112 reviews and a rating of 4.56 ± 0.25 stars. 19 unique ingredients were identified across these T-Boosters, and literature review revealed 191 studies involving the 10 most common ingredients, of which 19% involved human subjects, 53% animal models, 15% in vitro studies, and 12% case reports or review articles. Among 37 human studies, 30% observed an increase in T levels, 3% a decrease, 46% no effect, and 22% were indeterminate. Analysis of top customer reviews from the first 2 pages of reviews for each supplement revealed differences in the ADAM score before and after ReviewMeta.com filtration. After filtration, there was a 91% decrease in users reporting increased libido, a 59% decrease in reports of increased energy, a 93% decrease in reports of improved strength/endurance, a 60% decrease in reports of improved erections, an elimination of reports of improved work performance, a 67% decrease in reports of improved sleep, and an 89% decrease in reports of improved sports ability. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Our study can serve as a guide for providers to counsel patients about the efficacy of popular online T-Boosters as well as the prevalence of disingenuous reviews associated with these products on online marketplaces like Amazon.com. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS Strengths include the novel approach to assess consumers' perceptions and satisfaction of T-Boosters, as well as summary information that clinicians can provide patients. Limitations include selection bias, a small number of supplements analyzed, and the proprietary nature of the Amazon review analysis software. CONCLUSION T-Boosters are easily available online. Our investigation revealed that limited human studies have evaluated T-Boosters, resulting in no definitive findings of efficacy. In the absence of additional human studies, patients should be cautioned before considering T-Boosters, given the availability of highly effective therapies approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Balasubramanian A, Thirumavalavan N, Srivatsav A, et al. Testosterone Imposters: An Analysis of Popular Online Testosterone Boosting Supplements. J Sex Med 2019;16:203-212.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nannan Thirumavalavan
- Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Center for Reproductive Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Justin Yu
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Larry I Lipshultz
- Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA; Center for Reproductive Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alexander W Pastuszak
- Department of Surgery-Urology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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Sex, Energy, Well-Being and Low Testosterone: An Exploratory Survey of U.S. Men's Experiences on Prescription Testosterone. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16183261. [PMID: 31491933 PMCID: PMC6765788 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16183261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Prescription testosterone sales in the United States have skyrocketed in the last two decades due to an aging population, direct-to-consumer advertising, and prescriber views of the benefits and risks to testosterone, among other factors. However, few studies have attempted to directly examine patient experiences on prescription testosterone therapy. The present exploratory study involved an online self-report survey of U.S. testosterone patients who were at least 21 years of age. The primary focus was on patient perspectives concerning motivations leading to the initiation of testosterone therapy and the perceived effects of treatment. Responses to open-ended questions drew upon a coding scheme incorporating both inductive and deductive approaches, influenced by the clinical, male life history theory, and behavioral endocrinology literature. Results indicated that the most frequent reasons men gave for taking prescription testosterone were low testosterone (37.1%), well-being (35.2%), energy (28.7%), libido (21.9%), and social energy (19.4%); older men claimed libido as a motivation for testosterone initiation more frequently than younger men (p < 0.001). Men most frequently claimed testosterone improved their energy (52.3%), libido (41.9%), and muscle (28.5%). Results are interpreted in the context of medical, life history theoretical and behavioral endocrinology approaches, including an emphasis on sex and energy.
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