The Conception and Evaluation of Sexual Health Literature

The 2017 document emphasizes the importance of high-quality evidence in sexual health research, particularly in urology and men's sexual health. It discusses the predominance of retrospective studies in this field, which often leads to lower levels of evidence, and underscores the need for validated questionnaires to improve data collection and reduce bias. The document reviews various study designs and the hierarchy of evidence, noting the challenges of conducting high-level evidence studies due to the rarity of some conditions and patient recruitment issues. It also highlights the significance of patient-reported outcomes and health-related quality of life measurements, reviewing several validated questionnaires and their limitations. A key study mentioned is the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial, which linked erectile dysfunction with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. The document concludes that while some conditions may only allow for retrospective analysis, many men's health issues have the potential for high-level evidence through prospective studies, and it calls for healthcare providers to be well-informed about research methodologies to accurately interpret data and contribute to further research.