Chronic alcoholism and male sexual dysfunction.

Chronic alcoholism can profoundly influence marital relationships, but the nature of the effect of alcohol abuse on sexual interactions is not clear. This article critically reviews information on the prevalence of sexual disorders and possible endocrine, neurologic, and psychologic processes that may mediate the effects of chronic alcoholism on male sexual functioning. Emphasis is placed on a conceptual model that integrates biologic and psychologic perspectives, moving away from simplistic unidimensional approaches to the study of the behavioral effects of this serious medical and social problem.