Hard-Flaccid syndrome: a survey of sexual medicine practitioners’ knowledge and experience

Abstract

Hard-flaccid syndrome (HFS) is a poorly understood condition of male sexual dysfunction (MSD) that has more recently become a new topic of discussion in online forums and sexual medicine conferences. There has been limited research looking into HFS and consequently there are no evidence-based guidelines for its work-up and management. In order to identify the current level of understanding of HFS in the sexual medicine community, a survey was distributed at a national urologic conference focusing on pertinent management strategies employed by practitioners, and their own thoughts on HFS. This showed that nearly one-third of those surveyed had never seen HFS in their practice. Of those that had, diagnosis was mainly made via clinical history as well as patient self-diagnosis. Additionally, only about half of the respondents who had seen HFS were confident in its legitimacy as a real medical syndrome. This analysis is one of the first of its kind, and highlights the ongoing lack of familiarity of HFS among the sexual medicine community. There were limitations, most notably its survey format as well as low sample size, however, it importantly emphasizes the critical need for continued education and research into HFS to improve diagnostic accuracy, enhance patient care, and develop effective treatment strategies.