Peptides in urology and sexual medicine: clinical effectiveness, dosing, indications, and safety: a narrative review.

Narrative review of peptide-based therapies in urology and sexual medicine

“We review mechanisms, clinical evidence, dosing, safety, and regulatory status of these agents.”

Studies of peptide-based therapies in sexual medicine

“A structured search of PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar identified studies of peptide-based therapies in sexual medicine.”

76 studies met inclusion criteria from 725 records

“Of 725 records, 76 studies met inclusion criteria.”

Bremelanotide and Tesamorelin are the most clinically established agents with regulatory approval

“Bremelanotide and Tesamorelin are the most clinically established agents, with defined dosing and regulatory approval for selected indications.”

Growth hormone secretagogues increase hormone concentrations but evidence for improved sexual function is limited

“Growth hormone secretagogues reliably increase growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1 concentrations; however, evidence for improved sexual function, physical performance, or quality of life remains limited.”

Safety data are limited by short follow-up, small samples, and incomplete outcome assessment

“Across peptide classes, safety data are limited by short follow-up, small samples, and incomplete assessment of cardiovascular, metabolic, and oncologic outcomes.”

Findings synthesized narratively due to heterogeneity across studies

“Findings were synthesized narratively given heterogeneity across studies.”