The end story of unconsummated marriage by male factors or honeymoon impotence: a systematic review

Abstract

Unconsummated marriage (UCM) or honeymoon impotence is still common among couples in some worlds, especially in the Middle East, Arab countries, Asia, and even Western countries. The incidence is around 17% of the total visits to the clinic. However, this figure could be higher because UCM is known as an embarrassing condition for couples, so many cases go unreported. The causes of UCM can be from both sides, women, and men. Sometimes women’s vaginismus is a problem, even though men also cause UCM. Various etiologies cause UCM in men, from psychogenic to organic, such as erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. But whatever the cause, couples need help from a therapist—interventions ranging from drugs to sex therapy. Compared with women, UCM by male factors has the same chance of success in treatment as women. The results of our review follow the PRISMA procedure from 9 databases. There are 31 eligible studies for consideration, totalling 3118 patients. Our appraisal reports that sex therapy of varying lengths of sessions combined with treatment according to the etiology is effective in helping couples achieve consummation. This review reports that comprehensive and holistic sexualhealth assessment is needed to manage UCM to achieve common goals.

LAY SUMMARY

This article provides a systematic review of studies reporting the incidence of unconsummated marriages caused by men. What is the most common cause, how to handle it, and how the relationship ends.

Keywords:

• Unconsummated marriage
• honeymoon impotence
• erectile dysfunction
• premature ejaculation
• vaginismus
• sexual health

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).