Accessibility to Andrology Medical Devices in Arab-Muslim Countries

Abstract

Highlighting the restricted access to andrology medical devices in Arab Muslim countries, where unjust associations with sexual instruments lead to prohibitions, this commentary underscores the challenges in providing appropriate medical care for andrological conditions. Despite the crucial role of devices like penile extenders, vacuum devices, and vibrators in treating conditions such as Peyronie’s disease and erectile dysfunction, cultural and religious biases condemn them in certain regions. This lack of understanding deprives many patients of andrological treatments, limiting therapeutic options and equitable healthcare access. The commentary advocates for urology societies to raise awareness, engage policymakers, and use media to distinguish these devices from sex toys, emphasizing their medical nature for the benefit of patients.

We want to address a concerning issue related to the use of medical devices in andrology within Arab Muslim countries, where they are unjustly associated with sexual devices and, thus, prohibited (

Table 1. List of various Arab-Muslim countries surveyed regarding the status of andrology devices.

Country	Statut *
Morocco	Prohibited
Algeria	Prohibited
Tunisia	Prohibited
Senegal	Prohibited
Malaysia	Prohibited
Libya	Prohibited
Mauritania	Prohibited
Maldives	Prohibited
Pakistan	Prohibited
United Arab Emirates	Unclear legislation
Sudan	Prohibited
Saudi Arabia	Recently Approved
Syria	Unclear legislation
Jordan	Some devices prohibited
Burkina Faso	Prohibited
Djibouti	Prohibited

* Information obtained from practitioners in these countries through professional social networks.

).

As a practitioner experienced in this field, I feel the need to share my concerns regarding the negative impact of this situation on the provision of appropriate medical care. Andrology, a medical branch dedicated to specific issues faced by men, particularly focuses on conditions affecting male genital organs.

These medical devices play a crucial role in the treatment of numerous andrological conditions, such as penile extenders used in multimodal therapies for Peyronie’s disease or micropenises [1,2,3], vacuum devices with or without penile rings, which have an impact on erectile dysfunction or penile rehabilitation after radical prostatectomy or penile prosthesis placement [1,4], and vibrators designed for ejaculation disorders or sperm retrieval in spinal cord injury patients [5,6]. Thus, they have demonstrated their ability to significantly improve the quality of life of patients when used under medical supervision.

However, in some Arab Muslim countries, restrictive cultural and religious interpretations associate these devices with sexual instruments and, therefore, condemn them. This association is based on a lack of understanding of the medical nature of these instruments, as well as deeply ingrained cultural biases. As a result, many patients in these countries cannot benefit from appropriate andrological treatments. Healthcare professionals face significant barriers when it comes to prescribing or recommending these devices to their patients, severely limiting the available therapeutic options and failing to ensure equitable access to suitable care for patients, regardless of their culture or religious beliefs.

It is essential for national and international urological societies to raise public awareness about the importance of these devices and communicate with policymakers by providing strong scientific evidence to clarify the distinction between these devices and sex toys. Lastly, the use of media can help amplify this movement and bring more attention to it.