This article discusses the passage of the "second sexological wave", which emerged in the middle of the 20th century, to a third phase represented by Sexual Medicine, which came to light in the last decade of the 20th century. I analyze the emergence of Sexual Medicine as part of a broader process of "biologization" of the human, which was parallel to an important transformation in the mode of operation and production of the pharmaceutical industry. Two crucial points in the transition from the second sexology to Sexual Medicine will be addressed: the medical reconfiguration of impotence through the construction and dissemination of the diagnosis of "erectile dysfunction" and its effects on male sexuality; the changing of focus from female (or couple) sexuality to male sexuality and its consequences. The broader goal of the article is to present and discuss the medicalization of male sexuality and its significance regarding gender relations.
sexology; sexual medicine; erectile dysfunction; male sexuality; pharmaceutical industry