Transforming Sexual Health Services: A Systematic Review of India's Top Interventions (2010-2023)

Background Healthcare decision-makers require clear, evidence-based insights to effectively prioritize treatments for sexual dysfunction. This study seeks to provide a comparative analysis of the health benefits and cost-effectiveness of different interventions, including both medical and non-medical treatments, with a special focus on the Indian context. Methods This systematic review draws on ranking frameworks from Indian health organizations like the National Health Systems Resource Centre (NHSRC) and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to prioritize preventive healthcare services. Using data from 2010 to 2023, we evaluated key interventions, including pharmacological treatments, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and lifestyle changes, in the Indian context. Each intervention was scored for clinical and cost-effectiveness on a 1 to 5 scale, with total scores ranging from 2 to 10. To set administration priorities, we compared these rankings with access and usage rates, following recommendations from programs like the National Health Mission (NHM) and the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO). Results Pharmacological treatments, such as Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i), received high effectiveness scores (8-10), but their availability was found to be limited in low-income regions. CBT, with moderate-to-high effectiveness (7-9), showed better cost-effectiveness in these regions. Lifestyle modifications had lower overall effectiveness but remain a crucial complement to other interventions. Regional disparities highlighted gaps in service delivery, especially in resource-poor areas. Conclusion This review identifies the most valuable interventions for treating sexual dysfunction and provides a framework to guide healthcare providers and policymakers in prioritizing actions that improve sexual health outcomes, especially in underserved populations.