The Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM): a 5-year review of research and clinical experience

The Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) is a widely used scale for screening and diagnosis of erectile dysfunction (ED) and severity of ED in clinical practice and research. In reviewing the SHIM-related literature, we sought to provide a compendium of studies in which the SHIM was used, to provide a systematic framework for organizing and evaluating the studies, and to provide a status report on the SHIM and its impact on the management of male sexual dysfunction. Using a Medline search, we found that the SHIM was an integral measure in at least 21 studies on the prevalence of ED, 23 studies on the efficacy of ED interventions, and eight other (mainly correlational) studies. The quantity of research and quality of scholarship on the SHIM provide testimony to its positive impact on understanding and improving male sexual function. These scientific contributions are likely to remain influential in coming years.