Disparities in Prostate Cancer Screening for Transgender Women: An Analysis of the MarketScan Database.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence of PSA screening amongst transgender women. A transgender individual is someone whose gender identity differs from their birth sex or the societal norms of that assigned sex. There are no formal guidelines regarding PSA screening in transgender women, even though they retain prostatic tissue throughout the gender-affirming process, and there is a lack of existing data to adequately inform clinical practice. METHODS: We identified a cohort of transgender women in the IBM MarketScan dataset using ICD codes. The patient...s eligibility for inclusion was determined on an annual basis for the years 2013-2019. For each year, we required continuous enrollment, 3 months of post-transgender diagnosis follow-up, and aged 40-80 without a prior diagnosis of prostate malignancy. This cohort was compared to cisgender men with similar eligibility criteria. The proportions of individuals undergoing PSA screening were compared using log-binomial regression. RESULTS: A group of 2957 transgender women met the inclusion criteria. We saw significantly lower PSA screening rates among transgender individuals for ages 40-54 and 55-69, but higher rates within the age group 70-80 (P.ß<.ß.001 for all). CONCLUSION: This is the first study evaluating PSA screening rates for insured transgender women. While the rates for screening in transgender women over the age of 70 are higher, the overall rate of screening for all other age groups lags below the general population in this dataset. Further investigation is necessary to provide equitable care for the transgender community.

Current Techniques for the Objective Measures of Erectile Hardness.

INTRODUCTION: One of the most discussed topics in the urology provider's office is that of the male penile erection. Moreover, this is also a frequent basis for consultation by primary care practitioners. As such, it is essential that urologists are familiar with the various means by which the male erection may be evaluated. OBJECTIVES: This article describes several techniques presently available that may serve to objectively quantify the rigidity and hardness of the male erection. These techniques are meant to bolster information gathered from the patient interview and physical examination to better guide patient management. METHODS: An extensive literature review was performed examining publications in PubMed on this subject, including corresponding contextual literature. RESULTS: While validated patient questionnaires have been routinely employed, the urologist has many additional means available to uncover the extent of the patient's pathology. Many of these tools are noninvasive techniques that involve virtually no risk to the patient and take advantage of pre-existing physiologic properties of the phallus and its blood supply to estimate corresponding tissue stiffness. Specifically, Virtual Touch Tissue Quantification which precisely quantifies axial and radial rigidity, can provide continuous data on how these forces change over time, thus providing a promising comprehensive assessment. CONCLUSION: Quantification of the erection allows for the patient and provider to assess response to therapy, aids the surgeon in choice of appropriate procedure, and guides effective patient counseling regarding expectation management. Rohrer GE, Premo H, Lentz AC. Current Techniques for the Objective Measures of Erectile Hardness. Sex Med Rev 2022;10:648-659.

Current Techniques for the Objective Measures of Erectile Hardness.

INTRODUCTION: One of the most discussed topics in the urology provider's office is that of the male penile erection. Moreover, this is also a frequent basis for consultation by primary care practitioners. As such, it is essential that urologists are familiar with the various means by which the male erection may be evaluated. OBJECTIVES: This article describes several techniques presently available that may serve to objectively quantify the rigidity and hardness of the male erection. These techniques are meant to bolster information gathered from the patient interview and physical examination to better guide patient management. METHODS: An extensive literature review was performed examining publications in PubMed on this subject, including corresponding contextual literature. RESULTS: While validated patient questionnaires have been routinely employed, the urologist has many additional means available to uncover the extent of the patient's pathology. Many of these tools are noninvasive techniques that involve virtually no risk to the patient and take advantage of pre-existing physiologic properties of the phallus and its blood supply to estimate corresponding tissue stiffness. Specifically, Virtual Touch Tissue Quantification which precisely quantifies axial and radial rigidity, can provide continuous data on how these forces change over time, thus providing a promising comprehensive assessment. CONCLUSION: Quantification of the erection allows for the patient and provider to assess response to therapy, aids the surgeon in choice of appropriate procedure, and guides effective patient counseling regarding expectation management.

The male sling for stress urinary incontinence: tips and tricks for success

ABSTRACT Urethral slings are a good treatment option for mild male stress urinary incontinence. There are many different sling options, but herein our group describes our techniques with the Advance® and Virtue® slings. More important than technique, we strongly think that patient selection is paramount to sling success. We only offer slings to patients who have low 24 hour pad weights, high Valsalva leak point pressure, and no history of pelvic radiation. Still, like with any surgery, we recommend that the surgeons implant the device that they are most comfortable with along with their chosen techniques.

The male sling for stress urinary incontinence: tips and tricks for success.

Urethral slings are a good treatment option for mild male stress urinary incontinence. There are many different sling options, but herein our group describes our techniques with the Advance® and Virtue® slings. More important than technique, we strongly think that patient selection is paramount to sling success. We only offer slings to patients who have low 24 hour pad weights, high Valsalva leak point pressure, and no history of pelvic radiation. Still, like with any surgery, we recommend that the surgeons implant the device that they are most comfortable with along with their chosen techniques.