What is the effect of laser anatomical endoscopic enucleation of the prostate on the ejaculatory functions? A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Laser anatomical endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (LAEEP) has emerged as a promising new approach in endoscopic surgery for BPH. LAEEP could still result in ejaculatory dysfunction. AIM: This systematic review aimed to examine the impact of LAEEP on male ejaculatory functions. METHODS: The review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement, and 15 records were included. Outcomes of interest included ejaculatory dysfunction (retrograde ejaculation, painful ejaculation, etc.) and validated questionnaire scores. The quality of studies included in the systematic review was determined using QUADAS scoring. RESULTS: We retrieved data for 1877 men in 15 clinical studies investigating LAEEP surgery and reporting EjD rates. While only three of the obtained studies were on thulium fiber (ThuLEP), the rest were on holmium (HoLEP). The definition of "Ejaculatory Dysfunction" was not standardized, but in most works, it is referred to as retrograde ejaculation (RE). There were no data on the relationship between other LAEEP techniques and ejaculation functions. The authors compared the outcomes of used standard laser enucleation techniques with the modified techniques. The RE rate in LAEEP was 62.1 ± 25.1%, 71.3 ± 16.1% in standard techniques, and 27.2 ± 18.1% in ejaculation-preserving modified techniques (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This review demonstrated that ejaculation-preserving techniques, i.e., modified techniques are superior to standard techniques. Studies have also shown that ejaculatory dysfunction rates gradually decrease with long-term follow-ups. Future well-designed studies could further investigate the ejaculation-preserving modification of LAEEP techniques and how they impact EjD rates and other sexual function outcomes.

[Research progress on mechanism and preventive measures of retrograde ejaculation after benign prostatic hyperplasia surgery].

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common disease in middle-aged and elderly men. It's first-line therapy is drugs. But with the progression of the disease or side effects of drugs, surgical treatment will become a better choice. However, either transurethral resection of the prostate, the standard procedure, or enucleation or resection of the prostate based on various laser platforms or plasma technologies cause a high incidence of retrograde ejaculation in their postoperative follow-up. In the past, retrograde ejaculation was usually regarded as the cost of benign prostatic hyperplasia surgery. In recent years, with the continuous improvement of surgical skills and the emergence of new techniques, retrograde ejaculation has aroused the attention of clinicians. This article mainly introduces the mechanism of retrograde ejaculation after benign prostatic hyperplasia surgery and the methods to reduce the incidence of retrograde ejaculation after surgery. These methods mainly include various modified surgery, as well as novel minimally invasive techniques such as prostate embolization and prostatic urethral lift.

Preservation of antegrade ejaculation after surgical relief of benign prostatic obstruction is a valid endpoint.

PURPOSE: To review the current data on retrograde ejaculation (RE) and ejaculatory dysfunction (EjD) after endoscopic and minimally invasive surgical treatment of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) and, their perceived impact in the quality of life (QoL) and sexual life of patients and their partners. METHODS: Narrative review of systematic reviews (SR) assessing comparative rates of RE, EjD or erectile dysfunction (EF) was carried out. Relevant articles on the prevalence of RE, EjD or EF and on their impact in the QoL or sexual life of patients and partners were manually selected based on relevance. RESULTS: Twelve SRs reporting on comparisons of different endoscopic/minimally invasive treatments of BPO were found. Data on outcomes varied widely. Overall, after conventional TURP or laser techniques 42-75% of patients present RE. Prostatic incision and ablative procedures present lowest rates of de novo RE or EjD whereas laser adenomectomy and ejaculation preservation procedures preserve antegrade ejaculation in 46-68% of patients. EjDs is associated to LUTS and present in 10% of sexualy active men before intervention. It modulates the QoL and sexual life of the couple. In spite of the scarce literature assessing patient's and partner's perception of postoperative EjD, it strongly suggests that both parties value the maintenance of the ejaculatory function. CONCLUSION: Ejaculation-preserving techniques and minimally invasive techniques successfully prevent BPO treatment-induced RE or EjD in 70-100% of the cases. While this is appealing to patients and spouses, technique selection and treatment durability are issues to be discussed with the couple.

Ejaculatory disorders after prostatic artery embolization: a reassessment of two prospective clinical trials.

PURPOSE: This study aims to specify and explain the previous findings of unexpectedly high rates of ejaculatory disorders, i.e. 56%, found after prostatic artery embolization (PAE) in a randomized controlled trial comparing safety and efficacy of PAE and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Case report forms of the randomized controlled trial were analyzed to specify the grade of postoperative ejaculatory dysfunction 3 months postoperatively. In addition, study participants with assessable ejaculation were asked to complete the four-item Male Sexual Health Questionnaire-Ejaculation Dysfunction Short Form (MSHQ-EjD) referring to their ejaculatory function at present, as well as before treatment and 3 months after. Potential explanations for ejaculatory disorders after PAE were derived from histological examination of five radical prostatectomy specimens of patients that underwent PAE 6 weeks before radical prostatectomy within a proof-of-concept trial at the study site, St. Gallen Cantonal Hospital. An experienced uropathologist systematically examined the whole-gland embedded tissue with focus on structures that are involved into ejaculation. RESULTS: While patients after TURP predominantly suffered from anejaculation (52%), diminished ejaculation was found more often after PAE (40%). Significantly higher MSHQ-EjD scores were found 3 months after PAE and at a median follow-up of 31 months. Histological examination showed marked changes of structures involved into ejaculation (e.g., prostatic glands, seminal vesicles, ejaculatory ducts) after PAE. CONCLUSION: Although anejaculation occurs less frequently after PAE (16%) compared to TURP (52%), patients have to be informed about the relevant risk of ejaculatory disorders, especially diminished ejaculation.

Do patients have to choose between ejaculation and miction? A systematic review about ejaculation preservation technics for benign prostatic obstruction surgical treatment.

PURPOSE: Ejaculatory dysfunction is the most common side effect related to surgical treatment of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO). Nowadays, modified surgical techniques and non-ablative techniques have emerged with the aim of preserving antegrade ejaculation. Our objective was to conduce a systematic review of the literature regarding efficacy on ejaculatory preservation of modified endoscopic surgical techniques, and mini-invasive non-ablatives techniques for BPO management. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was carried out on the PubMed database using the following MESH terms: "Prostatic Hyperplasia/surgery" and "Ejaculation", in combination with the following keywords: "ejaculation preservation", "photoselective vaporization of the prostate", "photoselective vapo-enucleation of the prostate", "holmium laser enucleation of the prostate", "thulium laser", "prostatic artery embolization", "urolift", "rezum", and "aquablation". RESULTS: The ejaculation preservation rate of modified-TURP ranged from 66 to 91%. The ejaculation preservation rate of modified-prostate photo-vaporization ranged from 87 to 96%. The only high level of evidence studies available compared prostatic urethral lift (PUL) and aquablation versus regular TURP in prospective randomized-controlled trials. The ejaculation preservation rate of either PUL or aquablation compared to regular TURP was 100 and 90 versus 34%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Non-ablative therapies and modified endoscopic surgical techniques seemed to be reasonable options for patients eager to preserve their ejaculatory functions.

Clinical review of ejaculatory dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Ejaculatory dysfunction (EjD) is a complex pathological condition compared to erectile dysfunction (ED). A definitive classification of EjD is not established, and treatment is often delayed. Owing to its association with infertility, EjD is a serious concern, particularly in men of reproductive age. METHODS: The authors performed a literature search to identify the latest articles and overseas guidelines for review. RESULTS: Our new classification categorizes men into two groups as follows: (1) men with inability to ejaculate (retrograde ejaculation, anejaculation, intravaginal ejaculatory dysfunction) and (2) men requiring an abnormal time for ejaculation (premature ejaculation, delayed ejaculation). In Japan, the number of men presenting with an inability to ejaculate is greater than those presenting with premature ejaculation. Pharmacotherapy is the first-line treatment for the management of these EjD patients. Behavioral therapy is added to pharmacotherapy depending on the case. Penile vibratory stimulation or electroejaculation is indicated in some men with retrograde ejaculation and anejaculation. In cases who hope for a baby, assisted reproductive technology should be simultaneously considered not to waste time. CONCLUSION: It is important to distinguish between EjD and ED and accurately diagnose the type of EjD for optimal treatment of this condition.

Sexual activity after spine surgery: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Sexual function is an important determinant of quality of life, and factors such as surgical approach, performance of fusion, neurological function and residual pain can affect it after spine surgery. Our aim was to perform a systematic review to collate evidence regarding the impact of spine surgery on sexual function. METHODS: A systematic review of studies reporting measures of sexual function, and incidence of adverse sexual outcomes (retrograde ejaculation) after major spine surgery was done, regardless of spinal location. Pubmed (MEDLINE) and Google Scholar databases were queried using the following search words "Sex", "Sex life", "Sexual function", "Sexual activity", "retrograde ejaculation", "Spine", "Spine surgery", "Lumbar surgery", "Lumbar fusion", "cervical spine", "cervical fusion", "Spinal deformity", "scoliosis" and "Decompression". All articles published between 1997 and 2017 were retrieved from the database. A total of 81 studies were included in the final review. RESULTS: Majority of the studies were retrospective case series and were low quality (Level IV) in evidence. Anterior lumbar approaches were associated with a higher incidence of retrograde ejaculation, especially with the utilization of transperitoneal laparoscopic approach. There is inconclusive evidence on the preferred sexual position following fusion, and also on the impact of BMP-2 usage on retrograde ejaculation/sexual dysfunction. CONCLUSION: Despite limited evidence from high-quality articles, there is a general trend towards improvement of sexual activity and function after spine surgery. Future studies incorporating specific assessments of sexual activity will be required to address this important determinant of quality of life so that appropriate pre-operative counselling can be done by providers. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Genital vibration for sexual function and enhancement: a review of evidence.

Vibration, as provided by a genital vibrator, is commonly regarded as a tool to enhance sexual pleasure and in modern day society falls under the category of a sex toy. However, the vibrator was not originally intended to be a toy, and its benefits reach far beyond that of a plaything. This article is a narrative review of the current evidence regarding the use of vibratory stimulation for the treatment of sexual dysfunction and/or sexual and relationship enhancement. The literature indicates that vibratory stimulation has evidence-based support for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory dysfunction and anorgasmia. Vibratory stimulation is positively correlated with increased sexual desire and overall sexual function. It has also shown benefit for sexual arousal difficulties and pelvic floor dysfunction. Though definitive evidence is lacking, genital vibration is a potential treatment for sexual dysfunction related to a wide variety of sexual health concerns in men and women.

Genital vibration for sexual function and enhancement: best practice recommendations for choosing and safely using a vibrator.

Vibrators are an evidence-based treatment for a variety of sexual dysfunctions and sexual enhancement; however, the use of a genital vibrator lacks best practice recommendations. This aim of this article is to provide current, best practice recommendations regarding the use of vibratory stimulation for the treatment of sexual dysfunction and/or sexual or relationship enhancement. A multidisciplinary team of sexual health specialists collaborated to develop best practice recommendations based on a narrative literature review. Recommendations for the use of vibratory stimulation for the treatment of sexual dysfunction are provided, with special attention to counseling patients on choosing and safely using a vibrator. Further study is needed to determine the most effective methods to counsel patients on vibrator use and to provide evidence-based cleaning recommendations.

[Influence of photoselective vaporization of the prostate on the sexual function of the patient].

n recent years, photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) has gained a wide clinical application in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) for its satisfactory effect, high safety, and low incidence of complications. With the improvement of living conditions, BPH patients are paying more attention to their sexual function, especially erectile function and ejaculatory problems instead of just focusing on the alleviation of lower urinary tract symptoms. Few studies of PVP, however, relate to its association with the sexual function of the patient and there is a certain controversy over the influence of PVP on it in the existing literature. Prevailing views hold that the uprated power in PVP does not affect erectile function or increase the risk of retrograde ejaculation (REj) and that PVP is even better than transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in avoiding the risk of REj.

Systematic review of lower urinary tract symptoms/benign prostatic hyperplasia surgical treatments on men's ejaculatory function: Time for a bespoke approach?

Although ejaculatory dysfunction is common for patients undergoing benign prostatic hyperplasia surgery, no clear evidence is present to counsel men seeking to preserve ejaculation. Our aim was to evaluate ejaculatory dysfunction in relation to benign prostatic hyperplasia surgery. We carried out a web and manual search using MEDLINE and Embase including randomized controlled trials reporting ejaculatory dysfunction after benign prostatic hyperplasia surgery: 42 randomized controlled trials comprising a total of 3857 patients were included. Only one study had ejaculatory dysfunction as a primary outcome, and just 10 evaluated ejaculatory dysfunction before and after surgery. The definition of ejaculatory dysfunction was not standardized. Similarly, just seven studies used internationally validated questionnaires to address ejaculatory dysfunction. The reported rates of ejaculatory dysfunction after resectional electrosurgery, laser procedures, coagulation, ablation and implant techniques were assessed and compared. Transurethral resection of the prostate and recent laser procedures including holmium, thulium and GreenLight cause similar rates of ejaculatory dysfunction, occurring in almost three out of four to five men. Although providing less symptomatic benefit compared with transurethral resection of the prostate, transurethral incision of the prostate, transurethral needle ablation and transurethral microwave thermotherapy should be considered for men aiming to maintain normal ejaculation. UroLift is also a recent promising option for this category of patients. The vast majority of studies reporting ejaculatory dysfunction after benign prostatic hyperplasia surgery used poor methodology to investigate this complication. Future studies able to address clear hypothesis and considering ejaculatory dysfunction anatomical and pathophysiological features are required to develop ejaculation preserving techniques and to increase the evidence to counsel men aiming to preserve ejaculation.

Correction of Retrograde Ejaculation in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus Using Endourethral Collagen Injection: Preliminary Results.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetic neuropathy secondary to diabetes mellitus type 1 (DM1) is responsible for retrograde ejaculation (RE) in 5-18% of cases. Medical treatment of RE is based either on increasing the sympathetic tone of the bladder or on decreasing the parasympathetic activity. However, the onset of side effects and the lack of response should be considered. AIMS: The aim of this study was to analyze long-term outcome of endourethral injection of volume-forming material (VFM) of collagen type 2 into bladder neck submucosa in patients with RE secondary to DM1. METHODS: Twenty-four patients with complete RE refractory to imipramine and DM1 were included in the study. Patients were single-blinded randomized according to a computer-generated random sequence with a 1:1 ratio in two treatment groups, namely group A (endourethral collage type 2 injection) and group B (endourethral saline water injection). New technique includes an endoscopic injection of VFM such as collagen (Correcting MIT®, Ltd. minimally invasive technologies, Moscow, Russia) into bladder neck submucosa. Primary endpoint of the study was the reduction of semen antegrade volume (mL). Secondary endpoints were considered as the changes of antegrade count (millions/mL), antegrade total motility (%), antegrade progressive motility (%), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Questionnaire and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5). Pregnancy rate was calculated in each group. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients completed the study. In group A, significant differences from baseline to 12 months were observed relative to antegrade volume (mL) (mean difference: 0.71, P < 0.05), antegrade count (millions/mL) (mean difference: 45.6, P < 0.05), antegrade total motility (%) (mean difference: 15.4, P < 0.05) and antegrade progressive motility (%) (mean difference: 8.4, P < 0.05). In group A, we observed significant differences in terms State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (mean difference: -20.5, P < 0.05) and Beck Depression Inventory (mean difference: -8.4, P < 0.05) with significant differences compared with group B. We observed significant improvements in group A vs. group B when considering primary and secondary endpoints of the study, but not for the IIEF-5. CONCLUSION: Correction of RE in DM1 patients could be achieved with endourethral injection of collagen type 2.

The Impact of Medical and Surgical Treatment for Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy on Erectile Function.

There is a well-known link between treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and erectile dysfunction. Surgical and medical management of LUTS all have side effect profiles which may affect erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory dysfunction, or libido. These should be taken into consideration during patient counseling. This article reviews the common side effects of the medical and surgical treatments of LUTS.

Practical application of color Doppler ultrasonography in patients with ejaculatory dysfunction.

We describe two cases in which dynamic analysis of ejaculation using color Doppler ultrasonography was useful in diagnosis of ejaculatory dysfunction and planning of therapy. The first patient was a 32-year-old man with a diagnosis of retrograde ejaculation. A bladder neck collagen injection was carried out, as the main cause was thought to be the bladder neck remaining open during ejaculation. The patient had antegrade ejaculation 1 week later. The second patient was a 48-year-old man with a diagnosis of anorgasmia accompanied by decreased seminal emission and insufficient function of the rhythmic pelvic striated muscles. The patient was prescribed etilefrine hydrochloride 15 mg/day. The symptom improved 2 weeks after starting this drug. These cases suggest that the use of color Doppler ultrasonography during ejaculation can improve the understanding of ejaculatory dysfunction and therapy for this condition.

Treatment of LUTS secondary to BPH while preserving sexual function: randomized controlled study of prostatic urethral lift.

INTRODUCTION: We analyzed data obtained from a randomized controlled blinded study of the prostatic urethral lift (PUL) to evaluate the sexual side effects of this novel treatment. AIMS: We sought to determine whether PUL, when conducted in a randomized study, significantly improved lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and urinary flow rate while preserving sexual function. METHODS: Men ≥50 years with prostates 30-80 cc, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) >12, and peak urinary flow rate (Qmax) ≤12 ml/s were randomized 2:1 between PUL and sham. Sexual activity was not an inclusion criterion. In PUL, permanent transprostatic implants are placed to retract encroaching lateral lobes and open the prostatic fossa. Sham entailed rigid cystoscopy with sounds to mimic PUL and a blinding screen. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Blinded groups were compared at 3 months and active arm then followed to 12 months for LUTS with IPSS and for sexual function with sexual health inventory for men (SHIM) and Male Sexual Health Questionnaire for Ejaculatory Dysfunction (MSHQ-EjD). Subjects were censored from primary sexual function analysis if they had baseline SHIM < 5 at enrollment. Secondary stratified analysis by erectile dysfunction (ED) severity was conducted. RESULTS: There was no evidence of degradation in erectile or ejaculatory function after PUL. SHIM and MSHQ-EjD scores were not different from control at 3 months but were modestly improved and statistically different from baseline at 1 year. Ejaculatory bother score was most improved with a 40% improvement over baseline. Twelve-month SHIM was significantly improved from baseline for men entering the study with severe ED, P = 0.016. IPSS and Qmax were significantly superior to both control at 3 months and baseline at 1 year. There was no instance of de novo sustained anejaculation or ED over the course of the study. CONCLUSIONS: The PUL improves LUTS and urinary flow while preserving erectile and ejaculatory function.

Management of ejaculatory dysfunction.

Ejaculatory dysfunction is a common complaint and is often associated with a reduced quality of life for sufferer and partner. The spectrum of ejaculatory dysfunction extends from premature ejaculation (PE) to delayed ejaculation (DE) and anejaculation. Over the past 20-30 years, the PE treatment paradigm, previously limited to behavioural psychotherapy, has expanded to include drug treatment. Multiple well-controlled, evidence-based studies have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors in delaying ejaculation, confirming their role as first-line agents for the treatment of lifelong and acquired PE. More recently, there has been increased attention to the psychosocial consequences of PE, its epidemiology, its aetiology and its pathophysiology by both clinicians and the pharmaceutical industry. DE and anejaculation are probably the least common, least studied and least understood of the male sexual dysfunctions. However, their impact is significant as they may result in a lack of sexual fulfilment for both the man and his partner, an effect further compounded when procreation is among the couple's goals of sexual intercourse. The causes of DE, anejaculation and anorgasmia are manifold. Numerous psychotherapeutic treatments are described for the management of delayed or anejaculation. Although some appear to be effective, none has been properly evaluated in large-scale samples. Treatment of DE or anejaculation with pharmacotherapy has met with limited success. No drugs have been approved by regulatory agencies for this purpose, and most drugs that have been identified for potential use have limited efficacy, impart significant side-effects or are yet considered experimental in nature.

Sperm retrieval in anejaculatory diabetic men who failed in drug treatment and penile vibratory stimulation during blood sugar under control.

Ejaculatory dysfunction is an uncommon cause of male infertility. The aim of this study was to explore non-invasive methods for sperm retrieval in anejaculatory diabetic men who failed in drug treatment and penile vibratory stimulation during blood sugar under control. Among 21 anejaculatory diabetic men who had failed in drug treatment and penile vibratory stimulation, sperm was collected by retrograde ejaculation in 10 patients (group A), and in eight patients, sperm was collected by prostatic massage (group B). We compared the outcome of subsequent assisted reproductive treatment between the two groups; the rate of fertility in group A and in group B was 78.3% and 66.6% respectively, and the rate of good embryo was 56.6% and 48.8% respectively. Eight singleton pregnancies were achieved in the 18 anejaculatory diabetic men, 5 in group A and 3 in group B, the rate of pregnancy between the two groups was 50% and 37.5% respectively. There was no significant difference in the rate of fertility, good embryo rate and pregnancy outcome between the two groups.

Fertility Challenges: The Complexities of Retrograde Ejaculation and Cornual Block in Reproductive Health.

Infertility, a complicated reproductive health issue that affects both men and women, can have a variety of causes, from anatomical abnormalities to hormone imbalances. This research addresses a couple who have been struggling with infertility for the past four years: a 31-year-old woman with bilateral tubal blockage and her 34-year-old spouse who suffered from primary infertility due to retrograde ejaculation (RE) for the same period. Analyzing the male's semen sample, it was discovered that there were dead sperm and urine, indicating RE. A hysterosalpingography indicated bilateral tubal obstruction in the female partner. Pelvic factors were examined via laparoscopy, which played a crucial role in addressing further issues. The procedure of treatment included testicular sperm aspiration for sperm extraction and intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Hormonal support was involved in the follow-up, and on the 14th day, the ß-hCG test came back positive. The intricate procedures of RE and cornual block are discussed, with a focus on how they affect reproductive health.

Retrograde Ejaculation Due to Posterior Urethral Stricture: A Rare Case Report.

Pelvic fracture is a serious injury, which has a profound impact on sexual function due to concurrent nervous and urethral injuries. In this case report, we describe a 29-year-old single man who had retrograde ejaculation as a result of a pelvic fracture-related posterior urethral stricture. The patient wanted to improve his ejaculatory ability after experiencing urethral stricture for 8 years and retrograde ejaculation for 3 years following the pelvic fracture. We precisely located and measured the patient's urethral stricture using a retrograde urethrogram, and we used transrectal color Doppler ultrasound to track the patient's ejaculation process in real time. Next, we used urethral balloon dilatation to relieve the urethral stricture. Urinary obstruction symptoms have completely resolved, and the patient was able to urinate without any obstructions. Meanwhile, the real-time transrectal color Doppler ultrasound result showed that some semen might ejaculate externally by passing through the initial stricture area, while some semen continued to flow retrogradely into the bladder.

Lower urinary tract obstruction due to anterior bladder neck midline prostatic cyst in a young man: A case report.

Obstructive lower urinary tract symptoms in young men can occasionally be attributed to rare intra-prostatic cystic lesions. This case reports a 27-year-old man presenting with sudden onset voiding difficulty, diagnosed with a midline prostatic cyst at the anterior bladder neck, a rare location. The cyst was successfully treated with bipolar transurethral endoscopic resection, resulting in the resolution of urinary symptoms without retrograde ejaculation which is a common complication that is a central concern in the literature regarding the choice of surgical modality.