Preservation of male fertility in patients undergoing pelvic irradiation.

As the number of cancer survivors increases, so does the demand for preserving male fertility after radiation. It is important for healthcare providers to understand the pathophysiology of radiation-induced testicular injury, the techniques of fertility preservation both before and during radiation, and their role in counseling patients on the risks to their fertility and the means of mitigating these risks. Impaired spermatogenesis is a known testicular toxicity of radiation in both the acute and the late settings, as rapidly dividing spermatogonial germ cells are exquisitely sensitive to irradiation. The threshold for spermatogonial injury and subsequent impairment in spermatogenesis is ~ 0.1 Gy and the severity of gonadal injury is highly dose-dependent. Total doses < 4 Gy may allow for recovery of spermatogenesis and fertility potential, but with larger doses, recovery may be protracted or impossible. All patients undergoing gonadotoxic radiation therapy should be counseled on the possibility of future infertility, offered the opportunity for semen cryopreservation, and offered referral to a fertility specialist. In addition to this, every effort should be made to shield the testes (if not expected to contain tumor) during therapy.

Canadian Urological Association guideline: Erectile dysfunction.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) impacts the wellness and quality of life of millions of Canadians. An evaluation focused on the identification of reversible and irreversible underlying factors is recommended for patients presenting with ED. Through a shared decision-making model framework, the goal of ED treatment is to improve functional outcomes and enhance sexual satisfaction while minimizing adverse effects associated with treatment. Given that ED is assessed and treated by multiple different types of health practitioners, the purpose of this guideline is to provide the best available evidence to facilitate care delivery through a Canadian lens. After a narrative review of ED assessment and treatment for general readership, five key clinical questions relating to priority areas of ED are assessed using the GRADE and evidence-to-decision-making frameworks.

Impact of duloxetine on male fertility: A randomised controlled clinical trial.

This study assessed the impact of duloxetine (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) on semen parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation and serum hormones. We performed a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised clinical trial of duloxetine 60mg or placebo daily for 6 weeks (5 weeks full dose and 1 week taper). The primary outcome was the proportion of men with abnormal DNA fragmentation during and after duloxetine administration. Secondary outcomes were changes in semen parameters and hormones on treatment (2 and 6 weeks) and after discontinuation (8 and 10 weeks). Sixty-eight healthy males aged 18-65 were included. Duloxetine was not associated with an increase in the proportion of participants with abnormal sperm DNA fragmentation terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labelling scores (>25%) on treatment (p = 0.09) or after treatment (p = 0.56), nor did median sperm DNA fragmentation increase on treatment. Compared with placebo, there were no changes in bulk semen parameters during treatment. Limited changes in hormonal values were detected. This first published human study of a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor on male fertility revealed no clinically meaningful effects on sperm DNA fragmentation, semen parameters or serum hormones. Duloxetine, and possibly other serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, may be considered for men desiring fertility who require antidepressant treatment.

Management of Ejaculatory Duct Obstruction by Seminal Vesiculoscopy: Case Report and Literature Review.

Ejaculatory duct obstruction is a rare condition identified in up to 5% of infertile men. Patients with ejaculatory duct obstruction can present with aspermia, azoospermia or oligoasthenospermia, painful ejaculation, hematospermia, prostatic pain, or male infertility. Semen analysis, transrectal ultrasonography, pelvic computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are often used in the diagnostic work up, but with limited accuracy. While transurethral resection of the ejaculatory ducts has good efficacy for distal duct obstruction, results for proximal obstruction are less impressive, and it might cause severe complications, such as rectal injury and urinary incontinence. Recently, the use of high quality endourological devices and an improved understanding of ejaculatory ducts anatomy gleaned through the use of sophisticated imaging tools have led to the development of novel minimally invasive treatment options for this condition. The present study aims to report an index case of ejaculatory ducts obstruction managed with seminal vesiculoscopy, and review the current literature regarding this topic.

Fertility considerations in transgender patients.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: An update on the latest advances in fertility preservation for transgender women, with an emphasis on the attitudes, access, and techniques. RECENT FINDINGS: With recent warming in perception toward transgendered individuals, fertility preservation services are becoming increasingly available. Although new multidisciplinary transgender clinics are appearing in North America, a 2018 report shows a referral rate for fertility preservation of only 13.5%. Despite interest in child rearing, uptake of fertility preservation is still low as patients are transitioning at increasingly younger ages. Sperm cryopreservation, ideally prior to hormonal therapy, continues to be the mainstay of fertility preservation in transwomen. It is used in conjunction with other assisted reproductive technologies such as intrauterine insemination or in-vitro fertilization with intracytoplasmic sperm injection depending on the quantity of sperm available. Recent research reporting successful autologous grafting of cryopreserved prepubertal testis leading to sperm production and offspring in macaques show great promise in the context of fertility preservation in prepubertal patients. SUMMARY: Despite the increasing accessibility of fertility preservation, referral rates and usage continue to be low, suggesting that barriers are still in place for these individuals. Clinicians must continue to counsel patients regarding the process of fertility preservation and advocate for reduction of financial and infrastructural barriers.

Bother Associated With Climacturia After Radical Prostatectomy: Prevalence and Predictors.

INTRODUCTION: Orgasm-associated incontinence, climacturia, is one of the lesser studied radical prostatectomy (RP) complications. Little is known about patient bother related to this condition, specifically, its prevalence and predictors. AIM: To ascertain the prevalence and predictors of patient bother associated with climacturia. METHODS: Patients presenting for the evaluation of sexual dysfunction after RP at a single center were queried on various domains of sexual dysfunction. This included orgasmic dysfunction and sexual incontinence (including climacturia and arousal incontinence). Patients were specifically asked about the frequency and amount of climacturia. In addition, questions addressed patient bother and the perceived bother of their partners. Descriptive statistics were used for patient characteristics. A t-test was used for comparing the frequency of patient and partner bother, and the Pearson correlation test compared relationships between bother and predictors. Multivariable analysis was conducted to define predictors of climacturia-associated bother. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The main outcome measures was the prevalence and predictors of climacturia-associated patient bother and perceived partner bother. RESULTS: Climacturia was reported by 23% of 3,207 consecutive men analyzed. Bother of any degree was experienced by 45% of these patients, and 14% reported partner bother related to this condition. Patient bother was associated with perceived partner bother (P < .001) and inversely correlated with relationship duration (P < .001). The overall frequency and quantity of climacturia were also predictive (P < .001 for both). In the adjusted model, all of these factors remained significant. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Given the prevalence of this condition and the bother associated with it, this complication should be discussed with patients preoperatively. STRENGTH & LIMITATIONS: Strengths include a large study population and specific questions on climacturia-associated bother. Limitations include the fact that it is a single-center study and no direct partner questioning occurred. CONCLUSION: Climacturia and its associated bother are common after RP. The predictors of patient bother include perceived partner bother, shorter relationship duration, and increasing frequency and quantity of climacturia. Salter CA, Bach PV, Miranda E, et al. Bother Associated With Climacturia After Radical Prostatectomy: Prevalence and Predictors. J Sex Med 2020;17:731-736.

The Relationship and Psychosocial Impact of Arousal Incontinence After Radical Prostatectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Arousal incontinence (AI) is a lesser known complication of radical prostatectomy (RP), and few data are available on its impact on self-esteem and sexual relationships. AIM: The goal of this study was to assess the impact of AI on patient self-esteem, confidence, and sexual relationships. METHODS: This was a retrospective study. The validated Self-Esteem and Relationship (SEAR) questionnaire, as well as questions regarding AI, stress urinary incontinence (SUI), climacturia, International Prostate Symptom Score, and the International Index of Erectile Function erectile function domain, were sent to men who had undergone an RP within the past 24 months at a single institution. The data were de-identified and analyzed using descriptive statistics. OUTCOMES: The outcomes of this study include prevalence of AI, SEAR domain scores, patient and partner bother, management strategies employed by the patients, and the presence of concurrent climacturia or SUI. RESULTS: Fifty-three percent of men experienced post-operative AI; of these, 41% were currently experiencing AI, and 12% reported having prior AI that had resolved. Bother of any severity was reported by 87% of men, and perceived partner bother was reported by 64% of men. Forty-one percent of men with current AI avoided sexual activity due to the presence of AI, and 14% of men with prior AI still avoided intercourse. There was no difference in total SEAR score or in the subdomains of self-esteem, sexual relationship, or confidence between men with current AI compared to those with no AI. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: AI leads to patient bother and avoidance of sexual situations. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: This is the largest study specifically evaluating AI and the only study assessing its impact on self-esteem, sexual relationships, and self-confidence. Limitations include lack of a validated AI questionnaire, poor survey response rate, being a single-center study, and the potential for recall bias. CONCLUSION: Although AI is a common occurrence post-RP and is associated with patient bother in the majority of men, it does not impact overall self-esteem, confidence, or sexual relationships compared to post-RP men who have not experienced AI. Salter CA, Bach PV, Katz D, et al. The Relationship and Psychosocial Impact of Arousal Incontinence After Radical Prostatectomy. J Sex Med 2020;17:94-98.

Arousal Incontinence in Men Following Radical Prostatectomy: Prevalence, Impact and Predictors.

BACKGROUND: Arousal incontinence (AI) occurs during physical or psychological sexual stimulation in men and has been described after radical prostatectomy (RP). AIM: The goals of this study are to describe the characteristics of men experiencing AI, outline the nature of their symptoms, and assess for predictors of this condition. METHODS: A survey with questions on AI, stress urinary incontinence (SUI), the International Index of Erectile Function and International Prostate Symptom Score were sent out to men who had undergone an RP within the past 24 months at a single institution. The data were deidentified and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Comparisons between men with and without AI were made using t-tests and χ2 and Fisher exact tests. Logistic regression in univariable and multivariable analyses were used to define predictors of AI. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The outcomes of this study included prevalence of AI, symptom severity and timing, patient and patient-perceived partner bother, management strategies used by the patients, and concurrent SUI. RESULTS: 226 (32%) men completed the survey. Of these men, almost half (49%) experienced AI at some point during their recovery. Improvement over time was endorsed by 62% of men. 57% of men reported AI in less than half of the sexual encounters, with the amount of urine leakage being equivalent to a tablespoon or less in 88% of men. On univariate analysis, increasing degree of SUI, as measured by pads per day, was associated with AI (P = .01). A lower International Prostate Symptom Score was also associated (P = .05). On multivariate analysis, the absence of hypertension and pads per day were associated with AI (P = .01 for both). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: AI occurred in almost half of the respondents in our series. Thus, AI should be discussed with patients before surgery to allow for realistic expectations. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: Strengths of this study include the largest patient population analyzed to date regarding AI and that it is the only one to address timing and patient experiences with the use of validated instruments for erectile and urinary function. Limitations include single-center data, non-validated AI patient-reported outcomes, and poor survey response rate. CONCLUSION: Based on the available data, AI is reported by almost half of men after RP and is associated with SUI. Bach PV, Salter CA, Katz D, et al. Arousal Incontinence in Men Following Radical Prostatectomy: Prevalence, Impact and Predictors. J Sex Med 2020;16:1947-1952.

Changes in practice patterns in male infertility cases in the United States: the trend toward subspecialization.

OBJECTIVE: To assess changes in the practice patterns of urologists performing male infertility procedures (vasal reconstruction, sperm retrieval, varicocelectomy) from 2004 to 2015 in the United States. DESIGN: Examination of self-reported procedural volumes from urologists undergoing certification and recertification using case log data provided by the American Board of Urology. The study period was stratified into early (2004-2007) and recent (2012-2015) time periods. SETTING: Not applicable. PATIENT(S): None. INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURE(S): Temporal variations in male infertility practice patterns among different urologic subspecialties between the early and recent time periods. RESULT(S): The overall proportion of total male infertility procedures performed by andrologists significantly increased between the early and recent groups (23% to 26%). This growth was driven by a significant increase in the proportion of varicocele repairs being performed by andrologists between the early and recent periods (19% to 25%). Most notably, an assessment of total number of male infertility procedures performed by newly certifying urologists showed that there was a significant increase in the overall proportion of all male infertility procedures being performed by recently trained andrologists (24% to 35%). This significant increase was seen individually among all three types of male infertility procedures. CONCLUSION(S): With the increased trend in urologists obtaining fellowship training, male infertility surgical volume is beginning to shift from general urologists to subspecialized andrologists.

Microdissection testicular sperm extraction.

Microdissection testicular sperm extraction (microTESE) is considered the gold standard method for surgical sperm retrieval among patients with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). In this review, we will discuss the optimal evaluation of NOA patients and strategies to medically optimize NOA patients prior to microTESE. In addition, we will also discuss technical principles and pearls to maximize the chances of successful sperm retrieval, sperm retrieval rates (SRR) based upon testicular histology, predictors of successful sperm retrieval, gonadal recovery following microTESE, and potential complications.

Use of testicular sperm for ICSI in oligozoospermic couples: how far should we go?

In 1992 and subsequently, several reports indicated that ICSI was a successful technique to achieve clinical pregnancy and live birth using spermatozoa with severely impaired characteristics. The initial optimism over the ability of ICSI to overcome significant sperm abnormalities was later tempered by the findings of more recent publications suggesting that some sperm deficits may not be as effectively treated with ICSI. In search for effective treatment for couples with severe male factor, a number of small retrospective and prospective studies have reported high pregnancy and live birth rates using testicular sperm for men with necrozoospermia, cryptozoospermia and oligozoospermia with or without elevated sperm DNA damage. Although the data suggest that there may be some benefit in performing testicular sperm retrieval (TSR)-ICSI in select groups of non-azoospermic infertile men, there are potential risks involved with TSR. Clinicians should balance these risks prior to the recommendation of TSR-ICSI on the result of a semen analysis or sperm DNA test alone. Careful evaluation and management of male factor infertility is important. The use of TSR-ICSI in the absence of specific sperm DNA defects is still experimental.

Sperm DNA damage and its role in IVF and ICSI.

While the semen analysis has traditionally been relied upon to differentiate fertile and infertile men, its utility has been questioned in the current era of assisted reproductive technologies. The desire for more sophisticated diagnostic and predictive tools has led to increased use of sperm DNA damage in the management of male infertility. Despite the availability of numerous assays to measure sperm DNA damage, our understanding of the etiology, measurement, and clinical implications of sperm DNA damage remains incomplete. While the current evidence is fraught with heterogeneity that complicates attempts at comparison and meta-analysis, there does appear to be a role for sperm DNA damage in the development and maintenance of pregnancy in the era of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). However, as noted by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the routine and widespread use of sperm DNA damage testing is not yet supported. Further studies are needed to standardize the measurement of sperm DNA damage and to clarify the exact role of sperm DNA damage within the myriad of other male and female factors contributing to reproductive outcomes in IVF and ICSI.

Si l'analyse de sperme a traditionnellement reposé sur la distinction des hommes féconds des inféconds, son utilité a été remise en question à notre époque d'assistance médicale à la procréation.Le souhait d'outils diagnostiques et prédictifs plus sophistiqués a mené à une utilisation croissante de l'altération de l'ADN spermatique dans la prise en charge de l'infécondité masculine. Malgré la présence de nombreux tests disponibles pour évaluer l'altération de l'ADN spermatique, notre compréhension de l'étiologie, de la mesure et de des implications cliniques reste incomplète.Bien que la preuve actuelle soit entachée d'une hétérogénéité qui complique les tentatives de comparaison et de méta-analyses, l'altération de l'ADN semble bien avoir un rôle dans le développement et le maintien de la grossesse à notre époque de fécondation in vitro (FIV) et d'injection intra cytoplasmique d'un spermatozoïde (ICSI). Toutefois, comme l'a fait remarquer l'American Society for Reproductive Medicine, une large utilisation de l'évaluation de l'altération de l'ADN en routine manque encore de support. De futures études sont nécessaires pour la standardisation de la mesure de l'altération de l'ADN et pour élucider le rôle exact de cette altération parmi la myriade des autres facteurs masculins et féminins qui contribuent aux issues reproductives de la FIV et de l'ICSI.

Genetics of Male Infertility.

While 7 % of the men are infertile, currently, a genetic etiology is identified in less than 25 % of those men, and 30 % of the infertile men lack a definitive diagnosis, falling in the "idiopathic infertility" category. Advances in genetics and epigenetics have led to several proposed mechanisms for male infertility. These advances may result in new diagnostic tools, treatment approaches, and better counseling with regard to treatment options and prognosis. In this review, we focus on clinical aspects of male infertility and the role of genetics in elucidating etiologies and the potential of treatments.

Varicocele - a case for early intervention.

Testicular varicocele, which is defined as the dilation of the veins draining the testicle, has long been associated with a detrimental effect on testicular function. Despite a lack of high-quality, prospective data, recent evidence has shed light on potential links between varicocele and male infertility and serum testosterone levels. Similarly, varicocele repair has increasingly been shown to have a beneficial impact on pregnancy rates, semen parameters, and on improving serum testosterone in adult men. Numerous studies have assessed the optimal technique for varicocele repair and the bulk of the evidence has shown the microsurgical inguinal/subinguinal approach to have the highest success rates, the lowest overall complication rates, and the lowest recurrence rates. The management of varicocele in adolescents remains a clinical conundrum, but contemporary evidence suggests early deleterious effects of varicocele on testicular function in some patients. Well-designed prospective trials are critical to delineate the true impact and role of varicocele repair on male infertility and hypogonadism in adult and adolescent men.

Spermatogenesis in humans and its affecting factors.

Spermatogenesis is an extraordinary complex process. The differentiation of spermatogonia into spermatozoa requires the participation of several cell types, hormones, paracrine factors, genes and epigenetic regulators. Recent researches in animals and humans have furthered our understanding of the male gamete differentiation, and led to clinical tools for the better management of male infertility. There is still much to be learned about this intricate process. In this review, the critical steps of human spermatogenesis are discussed together with its main affecting factors.

Independently interpreted retrograde urethrography does not accurately diagnose and stage anterior urethral stricture: the importance of urologist-performed urethrography.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the accuracy of retrograde urethrogram (RUG) interpretation between the primary physician performing the procedure and the independent physician interpreting the films to evaluate the suitability of relying on independent physician interpretations for the purposes of preoperative urethral stricture surgery planning. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on a cohort of 397 patients undergoing anterior urethroplasty over a 7-year period at a single center. Preoperative RUG findings as reported at the time by both the urologist performing the urethrography and the independent interpreter (radiologist) were abstracted and compared with stricture location and length as measured intraoperatively. RUG adequacy was defined as a comment on the presence, location, and length of the urethral stricture. RESULTS: Only 49% of independently reported RUG studies were deemed adequate, and 87% of independently reported studies correctly diagnosed the presence of a stricture. Forty-nine percent of independently reported studies correctly identified stricture location compared with 96% of primary physician-reported cases (P <.001). The reported stricture lengths were 3.23 ± 2.25, 4.19 ± 2.49, and 4.51 ± 2.65 cm for the independently reported RUGs, primary physician-reported RUGs, and the intraoperative measurements, respectively. Differences between all the groups were statistically significant (P <.001). Independently reported length had a 0.47 R(2) coefficient of correlation to the intraoperative length (P <.001) compared with a 0.93 R(2) coefficient of correlation between primary physician-reported length and intraoperative length (P <.001). CONCLUSION: Independently reported RUGs are not as accurate as primary physician-reported RUGs, and caution should be used when they are used for preoperative planning.