Clinical review of ejaculatory dysfunction

Efficacy and safety of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in anejaculation: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Anejaculation represents significant psychological distress and sexual and reproductive challenges among male individuals and couples. Effective fertility management options are available to address the reproductive challenges associated with anejaculation. However, there is a lack of methods to reverse the condition itself.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in patients suffering from anejaculation.

METHODS

A total of 94 patients with anejaculation individuals were randomly assigned to receive high-frequency (HF) stimulation on the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), low-frequency (LF) stimulation on the right DLPFC, and sham stimulation for 4 weeks, with daily sessions of stimulation occurring on five consecutive weekdays each week.

RESULTS

After 4 weeks of rTMS treatment, the patients in both the HF and LF groups exhibited a similar reduction in their male sexual health questionnaire for ejaculatory dysfunction bother/satisfaction score, Hamilton Anxiety Scale score, Hamilton Depression Scale score, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory score, which were statistically significant compared with sham treatment. Additionally, there were no significant differences observed in erectile function and cognitive function across the three groups. However, there were notable disparities in the cure rates between HF- and LF-group patients (16.1% vs. 54.8%, p = 0.001). Additionally, it is worth noting that only two HF group patients and one LF group patient experienced spontaneously resolving minor adverse effects during the treatment process. At the 8-week follow-up, among patients who initially responded to the treatment, only one from the HF group experienced a relapse.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The findings of this study demonstrate that rTMS represents a secure and efficacious remedy for anejaculation patients.

Recent Advances in the Diagnosis and Management of Retrograde Ejaculation: A Narrative Review

Retrograde ejaculation (RE) is a condition where the forward expulsion of seminal fluid is impaired, leading to infertility and psychological distress in affected individuals. This narrative review examines the etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of RE, emphasizing its impact on male fertility. RE may result in the partial or complete absence of the ejaculate. Causes of RE include anatomical, neurological, pharmacological, and endocrine factors, with common triggers such as diabetes, spinal cord injury, and prostate surgery. Diagnosis primarily involves the patient history, a laboratory analysis of post-ejaculatory urine samples, and advanced imaging techniques. Management strategies for RE include pharmacological interventions, surgical approaches, and assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). Sympathomimetic and parasympatholytic agents have demonstrated some success but are limited by side effects and variability in outcomes. ARTs, particularly with sperm retrieved from post-ejaculatory urine, offer a viable alternative for conception, with techniques such as urine alkalization and advanced sperm processing showing promising results. Despite these advancements, treatment efficacy remains inconsistent, with many studies relying on small sample sizes and lacking robust clinical trials. Future research should focus on refining diagnostic tools, optimizing ART protocols, and developing minimally invasive treatments. By addressing these gaps, healthcare providers can improve fertility outcomes and the quality of life for patients with RE.

Distinct Clusters of Testosterone Levels, Symptoms, and Serum Trace Elements in Young Men: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Background/Objectives: Modern societal stressors have been linked to declining testosterone levels among young men, contributing to somatic, psychological, and sexual health problems. Despite growing evidence suggesting a link between trace elements and testosterone-related symptoms, there are only a few comprehensive analyses on younger populations. This study's aim was to examine how serum trace elements modulate the relationship between testosterone levels and symptom severity. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 225 young men seeking infertility consultation in Japan. Serum total and free testosterone levels were measured, along with self-reported symptoms using the Aging Males' Symptoms scale (somatic, psychological, sexual) and the Erection Hardness Score. The serum concentrations of 20 trace elements were measured. We used unsupervised clustering to classify participants based on testosterone levels and symptom severity and then compared the distribution of trace elements among the resulting clusters. Results: Three distinct clusters emerged: (1) lowest testosterone with highest symptom severity, (2) intermediate, and (3) highest testosterone with minimal symptoms. Interestingly, the intermediate cluster displayed low testosterone levels but minimal symptoms. Eleven trace elements (phosphorus, sulfur, potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, arsenic, rubidium, strontium, molybdenum, and cesium) were identified as potential contributors to testosterone dynamics. Weighted quantile sum regression indicated that phosphorus, strontium, and molybdenum negatively influenced testosterone outcomes, whereas iron, sulfur, and zinc were beneficial. Conclusions: Serum trace element profiles are significantly associated with testosterone levels and symptom severity in young men. Targeted interventions may address testosterone decline and its implications. These findings may help develop tailored strategies for optimizing male health.

Seminal vesicles - an overlooked pair of accessory glands in male sexual dysfunction: a narrative review

The seminal vesicles (SVs) have long been recognized for their role in male fertility, yet their contribution to male sexual function is often underestimated. In recent decades, studies have gradually unveiled an association between SVs and various male sexual dysfunctions (SDs), including diminished libido, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, delayed ejaculation, and orgasmic disorder. We conducted a comprehensive literature search of publications up until April 2024 in PubMed, Google Scholar, and CNKI, focusing on original studies, case reports, and reviews addressing the relationship between SVs and male SDs. The aim was to explore the pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical evaluation, and management of this relationship, providing urologists and andrologists with new insights into diagnosing and treating complex male SDs. Current research suggests that SVs may play a role in male sexual function, but the evidence remains limited. Future large-scale, rigorously designed studies are needed to further validate this relationship.

Recuperación de espermatozoides de la orina en hombres con eyaculación retrógrada

Introducción

La eyaculación retrógrada (ER) es la ausencia total o parcial de emisión del esperma, con la consecuente derivación del semen hacia la vejiga durante la fase de emisión de la eyaculación. Existe un grupo de pacientes en los que la evaluación del eyaculado no es suficiente para su detección. Y, en ocasiones, va a ser necesario recurrir a la utilización de métodos invasivos como la extracción de fluido epididimario, o la biopsia testicular para tratar su infertilidad.

Contenido

El documento define la ER, y los métodos para su diagnóstico. También aborda la detección de espermatozoides en la orina poseyaculado (OPE), la preparación y recuperación de espermatozoides de la orina, y su uso posterior en técnicas de reproducción asistida.

Resumen

El diagnóstico de ER se basa en la detección de espermatozoides en OPE en pacientes con aspermia o con oligozoospermia y volumen seminal bajo o normal. Aunque la presencia de espermatozoides en OPE podría considerarse por sí misma diagnóstica de ER, existe una falta de consenso en cuanto a definir exactamente los criterios diagnósticos y son muy pocos los estudios que los describen. Un correcto diagnóstico de la ER permite utilizar OPE para la obtención de espermatozoides y su posterior uso en técnicas de reproducción humana asistida, evitando técnicas invasivas.

Perspectivas

Un importante número de pacientes con ER puede permanecer sin diagnosticar. Por ello, es fundamental realizar el estudio de ER en pacientes con sospecha, mediante el estudio de la OPE, siendo necesaria una adecuada interpretación de los resultados para su correcto diagnóstico.

Sperm recovery from urine in men with retrograde ejaculation

Introduction

Retrograde ejaculation (RE) consists of the reflux backwards, towards the bladder, of the ejaculate, during the emission phase of ejaculation, causing a total or partial absence of sperm emission, with the consequent diversion of semen into the bladder during the emission phase of ejaculation. Evaluating the ejaculate may not be sufficient for identifying RE in some patients. Hence, the management of infertility may involve the use of invasive methods such as epididymal fluid retrieval or testicular biopsy.

Content

This paper defines RE and methods for its diagnosis. A description is also provided of the techniques used for the detection of sperm in post-ejaculatory urine (PEU), the preparation and retrieval of sperm from urine and their subsequent use in assisted reproductive techniques.

Summary

The diagnosis of RE is based on the detection of spermatozoa in PEU in patients with aspermia or oligozoospermia and low or normal seminal volume. Although the presence of sperm in PEU could be sufficient for a diagnosis of RE, there is a lack of consensus regarding the diagnostic criteria for PEU, and the literature available is very limited. A correct diagnosis of RE allows the use of PEU for recovering sperm and its subsequent use in assisted human reproduction techniques, thus avoiding invasive techniques.

Outlook

A significant number of patients with RE may remain undiagnosed. Therefore, it is essential to conduct an RE study in patients with suspicion, through the analysis of PEU, and to properly interpret the results for accurate diagnosis.

Application of the sexual therapy combined with vacuum negative pressure hydropneumatic/pneumatic bubble massage in primary intravaginal anejaculation

INTRODUCTION

Primary intravaginal anejaculation (PIAJ) is a relatively uncommon male sexual dysfunction characterized by an inability to achieve intravaginal ejaculation during all sexual intercourse. Effective treatment options for this condition are lacking. We aimed to explore the clinical effect of the sexual therapy combined with vacuum negative pressure hydropneumatic/pneumatic bubble massage (VNPHP/PBM) on primary intravaginal anejaculation, and its possible mechanism.

METHODS

A total of 95 PIAJ patients were randomly divided into three groups, including group A with 32 patients treated with the sexual therapy combined with VNPHP/PBM, group B with 32 patients treated with the sexual therapy and group C with 31 patients treated with VNPHP/PBM. The efficacy of therapeutic regimes, latency of the somatosensory evoked potentials of dorsal nerve (DNSEP), glans penis (GPSEP) and penile shaft sensory threshold (PSST), measures of sexual behavior of patients, as well as the self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) sores of patients and their partners, were compared before and after treatment among three groups.

RESULTS

The total effective rate of group A (84.38%) was higher than those of groups B and C (53.13% and 41.94%), however, no differences were found between groups B and C. The ratios of patients and their partners with anxiety, frequency of observing erotic films of patients, ratios of patients with special self-masturbation and frequency of masturbation decreased significantly in the three groups after the treatment. The decrease in the ratios of patients and their partners with anxiety, frequency of observing erotic films of patients in groups A and B were higher than those of group C, however, no differences were identified between groups A and B. The decrease in the ratios of patients with special self-masturbation and frequency of masturbation in group A were higher than those of group B, however, no differences were found between groups A and C, B and C. There were no differences in the latency of DNSEP, GPSEP, and PSST among the three groups before and after treatment.

CONCLUSION

The sexual therapy combined with VNPHP/PBM has good therapeutic effects on PIAJ, which might be achieved by reducing the anxiety level of patients and their partners, improving sexual behavioral patterns, rather than increasing the sensitivity of penis including dorsal nerve and glans penis.

Ejaculatory function after radiotherapy for prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Scant data exists on the impacts of prostate radiation on ejaculatory function. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess ejaculatory outcomes in men after prostate radiation.

METHODS

We queried PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science to identify 17 articles assessing ejaculatory function post-radiation. The primary outcome was anejaculation rate and secondary outcomes included ejaculatory volume (EV), ejaculatory discomfort, and mean decline in ejaculatory function scores (EFS). We assessed study quality with the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. We calculated pooled proportions using inverse variance and random effects models.

RESULTS

We identified 17 observational studies with 2156 patients reporting ejaculatory profiles post-radiation. Seven studies utilized external beam radiation therapy, 7 brachytherapy, 1 stereotactic RT and 2 utilized either external or brachytherapy. Ten studies reported an anejaculation rate. Pooled proportion of patients having anejaculation, decreased EV and EjD were 18% (95% CI, 11-36%), 85% (95% CI, 81-89%) and 24% (95% CI, 16-35%), respectively. Five studies reported decline in EFS post-radiation.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients receiving radiation treatment may experience significant changes in their ejaculation, such as the absence of ejaculation, reduced EV, and EjD. It is important to counsel them about these potential side effects.

Etiology of Male Infertility: an Update

Spermatogenesis is a complex process of germ cell division and differentiation that involves extensive cross-talk between the developing germ cells and the somatic testicular cells. Defective endocrine signaling and/or intrinsic defects within the testes can adversely affect spermatogenic progression, leading to subfertility/infertility. In recent years, male infertility has been recognized as a global public health concern, and research over the last few decades has elucidated the complex etiology of male infertility. Congenital reproductive abnormalities, genetic mutations, and endocrine/metabolic dysfunction have been demonstrated to be involved in infertility/subfertility in males. Furthermore, acquired factors like exposure to environmental toxicants and lifestyle-related disorders such as illicit use of psychoactive drugs have been shown to adversely affect spermatogenesis. Despite the large body of available scientific literature on the etiology of male infertility, a substantial proportion of infertility cases are idiopathic in nature, with no known cause. The inability to treat such idiopathic cases stems from poor knowledge about the complex regulation of spermatogenesis. Emerging scientific evidence indicates that defective functioning of testicular Sertoli cells (Sc) may be an underlying cause of infertility/subfertility in males. Sc plays an indispensable role in regulating spermatogenesis, and impaired functional maturation of Sc has been shown to affect fertility in animal models as well as humans, suggesting abnormal Sc as a potential underlying cause of reproductive insufficiency/failure in such cases of unexplained infertility. This review summarizes the major causes of infertility/subfertility in males, with an emphasis on infertility due to dysregulated Sc function.

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 β-hCG test came back positive. The intricate procedures of RE and cornual block are discussed, with a focus on how they affect reproductive health.

Evaluating the Impact of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Surgical Treatments on Sexual Health

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a prevalent condition in older men, is often managed through various surgical interventions. This narrative review aims to explore the impact of these surgical treatments on sexual function, a critical aspect of patient quality of life often overlooked in BPH management. The methodology encompassed a thorough review of contemporary surgical techniques for BPH, including prostate resection, enucleation, vaporization, and minimally invasive therapies such as UroLift, Rezum, and Aquablation. Additionally, the focus was on patient-centered outcomes, with a special emphasis on sexual health following surgery. Findings reveal that, while surgical interventions effectively alleviate BPH symptoms, they often have significant repercussions in sexual function, including erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction. However, emerging techniques demonstrate potential in preserving sexual function, underscoring the need for patient-centric treatment approaches. The study highlights the complex interplay between BPH surgery and sexual health, with minimally invasive treatments showing promise in balancing symptom relief and sexual function preservation. In conclusion, the study advocates for an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to BPH treatment, emphasizing the importance of considering sexual health in therapeutic decision-making. This narrative review suggests a paradigm shift towards minimally invasive techniques could optimize patient outcomes, marrying symptom relief with quality-of-life considerations. The need for further research in this domain is evident, particularly in understanding long-term sexual health outcomes following different surgical interventions for BPH.

Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines in the Treatment of Ejaculatory Disorders: A Systematic Review

Background and Objectives: Ejaculatory dysfunction (EjD) is a common male sexual disorder that includes premature ejaculation, delayed ejaculation, retrograde ejaculation, and anejaculation. Although psychological and pharmacological treatments are available, traditional, complementary, and alternative medicine (TCAM) is reportedly used. However, the clinical evidence for TCAM in EjD remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to systematically review human clinical trials investigating the use of TCAM to treat EjD. Materials and Methods: A systematic review of the literature following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was conducted by searching Scopus and PubMed databases. Controlled clinical trials investigating a cohort of male patients diagnosed primarily with EjD and undergoing any TCAM intervention compared to any comparison group were included. Quality of the studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for randomized controlled trials. Results: Following article screening, 22 articles were included. Of these, 21 investigated TCAM in premature ejaculation, and only 1 investigated TCAM in retrograde ejaculation. Different TCAM categories included studies that investigated lifestyle, exercise and/or physical activities (n = 7); herbal medicine supplements (n = 5); topical herbal applications (n = 4); acupuncture or electroacupuncture (n = 3); vitamin, mineral and/or nutraceutical supplements (n = 1); hyaluronic acid penile injection (n = 1); and music therapy (n = 1). Only 31.8% (n = 7) of the included studies were found to have a low risk of bias. The available studies were widely heterogenous in the TCAM intervention investigated and comparison groups used. However, the included studies generally showed improved outcomes intra-group and when compared to placebo. Conclusions: Different TCAM interventions may have an important role particularly in the management of PE. However, more studies using standardized interventions are needed.

Fertility Preservation in Children and Adolescents during Oncological Treatment-A Review of Healthcare System Factors and Attitudes of Patients and Their Caregivers

Oncofertility is any therapeutic intervention to safeguard the fertility of cancer patients. Anti-cancer therapies (chemotherapy, radiation therapy, etc.) entail the risk of reproductive disorders through cytotoxic effects on gamete-building cells, especially those not yet fully developed. This literature review analyzes the available data on securing fertility in pediatric and adolescent populations to identify the methods used and describe aspects related to financing, ethics, and the perspective of patients and their parents. Topics related to oncofertility in this age group are relatively niche, with few peer-reviewed articles available and published studies mostly on adults. Compared to pubertal individuals, a limited number of fertility preservation methods are used for prepubertal patients. Funding for the procedures described varies from country to country, but only a few governments choose to reimburse them. Oncofertility of pediatric and adolescent patients raises many controversies related to the decision, parents' beliefs, having a partner, ethics, as well as the knowledge and experience of healthcare professionals. As the fertility of young cancer patients is at risk, healthcare professionals should make every effort to provide them with an opportunity to fulfill their future reproductive plans and to have a family and offspring. Systemic solutions should form the basis for the development of oncofertility in pediatric and adolescent populations.

Spinal Transection Switches the Effect of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor Subtype 7 from the Facilitation to Inhibition of Ejaculation

Metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 7 (mGluR7) is a member of the group III mGluRs, which localize to presynaptic active zones of the central nervous system. We previously reported that mGluR7 knockout (KO) mice exhibit ejaculatory disorders, although they have normal sexual motivation. We hypothesized that mGluR7 regulates ejaculation by potentiating the excitability of the neural circuit in the lumbosacral spinal cord, because administration of the mGluR7-selective antagonist into that region inhibits drug-induced ejaculation. In the present study, to elucidate the mechanism of impaired ejaculation in mGluR7 KO mice, we eliminated the influence of the brain by spinal transection (spinalization). Unexpectedly, sexual responses of male mGluR7 KO mice were stronger than those of wild-type mice after spinalization. Histological examination indicated that mGluR7 controls sympathetic neurons as well as parasympathetic neurons. In view of the complexity of its synaptic regulation, mGluR7 might control ejaculation by multi-level and multi-modal mechanisms. Our study provides insight into the mechanism of ejaculation as well as a strategy for future therapies to treat ejaculatory disorders in humans.

Therapeutic efficacy and safety of a free-standing motorized ejaculation aid for patients with intravaginal ejaculatory dysfunction

Purpose

There are no approved drugs or devices for the treatment of intravaginal ejaculation disorders, and treatment is often difficult. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the A10 Cyclone SA + PLUS® ejaculation aid (Rends Co., Ltd., Chiba, Japan), which allows the user to adjust the intensity of stimulation, for intravaginal ejaculation disorders.

Methods

Each participant was instructed to perform practice masturbation with the A10 Cyclone SA + PLUS to simulate vaginal ejaculation. After 8 weeks of training, the participants were asked about their intravaginal ejaculation status. Sexual function was also evaluated before and after the training using several specific questionnaires, including the numerical rating scale for ejaculatory satisfaction.

Results

Among the 10 participants (41.5 ± 3.21 years) who completed the training and questionnaire evaluation, four (40%) became capable of intravaginal ejaculation. The questionnaire evaluation showed predominant improvement after training in the ejaculation-capable group according to the numerical rating scale, which expresses satisfaction with ejaculation. The participants experienced no significant adverse events.

Conclusion

As no effective treatment currently exists for intravaginal ejaculation disorders, we conclude that the A10 Cyclone SA + PLUS may be one treatment tool for intravaginal ejaculation disorders with good efficacy and no adverse events.

Male Sexual Dysfunction

Male sexual dysfunction is a series of conditions, most notably including erectile dysfunction (ED), Peyronie's disease (PD), and premature ejaculation (PE), defined by impaired sexual functioning. The prevalence of male sexual dysfunction increases with age and is relatively high with greater than 50% of men aged 40 to 70 describing some degree of erectile dysfunction. Risk factors for male sexual dysfunction include age, diabetes mellitus (DM), cancer, stroke, hypertension, penile trauma, depression, anxiety, and disturbance in central serotonin neurotransmission and 5-HT postsynaptic receptor functioning. Sexual questionnaires including the International Index of Erectile Dysfunction, Sexual Health Inventory for Men, and the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool are useful in screening for these disorders. Focused history and physical can establish diagnoses. For a condition to be diagnosed as male sexual dysfunction, the patient or their partner must view their sexual functioning as impaired. Treatment of male sexual dysfunction is etiology dependent. For ED, first-line therapy is a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor or mental health care for psychogenic ED. More complicated cases may be treated with injections, surgery, or shockwave therapy. PD is either treated with medications for pain management, collagenase clostridium histolyticum injection, corpoplasty, plication, or shockwave therapy. PE may be treated behaviorally or with SSRIs as first line medication.

Management strategies of sexual dysfunctions in Parkinson's disease

Sexual dysfunctions (SD) are frequent and highly disabling nonmotor manifestations of Parkinson's disease (PD) but are also potentially treatable. Neurologists should actively discuss, recognize and treat sexual health issues as an integral part of the management of the disease. In this chapter, we provide recommendations for managing and treating both primary and secondary SD in PD. Many sexual problems can be, at least partially, improved by adjusting the treatment of motor, nonmotor symptoms and comorbidities. Although some treatments of primary SD are evidence-based, many therapeutic options have not been yet systematically studied in patients with PD. The development of new treatments and repurposing of existing remedies in patients with PD remain an unmet need.

Is heart rate variability a risk factor for premature ejaculation?

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to assess the parameters of heart rate variability, which is an indicator of the change in autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity, in individuals with premature ejaculation (PE).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This study was performed by comparing 40 patients with PE (mean age, 31.2 ± 4.1 years) and 40 healthy individuals (mean age, 30.4 ± 4.8 years) without PE from May 2018 to December 2019. HRV parameters were compared between men with PE and healthy controls in 24-hour heart rhythm Holter examination.

RESULTS

In the time domain analysis, which is a subgroup of HRV, square root of differences between consecutive normal NN intervals (RMSSD), which is an indicator of parasympathetic activity, was lower in patients with PE compared with controls (P = .025). Moreover, within the frequency domain analysis, high frequency (HF), another indicator of parasympathetic activity, was lower in patients compared with controls (P = .032). Finally, the LF/HF ratio, reflecting sympathetic/parasympathetic activity ratio, was significantly higher in patients compared with controls (P = .008). Furthermore, the multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that LF/HF ratio is independently associated with PE (P = .005). The ROC curve analysis showed that the optimal cut-off value of LF/HF above 2.7 predicted PE at a sensitivity of 77.5% and specificity of 82.5% (positive predictive value: 81.5% and negative predictive value: 78.5%).

CONCLUSION

Different HRV parameters were exhibited in the comparison of patients with PE and normal controls. It suggests that the change in HRV parameters will be an indicator of imbalance in ANS and this imbalance may cause PE. Therefore, HRV analysis can be a diagnostic tool to assess altered ANS activity in patients with PE and may be considered as a rapid screening tool.

Male factor infertility: Initial workup and diagnosis in primary care

OBJECTIVE

To present a case-based discussion on the workup of male factor infertility and review currently available treatments.

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

This discussion is based on the current Canadian Urological Association and American Urological Association guidelines, with reference to landmark papers as appropriate from 2010 onward. All articles were retrieved through PubMed.

MAIN MESSAGE

Approximately 15% of Canadian couples experience infertility, making it a commonly encountered condition in the primary care setting. Among couples suffering from infertility, male factors can be identified as the sole cause in 30% of cases and as a contributing issue in 20% of cases. Although many of the treatments described aim to improve a couple's chances of naturally conceiving a child via intercourse, many patients ultimately require medical or surgical intervention to achieve pregnancy. This can be a long, protracted course for patients, with important roles for primary care providers and fertility specialists alike.

CONCLUSION

Male fertility assessment and treatment has historically been left in the hands of fertility specialists, creating a bottleneck for patients to receive fertility care. However, with increased understanding of the underlying causes of male factor infertility, the workup and initial management can occur in the primary care setting, helping to streamline care.

Ejaculatory dysfunction in men with diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder that is characterized by elevated blood glucose levels due to absolute or relative insulin deficiency, in the background of β-cell dysfunction, insulin resistance, or both. Such chronic hyperglycemia is linked to long-term damage to blood vessels, nerves, and various organs. Currently, the worldwide burden of DM and its complications is in increase. Male sexual dysfunction is one of the famous complications of DM, including abnormal orgasmic/ejaculatory functions, desire/libido, and erection. Ejaculatory dysfunction encompasses several disorders related to DM and its complications, such as premature ejaculation, anejaculation (AE), delayed ejaculation, retrograde ejaculation (RE), ejaculatory pain, anesthetic ejaculation, decreased ejaculate volume, and decreased force of ejaculation. The problems linked to ejaculatory dysfunction may extend beyond the poor quality of life in diabetics as both AE and RE are alleged to alter the fertility potential of these patients. However, although both diabetes patients and their physicians are increasingly aware of diabetic ejaculatory dysfunction, this awareness still lags behind that of other diabetes complications. Therefore, all these disorders should be looked for thoroughly during the clinical evaluation of diabetic men. Besides, introducing the suitable option and/or maneuvers to treat these disorders should be tailored according to each case. This review aimed to explore the most important findings regarding ejaculatory dysfunction in diabetes from pre-clinical and clinical perspectives.

Is pudendal nerve entrapment a potential cause for weak ejaculation?

Ejaculatory dysfunction is one of the most common complaints of patients with sexual disorders. While it encompasses several ejaculatory disorders, weak ejaculation is seldom described in the literature. Since the pudendal nerve is the main nerve of ejaculation, we aim to hypothesize that pudendal nerve entrapment could be a cause of weak ejaculation, and that pudendal nerve release could contribute to the improvement of the ejaculatory stream. We presented two cases suffering from a weak ejaculatory stream and sensation of incomplete semen emptying, accompanied with clinical features of pudendal nerve entrapment. Both cases improved after pudendal nerve block and then laparoscopic transperitoneal pudendal release, with a sustained amelioration of the ejaculatory stream after 3 weeks of surgery. Pudendal canal entrapment is therefore a potentially curable cause for weak ejaculation.

The clinical significance of abnormal ejaculation by silodosin. Is it important?

We aimed to evaluate the effect of the abnormal ejaculation (AEj) on patients using silodosin in terms of drug cessation. We also analysed the possible factors that may affect the decisions of patients with AEj to proceed or change their medication. The patients (n = 118) treated with silodosin 8 mg daily were prospectively analysed. In order to evaluate the erectile function, ejaculatory function, depression and sexual satisfaction; IIEF, MSHQ-EjD, Beck's depression and Golombok-Rust questionnaires were given to patients respectively. Patients were re-evaluated at the 3rd month of their treatment. The rate of AEj was 52.5%. Nearly 42% of the patients with AEj desired to stop their medication whereas it was 7.1% at patients without AEj (p < .001). The pre-treatment International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and the decrease in IPSS score were significantly lower in patients who demand to stop their treatment (p < .05). AEj was significantly higher in patients who wanted to stop their medication (p < .001). Even if they had an AEj, patients who were happy with the clinical efficacy of silodosin did not want to change their drug. In addition to this, pre-treatment ejaculatory status was an important indicator for patients to decide drug cessation due to AEj side effect of silodosin.

Indication of intravaginal insemination for infertility treatment in couples with sexual dysfunction

PURPOSE

To analyze the usefulness of intravaginal insemination (IVI) for the infertility treatment in couples with sexual dysfunction before applying assisted reproductive technology (ART).

METHODS

Among 208 couples who presented sexual dysfunction, 144 couples underwent IVI procedures. The profiles of pregnant and non-pregnant patients were compared.

RESULTS

Of 144 patients, 58 women conceived successfully (40.3% pregnancy rate). Between the pregnant and non-pregnant cases, the husband's age and infertility period were significantly higher (P = .0104) and longer (P = .0027) in the unsuccessful cases than the successful ones. The husbands who could not impregnate had a significantly higher ratio of sperm abnormalities (P = .0048). Among the 57 successful cases who underwent IVI treatment, 38 (66.7%) patients became pregnant within 3 times of the procedure, while 48 (84.2%) patients conceived within 6 times.

CONCLUSION

The authors can propose the following inclusion IVI criteria for couples with sexual dysfunction: (a) younger husband (36 years old or less) which may be most important, (b) infertility duration of 3 years or less, (c) normal sperm condition, and (d) IVI trial for 3 times (maximum of 6 times). Since IVI appears to be a simple, noninvasive, and inexpensive way for couples with sexual dysfunction, it can be attempted before ART application.

Spontaneous Ejaculation: A Focused Review for the Clinicians

INTRODUCTION

The process of ejaculation has important meanings not only for its association with orgasm but also for the timing to ejaculate in the context of sexual activity. Spontaneous (involuntary) ejaculation (SE) without any sexual stimulation is a distressing symptom. Our understanding of SE is limited. Unfortunately, many physicians are not aware of these cases.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study is to describe the etiopathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment options for SE.

METHODS

We searched the literature for publications on "SE," "spontaneous emission" or "involuntary ejaculation," and factors influencing SE in the PUBMED/MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PsycINFO, ProQuest, Academic Search Complete database, Google Scholar, and CINAHL databases from inception to August 2020.

RESULTS

The literature search yielded 36 relevant publications reporting on 43 patients with SE. Attempts to explain the cause of pathologic SE have included 4 etiological groups (spinal cord lesions, psychological causes, rabies, and drug-induced). The underlying mechanisms responsible for induction of SE may include increased adrenergic activity, overactivity in dopaminergic system, decreased serotonergic activity, damage of descending inhibitory pathway, or penile hyperexcitability. SE may occur in the absence of an identifiable trigger or may be triggered by non-sexual circumstances (micturition, defecation, glans touch, anxiety, panic attack, or school examinations). Treatment options include psychoanalytic treatment, paroxetine, citalopram, sertraline, silodosin, and anxiolytics. In drug-induced SE, dose reduction and drug withdrawal with or without switching to another drug may relief SE.

CONCLUSIONS

SE is one of the least reported ejaculatory dysfunction. The key feature shared in common by these men is SE without any sexual thoughts or fantasies, may be triggered by non-sexual contexts, rarely associated with orgasm or erection. Treatment by psychoanalytic treatment and pharmacotherapy may be helpful. Further research might explore the definite underlying mechanisms. Abdel-Hamid IA, Ali OI. Spontaneous Ejaculation: A Focused Review for the Clinicians. Sex Med Rev 2021;9:406-422.