Sexual function after anterior urethroplasty: a systematic review

Background

Urethral surgery outcomes are often evaluated by assessing urinary flow and urethral patency. However, sexual consequences may appear after urethroplasty, impairing quality of life and patient’s perception of success.

The aim of this study is to assess the relationship between anterior urethral reconstruction and postoperative sexual dysfunction, including the proposed factors predicting sexual outcomes.

Methods

We searched in PubMed database using the terms: “anterior urethroplasty”, bulbar urethroplasty” or “penile urethroplasty”, and “sexual dysfunction”, “erectile function” or “ejaculation”. Articles were independently evaluated for inclusion based on predetermined criteria. Systematic data extraction was followed by a comprehensive summary of evidence.

Results

Thirty-eight studies were included for final analysis. No randomised trial on the topic was found. Urethral surgery might affect different aspects of sexual function: erectile function, ejaculatory function, penile shape and length, and genital sensitivity, leading to severe sexual dysfunction. Patient perception of sexual impairment was related to post-operative satisfaction.

Conclusions

Sexual dysfunction after anterior urethral reconstruction is an important issue that must be appropriately discussed during preoperative patient counselling. Reported outcomes after anterior urethroplasty should include sexual consequences and relevance, evaluated using validated tools.

[Assessment of the impact of pulmonary rehabilitation on sexual activity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects life quality, and also sexual activity. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a helpful treatment in COPD patients. The aim of this study is to assess sexual activity on COPD patients, and the effect of PR over it.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Single cohort prospective study over male COPD candidates to PR. Clinical, respiratory and biochemical assessment (FSH, LH, T, and progesterone) was performed. Patients were asked to fill baseline International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire, and 6 months after PR. A descriptive initial analysis compared respiratory values between patients with and without sexual activity. Changes in IIEF results were assessed after PR, and satisfaction with treatment using Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS).

RESULTS

Between 2014 and 2016, 62 male COPD patients enlisted. Mean age: 66.5 years (SD 7.2). 52 Ex-smokers. 10 declared being sexually active (16.1%). No hormonal levels alterations. No significant differences on respiratory parameters between sexually active and non-active patients (FEV1, 6-minutes walking test, number of exacerbations, CAT score). Baseline mean IIEF values: Erectile function 8, orgasmic function 4, sexual desire 5.6, intercourse satisfaction 5.3, and overall satisfaction 4.5. After PR, significant increase in mean IIEF value: 6.1 (CI95% 1.9-10.3). Improvement was found in all domains, with statistical significance on intercourse satisfaction 0.9 (CI95% 0.2-1.6). Moderate satisfaction with treatment was achieved according to EDITS.

CONCLUSIONS

Only a low percentage of COPD males included in PR is sexually active. No pulmonary differences were found between sexually active and non-active patients. PR improves sexual function, particularly intercourse satisfaction domain.