(287) Influence of Severe Chronic Scrotal Pain on Men’s Sexual Activity: An Indication for Surgery?

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Severe chronic scrotal pain significantly influences numerous aspects of a patient’s life and activities, particularly sexual activity. Objectives This study seeks to explore the clinical characteristics and the effects of chronic scrotal pain on male sexual activity, with a focus on patients with severe chronic scrotal pain who were candidates for microsurgical denervation of the spermatic cord. Methods This is an observational study that encompassed all patients with severe chronic scrotal pain who underwent microsurgical denervation of the spermatic cord at the Department of Andrology, Binh Dan Hospital, from January 1, 2022, to May 31, 2023, after other causes had been excluded. Results Thirty-one patients with chronic scrotal pain underwent surgery, with a mean age of 24.2 ± 4.3 years and a pain duration of 2.3 ± 1.6 years. Pain was located in the scrotum (41.3%), testis-epididymis (47.8%), spermatic cord (24.6%), and inguinal (15.1%), with postepididymitis (45.3%) being the predominant cause. The average Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) pain score before surgery was 6.8 ± 2.3. Thirteen out of thirty-one patients experienced severe pain (NRS = 7-10). The Quality of Life (QOL) scores were 6.75 ± 1.1 for patients with moderate pain and 4.6 ± 4.0 for those with severe pain. A smaller testicle size was observed in 43.5% of patients, and 51.6% had varicose veins on ultrasound, measuring 3.4 ± 1.2 mm. Sixteen out of thirty-one patients reported that scrotal pain impacted their sexual activity. Patients with higher pain scales (NRS 7-10) had significant effects on erectile function compared to those with moderate pain (P < 0.05). Decreased libido was reported in 34.1%, and lowered testosterone levels in 37.5% of the patient group. Sexual activity induced pain in 60.9% of cases, and the incidence of erectile dysfunction was significantly higher in the high pain scale group (P = 0.02). No significant statistical difference was observed between the duration of intercourse and the severity of scrotal pain. Conclusion Chronic scrotal pain, predominantly observed in young patients, has substantial impacts on the quality of life and sexual performance. Therefore, a meticulous consideration of sexual factors is imperative in male patients with chronic scrotal pain. Surgical indications for chronic scrotal pain treatment may be deemed necessary for sexual disorders associated with scrotal pain. Disclosure No.