Male Sexual Performance Research Articles

Isolation and identification of an isomeric sildenafil analogue as an adulterant in an instant coffee premix

The proliferation of adulterated health foods and beverages in the market demands a comprehensive analytical strategy to identify the adulterants, particularly those of isomeric phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. An instant coffee premix (ICP) purchased from an online retailer was flagged for suspected adulteration through PDE5 inhibition assay. The ICP was then analysed using suspected-target and non-targeted screenings of a liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Based on these findings, a PDE5 inhibitor initially assigned as compound X was isolated from the ICP by employing a liquid chromatography-diode array detection before its structural elucidation with liquid chromatography-ultraviolet (LC-UV) spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The suspected-target screening matched the protonated molecule ([M + H]+) precursor ion of compound X at m/z 499.2310 with two suspected analytes that are structural isomers of one another. The fragmentation patterns of compound X were comparable to those analogues in the dithiocarbodenafil group through the non-targeted screening. These findings, complemented by the LC-UV and NMR spectroscopy data, together with the chromatographic separation of related structural isomers, conclude the identity of compound X. To our best knowledge, this is the first study to report the presence of 3,5-dimethylpiperazinyl-dithiodesmethylcarbodenafil in an ICP sample. Key points The herbal-based male sexual performance products’ lucrative market has instigated their rampant adulteration, particularly with PDE5 inhibitors. The adulterated products may also contain analogues of the approved PDE5 inhibitors, which usually passed into the market undetected as they are not included in the routine targeted screening procedure. The present study detected, isolated, and identified an isomeric sildenafil analogue from an instant coffee premix sample using rapid qualitative assay and comprehensive analytical analysis. This paper highlighted the applicability of the established strategies for routine casework, particularly in a forensic drug testing laboratory.

Eurycoma longifolia Root Aqueous Extract Augments the Testosterone Level and Spermatogenesis in Adult Male Rats

Introduction The Eurycoma longifolia (EL) root aqueous extract has long been used as an enhancer of male sexual performance. However, data from previous studies in both human males and experimental male animals on the testosterone level in those given the EL extract orally were at best insufficiently conclusive. Materials and Method Sixty-four healthy adult male Sprague Dawley rats were acclimatized, and randomized into six test groups and one control group. All rats where given either the aqueous EL extract or distilled water via metal gavage needle. The first three test groups received the low (50mg/kg bw), medium (100mg/ kg bw) and high (200mg/kg bw) doses respectively of the EL daily for 15 days only. The second three test groups continued receiving the same daily treatment doses for 30 days. The controls were given distilled water only. At the end of each of the study period, blood samples were collected via cardiac puncture and the rats were euthanized. The testicles were obtained, weighed, and processed for histological examination. Results The sera testosterone levels were higher in animals which received the medium and high doses for both treatment duration. Rats which received medium and high oral doses of EL showed an increase of spermatogenesis and mature spermatozoa. Conclusion The optimal enhancing effect on sera testosterone levels and testicular spermatogenesis of EL treatment in adult male rats was observed with the medium dose of 100mg/kg bw given once daily for both 15 and 30 days.

Does the Effect of Irradiation Dose Vary Between Flies Selected and Non-selected to Resist Desiccation? The Case of Anastrepha ludens (Diptera: Tephritidae).

The sterile insect technique (SIT), used to control different species of tephritid fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae), is an important element in sustainable agriculture because of its low negative impact on the environment. In SIT, flies are mass produced and sterilized in the laboratory and then released in a target area. However, once released, laboratory flies may confront harass environments that would reduce their performance and consequently SIT efficiency. Selecting flies that resist stressful conditions may help to improve the efficiency of the SIT by releasing males that resist desiccation, for example, ensuring, thus, their survival in environments with low relative humidity. However, the selection process may affect the resistance of flies to the stress of sterilization, since some life history traits are affected. Here, we studied the effect of irradiation on Anastrepha ludens (Loew) (Diptera: Tephritidae) desiccation resistant flies (DR) compared with nonselected flies (NS). We measured the effect of gamma irradiation dose (0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 Gy) on sterility (males and females) and quality parameters (emergence, flight ability, survival, and male sexual performance) in A. ludens adults of the DR and NS (control) strains. Our results indicate that irradiation affected equally the sterility of adults of both strains. None of the quality parameters differed between strains. The only difference was that DR flies survived longer than control flies. Thus, flies that are resistant to desiccation can be used in the SIT without altering the current process of irradiation and packing.

The Cum Shot (Re)Interpreted in Terms of Contamination and Control

Abstract External ejaculation (the cum shot) is considered a central component of heterosexual pornography and is often used to visually mark the end of an action of sexual intercourse. Critical analyses of pornography have asserted that external ejaculation can be conceptualized in terms of the maintenance of heteronormative expectations of male dominance as expressed through hegemonic masculinity. The present analysis adopts a broader view of external ejaculation by considering the phenomenon in terms of contamination, performance, and discipline. The polysemic analysis presented suggests that in some cases the conventions of pornography as represented in the external cum shot can represent a threat to masculinity and male spectators by creating unrealistic expectations for male sexual performance.

Fenitrothion Impaired Sexual Behaviour and Reproductive Performance in Male Sprague-Dawley Rats

Fenitrothion (FNT) induces oxidative damage in various organs including male reproductive organ such as testis and sperm; however, its effects on the male sexual behaviours and reproductive performance remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of FNT administration on male sexual behaviour and reproductive performance. Fertile male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups (n=8/group): Control - receiving corn oil (1 mL kg-1); FNT-10 and FNT-20 receiving 10 and 20 mg kg-1 of FNT, respectively. FNT was administered via oral force feeding for 28 consecutive days prior to mating with untreated female rats. After mating, the rats were sacrificed to obtain plasma and sperm for further evaluation. Results showed that FNT-20 alone decreased AChE activity (P<0.05) compared to the control and FNT-10. Both doses of FNT also decreased sperm quality compared to control (P<0.05). A significant difference was found (P<0.05) for the presence of intromission and ejaculation among all groups. The mount and intromission latencies as well as post-ejaculation interval were increased (P<0.05) in FNT groups compared to the control group. The total mount and mount frequency were decreased (P<0.05) in FNT-10 and FNT-20 compared to the control group. For reproductive performance, there was a significant difference (P<0.05) for the mating and pregnancy indexes among all groups. Furthermore, both doses of FNT reduced the number of dams, delivered pups and male pups compared to the control (P<0.05). In conclusion, FNT impaired sexual behaviour and reproductive performance of male rats.

Suspected-target and non-targeted screenings of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors in herbal remedies using liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight-mass spectrometry.

The lucrative market of herbal remedies spurs rampant adulteration, particularly with pharmaceutical drugs and their unapproved analogues. A comprehensive screening strategy is, therefore, warranted to detect these adulterants and, accordingly, to safeguard public health. This study uses the data-dependent acquisition of liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS) to screen phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors in herbal remedies using suspected-target and non-targeted strategies. For the suspected-target screening, we used a library comprising 95 PDE5 inhibitors. For the non-targeted screening, we adopted top-down and bottom-up approaches to flag novel PDE5 inhibitor analogues based on common fragmentation patterns. LC-QTOF-MS was optimised and validated for capsule and tablet dosage forms using 23 target analytes, selected to represent different groups of PDE5 inhibitors. The method exhibited excellent specificity and linearity with limit of detection and limit of quantification of <40 and 80 ng/mL, respectively. The accuracy ranged from 79.0% to 124.7% with a precision of <14.9% relative standard deviation. The modified, quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe extraction provided insignificant matrix effect within -9.1%-8.0% and satisfactory extraction recovery of 71.5%-105.8%. These strategies were used to screen 52 herbal remedy samples that claimed to enhance male sexual performance. The suspected-target screening resulted in 33 positive samples, revealing 10 target analytes and 2 suspected analytes. Systematic MS and tandem MS interrogations using the non-targeted screening returned insignificant signals, indicating the absence of potentially novel analogues. The target analytes were quantified from 0.03 to 121.31 mg per dose of each sample. The proposed strategies ensure that all PDE5 inhibitors are comprehensively screened, providing a useful tool to curb the widespread adulteration of herbal remedies.

Identification of Descarbonsildenafil in an Adulterated Dietary Supplement and Evaluation of Its Inhibitory Activity for Phosphodiesterase Type 5 (PDE5)

Some illegal dietary supplements contain phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, such as sildenafil, for exerting "therapeutic" effects in erectile dysfunction. This is apparently dangerous, and thus, should be appropriately regulated. Identification of descarbonsildenafil was first reported in Singapore in a coffee sample labeled to exert male sexual performance enhancement effects. However, it is unclear whether the compound possesses PDE5 inhibitory activity. We encountered during our survey of dietary supplements, a sexual enhancement product commercially available in Tokyo, in which a peak presumed to be of descarbonsildenafil was detected by LC-UV and electrospray ionization-tandem MS (ESI-MS/MS). The compound was isolated and identified as descarbonsildenafil with liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS), NMR, and X-ray crystal structural analysis. In addition, descarbonsildenafil showed PDE5 inhibitory activity in PDE5 inhibition assay, and its IC50 value for PDE5A1 was found to be 30 nmol/L. The results of INADEQUATE NMR and X-ray crystal structural analysis in this study provide information for the identification of descarbonsildenafil. Since this study indicates that this compound is a PDE5 inhibitor having adequate activity, it is regulated as a drug component in Japan.

Evaluation of sexual dysfunction prevalence in infertile men with non-obstructive azoospermia.

To determine the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in male partners of infertile couples and evaluate the effect of childlessness on erectile dysfunction (ED) and sexual relationship stress. We collected datas of couples who attended our clinics for infertility between 2009 and 2016. Erectile dysfunction was investigated with the Questionnaires of International Index of Erectile Function-15 (IIEF-15) whereas premature ejaculation (PE) status with the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT). The stress status of the childlessness in terms of sexual intercourse was scored by the Visual analogue scale (VAS) questionnaire. These scores were measured before and after a successful assisted reproductive treatment with the birth of the child. The median age of the 193 male patients was 31 years (range 23-48). Erectile dysfunction was found in 68 (35.2%) and PE in 42 (21.7%) subjects. One hundred and forty-one couples were treated with assisted reproductive treatments. Forty eight couples had successful pregnancy. The IIEF-15 test was repeated after the birth of the child to the male partners of these couples. We observed that the IIEF-15 scores increased from 16 to 21 (p = 0.014). However there were no significant improvement on their ejaculation status (p > 0.05). The mean VAS scores of male partners was 5.2 (3-10) in the treatment period while it decreased to 4.1 (0-8) after the birth of the chils (p = 0.02). Statistically analysis showed a correlation between VAS and infertility as did IIEF-15. We observed that having children has a reducing effect on sexual relationship stress. Infertility is absolutely blamed on the women and men. This condition may have negative effects on male sexual performance and it is closely related with some emerging female sexual disorders. It should be taken into consideration that infertile couples may have sexual dysfunction.

The Effect of Intervention with Acupressure Therapy on Improving Overall Male Sexual Performance

Background and Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of acupressure therapy on improving the overall male sexual performance. Acupressure therapy is a therapeutic approach that assumes that throughout the body there are certain nerves that have a direct and close relationship with the tissues and organs and they can be stimulated.&#x0D; Method: This study was conducted in a semi-experimental and pre-test-post-test design with control group. The community of this research was from men living in Tehran who had been at least two years of their last permanent marriage and between the ages of 20 and 45 and living in Iran. In this study, the target points in reflexes and in other parts of the body were 2, 5, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 18, 28, 29, 33, 34. Measurement tool in this research was International index of erectile function.&#x0D; Results: The findings of the study showed that the subjects in the acupressure group had an increase of 18.27% in the post-test and 18.6% in comparison with the pre-test in the overall sexual performance. The result of the study was that the intervention by acupressure therapy method had an impact on overall male sexual performance.&#x0D; Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that interventions using acupressure therapy are effective in improving overall male sexual performance and it is possible to emphasize the need for more attention to psycho-physiological interventions, including the approach of acupressure therapy in the field of sexual issues.

Abutilon pannosum stem bark enhances the aphrodisiac activities and spermatogenesis in rat.

Abutilon pannosum (Forst.f.) Schlecht. is used for male sexual performance. In this study, we have investigated aphrodisiac potential of A.pannosum stem bark methanol extract (APM) in rat. Male rats were administered with APM (400mg/kg) on daily basis for 5, 10 and 15days. Time interval for mount latency, intromission latency and post-ejaculatory interval was decreased (p<.05) while time of ejaculatory latency, mount frequency, intromission frequency and ejaculatory frequency after 15days were (p<.05) enhanced as compared to control rats. APM also increased (p<.05) penile erection index, copulatory rate and mount bout against control rats. Total count of spermatozoa was nonsignificantly increased whereas per cent of live spermatozoa and motile spermatozoa were increased (p<.05) in APM treated group after 10 and 15days. Weight of testes, seminal vesicle, prostate and epididymis, and level of testosterone in serum increased (p<.05) after 10 and 15days of APM administration to rat. Qualitative characterisation of APM indicated existence of alkaloids, terpenoids, coumarins, cardiac glycosides, phenols, flavonoids, saponins, tannins and sterols. Results of this study indicated aphrodisiac potential of A.pannosum in rat and may be used to enhance sexual performance in human.

Sexual Behaviour in Male Healthy Rats: A Comparison Between Indian Tribulus terrestris Linn. Extracts with Protodioscin Standardized Bulgarian Extract

Background: Tribulus terrestris Linn. (TT) is reported for its ability to improve male sexual performance, and protodioscin is responsible for the activity. This study was designed to correlate and compare various extracts of Indian TT with Bulgarian TT, and also the effect of protodioscin content on the activity. Methods: Bulgarian TT extract (BT) and prepared solvent extracts [aqueous (WIT), supercritical fluid (SIT) and methanol (MIT)] of Indian TT were standardized and compared using UV spectrophotometric method. Forty male rats were randomized into 5 groups of 8 each. Group I served as untreated control and group II to V were treated with 100 mg/Kg b.wt. of MIT, WIT, BT and SIT, respectively. The groups received the respective treatment for fourteen days. Sexual behavior of the rats was observed on Day-1&amp;14. Serum testosterone was estimated after the last observation. Results: It was found that there was a statistically significant difference between the treatment groups. However, based on the mean values/ranking analysis of all the parameters, the order of potency was WIT &gt; SIT &amp;#8805; BT &gt; MIT. Conclusion: These findings indicate that the aqueous extract of Indian TT which contains lesser protodioscin showed comparatively better sex stimulant activity in comparison to the other tested extracts.

Male sexual enhancers from the Peruvian Amazon

Ethnopharmacological relevanceSelected Peruvian Amazon plants are macerated into sugar cane distillates to prepare alcoholic beverages used to improve male sexual performance. The tree bark from Campsiandra angustifolia Spruce ex Benth (Fabaceae), Swartzia polyphylla DC (Fabaceae), Minquartia guianensis Aubl. (Olacaceae) and Thynantus panurensis (Bureau) Sandwith (Bignoniaceae) usually are used as crude drugs in mixtures of several ingredients. Aim of studyDescribe the chemical composition of the most traded traditional male enhancer beverages, namely “Levántate Lazaro” and “Siete veces sin sacarla”, and their single crude drug constituents, as well as their inhibitory activity towards the enzyme phosphodiesterase-5. The presence of pro-sexual drugs such as Sildenafil® and derivatives was assessed in the samples. Materials and methodsSingle plant constituents and the preparation mixtures were purchased in the Mercado Belen (Iquitos, Peru). Chemical profiling was carried out by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS. The extracts were assessed for phosphodiesterase-5 inhibition. The occurrence of pro-sexual drugs was determined by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS. ResultsChemical profiling allowed the identification of condensed tannins as the main constituents of C. angustifolia and S. polyphylla, hydrolysable tannins for M. guianensis, and C-glycosides for T. panurensis. The traditional preparations showed similar composition compared to the crude drugs. At 200 µg/mL, the traditional preparation “Levántate Lázaro” and “Siete veces sin sacarla” inhibited the phosphodiesterase-5 by 49.88% and 27.90%, respectively. No adulterations with pro-sexual drugs were found in the samples. From the crude drugs, low effect was found for the extracts of S. polyphylla and T. panurensis and high activity for C. angustifolia which inhibited the enzyme by 89.37% and 81.32% at 200 and 100 µg/mL, respectively. ConclusionThe traditional preparations used to improve sexual performance in the Peruvian Amazon showed activity as phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. The most active ingredient of the traditional preparations was C. angustifolia, with some contribution from T. panurensis. These results encourage additional studies, including animal models to confirm the male enhancer effect of the preparations.

Plant Chemicals and the Sexual Behavior of Male Tephritid Fruit Flies

Plant compounds affect insects in many different ways. In addition to being a food source, plants also contain secondary metabolites that may have positive and negative impacts on insects. The influence of these compounds on sexual behavior, in particular, has been the focus of many recent studies. Here, we review the existing literature on the effects of plant compounds on the sexual behavior of tephritid fruit fly males. We put special focus on polyphagous species whose males congregate in leks, where females exert strong mate selection. We first summarize the main findings related to plant compounds that increase male signaling behavior and attraction of females and consequently increase mating frequency, a phenomenon that has been recorded mainly for species of Anastrepha and Ceratitis. In other tephritid species, males are attracted to phenylpropanoids produced by plants (such as methyl eugenol or raspberry ketone) that, upon encounter, are consumed and sequestered by males. These compounds, or metabolic derivatives, which normally have negligible nutritional value, are included in the pheromone and also confer advantages in a sexual context: enhanced female attraction and improved male mating success. These phenomena have been reported for several Bactrocera species as well as for Zeugodacus cucurbitae. Because many tephritid species are serious pests, the effect of plant compounds on male behavior has been explored for potential incorporation into control strategies such as the sterile insect technique (SIT). We conclude noting several factors, such as age and nutrition during larval and adult stage, that modulate the effect of plant compounds on male mating behavior as well as some prominent gaps that preclude a thorough understanding of the plant-mediated enhancement of male sexual performance and hence limit our ability to effectively utilize phytochemicals in pest control strategies.

A Preliminary Study of Aphrodisiac Property from Porcupine Tail Meat Ethanol Extract in Male Mice

This study aim to examine the aphrodisiac activity of ethanol extract from the tail meat of porcupine (Hystrix javanica F. Cuvier, 1823) that is traditionally believed by people in Java (Indonesia) could enhance male vitality and sexual perfor-mance. Twenty sexually inexperienced male mice were randomly divided into four groups and paired with artificially estrus female mice after one hour of drug an extract administration. Two doses of ethanol extract; 150 and 750 mg/kg were administered (p.o) to male mice. Sildenafil citrate was used as the positive control while 5% Tween 80 solution used as the negative control. Sexual behavior parameters such as mounting and intromission were observed for three hours of mating. Male mice treated with ethanol extract of porcupine tail meat at the dose 750 mg/kg BW showed higher mounting and intromission frequency compared to the group of ethanol extract dose 150 mg/kg. After 2 hours of admin-istration showed the highest frequency compared to all groups. However, the ethanol extract could not reduce the mount-ing and intromission latency as low as sildenafil citrated treated group. Present findings provide preliminary evidence of aphrodisiac properties from the ethanol extract of porcupine tail meat.

The Influence of Garcinia kola Seed on Sexual Behavior and Testis Physiology in Wistar Rats

Garcina kola seed is believed by some to enhance male sexual performance but existing scientific data show divergent results. In this study, the sexual and reproductive influence of ethanol (70%) seed extract of G. kola was evaluated in Wistar rats. Adult male rats were gavaged with 0, 50, 100, 200 or 300 mg kg-1 day-1 of extract for 30 days and mated with female rats after sexual behavior characteristics were carefully evaluated. Serum concentrations of testosterone, LH and FSH, as well as epididymal sperm indices were analyzed after mating, while pregnancy rate and litter size of female rats were recorded. Extract (50 mg kg-1) treatment produced no effect on sexual activities, but higher doses caused reduction relative to control. Additionally, except at 50 mg kg-1, extract treatment caused reduction in sperm count (p<0.0001), sperm viability (p = 0.0011), testosterone and FSH (p<0.0001). LH was unaltered, while abnormal sperm morphology was elevated (p<0.05). Furthermore, pregnancy rate and litter size in extract (100-300 mg kg-1) treated rats were lower when compared to control. The results suggest that low dose of G. kola seed may not affect sexual activity, whereas high doses may affect fertility by negatively altering sexual behavior, testosterone level and sperm indices.

Effects of non-contingent cocaine on 3alpha-androstanediol. I. Disruption of male sexual behavior

One of the hallmarks of drug abuse is a reduction in the salience of, and motivation for, natural rewards, such as mating. The effects of psychostimulants on male sexual interest and performance are conflicting; use of psychostimulants can produce increases in risky sexual behaviors but have detrimental effects on sexual ability. We hypothesize that these conflicting effects on sexual behavior are due to interactions between cocaine and androgens, such as testosterone and its neuroactive metabolite, 3α-androstanediol (3α-diol). Male rats were administered saline or cocaine (5, 10, or 20mg/kg, i.p.). Motor behavior was observed in the first 30min following drug-administration, and then sexual responding was assessed for 15min. Levels of androgens (testosterone, 3ɑ-diol, and testosterone's aromatized metabolite, estradiol) were measured in circulation and brain regions (frontal cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus/striatum (hypo/str), and midbrain). Cocaine had no effect on measures of sexual interest (i.e. anogenital investigation). However, cocaine had substantial effects on consummatory sexual behaviors, such as the latency to mount/intromit and the number of sexual contacts. Frontal cortex and hypo/str 3α-diol levels were strongly correlated with consummatory behaviors in saline administered rats; however, this relationship was disrupted by cocaine at all dosages, concomitant with impaired sexual behaviors. Additionally, there was a shift in metabolism at low dosages of cocaine to push testosterone metabolism in the midbrain towards 3α-diol. On the contrary, moderate and high dosages of cocaine shifted testosterone metabolism towards estradiol. These data demonstrate that the association between cortical and hypo/str 3α-diol levels and sexual behavior of male rats is disrupted by non-contingent cocaine and that there may be dose-dependent effects of acute cocaine on androgen metabolism.

Consuming Ecstasy: Representations of Male and Female Orgasm in Mainstream Pornography

Social representations, which appear in a variety of media, can influence the way sexual experiences are perceived and understood. While pornography is not the only medium in which orgasm is portrayed, it is the most explicit, and it is widespread and easily accessible. As such, pornography is an ideal medium for examining representations of male and female orgasm. PornHub’s 50 most viewed videos of all time were viewed and coded for the frequency of male and female orgasm, orgasm-inducing sex acts (and whether activity inducing female orgasms included some form of clitoral stimulation), and auditory (verbal, vocal) and visual (bodily) indicators of orgasm. Content analysis was used to code and analyze the data. Results were analyzed in light of sexual script theory and previous orgasm research. Only 18.3% of women, compared to 78.0% of men, were shown reaching orgasm. Sex differences in depictions of orgasm, beyond the appearance of semen, were documented. Results support the male performance script as evident in pornographic depictions of orgasm, as well as coital and orgasm imperatives. As a result, representations of male and female orgasm in mainstream pornography may serve to perpetuate unrealistic beliefs and expectations in relation to female orgasm and male sexual performance.

Effect of Ginseng (Panax ginseng) against Testicular Toxicity Induced by Sodium Valproate in Male Rats

The aim of this experimental study was to investigate the effects of ginseng powder, extract, L-carnitine and their combination against sodium valproate induced testicular toxicity in rats, the reproductive performance of male rats with respect to semen parameters, male sex hormones and the testicular antioxidant system. A total of forty two mature male albino rats were divided into six groups of seven rats. The control group received saline, whereas the other five groups received sodium valproate the firs represented positive group, after that four groups received ginseng (100 mg/kg. diet), ginseng extract (10 mg/kg. B wt /rat), L-carnitine (150 mg/kg Bwt/rat /day) or a combination of both ginseng and L-carnitine via a stomach tube daily respectively for one month. At the end of the treatment period, rats were sacrificed, weights of sexual organ recorded and their sperm characteristics count, antioxidant enzyme factors levels (reduced glutathione, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity) and sex hormone levels (testosterone, Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were analyzed. Results showed that the four experimental treatments improved lipid parameters, liver function, sperm parameters, antioxidant enzyme activity and testosterone hormone levels; the most pronounced positive effects were observed in the group that received a combination of both ginseng and L-carnitine. Therefore, the administration of a combination of ginseng and L-carnitine may be beneficial for improving male sexual performance.

Functional Effects of Bulbospongiosus Muscle Sparing on Ejaculatory Function and Post-Void Dribbling after Bulbar Urethroplasty

Bulbar urethroplasty outcomes studies have shown low but significant rates of post-void dribbling and ejaculatory dysfunction. The bulbospongiosus muscle is involved with the expulsion of seminal fluid and urine from the bulbar urethra and, thus, we hypothesized that performing urethroplasty using a technique that does not split the muscle may result in better postoperative patient reported ejaculatory function and less post-void dribbling. We performed a multi-institutional matched, case-control analysis comparing men treated with a bulbospongiosus sparing technique to men treated with the traditional nonbulbospongiosus sparing technique. Preoperative and postoperative (3 to 12 months) ejaculatory function was assessed using the 4 ejaculatory questions of the Male Sexual Health Questionnaire short form as well as a patient perception questionnaire. Post-void dribbling was assessed using a validated urethroplasty questionnaire. A total of 25 patients who underwent bulbospongiosus sparing urethroplasty and 25 who underwent nonbulbospongiosus sparing urethroplasty were matched by total preoperative Male Sexual Health Questionnaire score, age, and performance of excision and primary anastomosis. The bulbospongiosus sparing and nonbulbospongiosus sparing groups had similar postoperative total Male Sexual Health Questionnaire scores (15.24 vs 15.40, respectively, p=0.90) and there were no significant postoperative questionnaire score changes in either group (bulbospongiosus sparing 14.56 to 15.24, p=0.4; nonbulbospongiosus sparing 14.64 vs 15.40, p=0.44). Individual responses to the Male Sexual Health Questionnaire were analyzed and no statistically significant difference was found between the groups. Rates of postoperative post-void dribbling and perception of ejaculatory function were similar between the groups. Sparing the bulbospongiosus muscle during urethroplasty does not seem to have a significant impact on patient reported ejaculatory function or post-void dribbling compared with nonbulbospongiosus sparing urethroplasty at early followup.

Barnes, L.W.Conceiving Masculinity: Male Infertility, Medicine, and Identity. Philadelphia, PA: Temple University Press. 2014. 228 pp $29.95 (pbk) ISBN 978‐1‐4399‐1042‐9

Barnes, L.W.Conceiving Masculinity: Male Infertility, Medicine, and Identity. Philadelphia, PA: Temple University Press. 2014. 228 pp $29.95 (pbk) ISBN 978‐1‐4399‐1042‐9