Rates Of Erectile Dysfunction Research Articles

The use of focal therapy for the treatment of prostate cancer in Canada: Where are we, how did we get here, and where are we going?

Focal therapy is an emerging treatment for localized prostate cancer. The objectives of this review were to: 1) review how focal therapies are regulated and approved; 2) summarize the scope and quality of the literature regarding safety, efficacy, and side-effects; and 3) outline ongoing clinical trials of focal therapy in Canada. Using the PRISMA framework for scoping reviews, we searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane from 2021-2024, complementing Hopstaken et al's search up functional and oncologic outcomes. Additionally, we examined the FDA database for regulatory details and ongoing trials in Canada via ClinicalTrial.gov. FDA approval for prostate tissue ablation was granted to high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in 2015 via the de novo pathway; other therapies followed the 510(k) route, citing equivalence to predicate devices. Most studies are in early stages, primarily single-arm, prospective cohort designs. Oncologic outcomes like cancer detection and survival rates, alongside functional data, such as adverse events and erectile function, were assessed. Recurrence-free survival at 48 months ranged from 58-92%, pad-free rates were greater than 95%, and rates of new-onset erectile dysfunction were variable, ranging from no change to 50%. Rates of serious adverse events (SAEs) were low, ranging from 0-14%. Three Canadian clinical trials are actively enrolling participants, and five private clinics were found offering private HIFU, irreversible electroporation (IRE), or transurethral ultrasound ablation (TULSA). Focal therapy technologies have gained regulatory approval for prostate tissue ablation, and, aside from provincial support for cryoablation in Alberta, are available to Canadians through private payment or clinical trials. Many studies demonstrate promising cancer control and impressive functional outcomes but are limited by their short followup and lack of comparator group. Clinical trial or registry participation should be prioritized to ensure an evidence-based integration into current prostate cancer treatment approaches.

Salvage local treatment for recurrent prostate cancer after focal therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectivesTo evaluate the role of salvage local treatment in managing recurrent PCa following FT, focusing on oncological and functional outcomes. MethodsA systematic review and meta-analysis were performed following the PRISMA framework. A comprehensive literature search using the PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE databases was performed until July 2023. Eligible studies included patients with clinically localised PCa initially treated with FT, who experienced relapse during surveillance and subsequently underwent salvage radical prostatectomy (sRP), salvage external beam radiation therapy (sEBRT) or salvage focal therapy (sFT). The primary endpoint was the biochemical recurrence rate post-salvage treatment. The secondary endpoints were functional outcomes, including urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction rates. ResultsIn 26 retrospective studies including 990 patients, the overall pooled biochemical recurrence rate postsalvage treatment was 26%. The subgroup analysis revealed a biochemical recurrence rate of 20%, 22%, and 42% after sRP, sEBRT, and sFT, respectively. The overall pooled rate of urinary incontinence was 20%. Salvage FT had the lowest prevalence of urinary incontinence, followed by sRP and sEBRT. The overall pooled rate of erectile dysfunction was 43%. Salvage RP had the highest prevalence of erectile dysfunction, followed by sFT and sEBRT. Substantial heterogeneity was observed among the studies, primarily due to different sample sizes. Meta-regression analysis revealed no to low contributions of salvage treatment modalities, extent of ablation, age, prostatic specific antigen level before salvage treatment, proportion of patients with Gleason score ≥7 at recurrence, and time between the primary and salvage therapies to heterogeneity. ConclusionSalvage local treatment for recurrent PCa after FT is feasible, and it provides acceptable oncological and functional outcomes. Among all treatment modalities, sRP and sEBRT appeared to have the lowest biochemical recurrence rates, whereas sFT was associated with improved functional outcomes.

Erectile dysfunction among male patients receiving methadone maintenance treatment: focusing on anxiety-related symptoms.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) in patients receiving methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) is a relatively neglected issue. In this study we sought to determine the actual prevalence of ED and risky sexual behaviors in patients receiving MMT and identify clinically relevant risk factors for ED, particularly mental health conditions, that may contribute to achieving holistic healthcare and improving treatment adherence in this patient population. A cross-sectional study of male Chinese MMT patients was conducted. Comprehensive demographic and clinical data regarding age, obesity, history of major mental and physical illness, HIV infection, other substance use, methadone dose/duration, and associated risky sexual behaviors were all collected. Assessment tools, including the 5-item International Index of Erectile Function, the Chinese Health Questionnaire, and the Taiwanese Depression Questionnaire were administered. The relationship between mental health-related factors and ED was fully analyzed and elaborated. The prevalence of ED among male patients in a methadone maintenance therapy outpatient clinic was 55.7%. The prevalence rate of ED among the individuals treated for longer than 6months was 56.8%, whereas that for untreated individuals was 52.0%. Additionally, methadone-treated individuals were older and had a higher proportion of condom use and drug-assisted sexual activity than untreated individuals. Pearson correlation revealed that higher Chinese Health Questionnaire and Taiwanese Depression Questionnaire scores were negatively correlated with lower scores on the 5-item International Index of Erectile Function. In the multivariate regression model, anxiety and other psychosomatic symptoms were associated with more severe ED, whereas individuals who consumed alcohol within the past month had less severe ED after adjustment for other demographic and clinical variables. The findings of the present study revealed no association between ED and methadone treatment duration or dosage. Healthcare professionals should discuss mental health issues in patients on MMT with ED, especially anxiety symptoms and recent alcohol use. This study is one of the few reports within the limited body of research highlighting a significant association of ED with anxiety-related symptoms in patients undergoing MMT. Our study had some limitations. First, the sample size of HIV-infected individuals was insufficient. Second, the cross-sectional study design could not definitively demonstrate a causal mechanism. In patients undergoing MMT, individuals who reported less severe anxiety symptoms and alcohol consumption in the past month tended to have less severe ED, regardless of the MMT duration or dosage.

Efficiency of Early Penile Rehabilitation on Erectile Function Recovery after Open Radical Prostatectomy

Prostate cancer (PC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed malignancies worldwide and the second leading cause of mortality among men (1). Nowadays, radical prostatectomy is considered the primary therapeutic modality for treating patients with localized PC (stage pT2), providing a five-year survival rate of nearly 100% (2). Sexual dysfunction in men associated with PC treatment encompasses three distinct entities: erectile dysfunction (ED) and penile shortening; ejaculatory and orgasmic dysfunction; and psychosexual dysfunction, which pertains to sexual desire, intimacy, and mental health (3). Penile rehabilitation (PR) is defined as the use of any intervention or combination of procedures aimed not only at achieving an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse but also at restoring erectile function to its preoperative level (4). Despite eff orts to preserve the neurovascular bundle during radical prostatectomy, ED remains a common outcome. Although prevalence rates of ED after the procedure vary widely, recent studies report rates as high as 85% (5). This is primarily due to the lack of control over factors that significantly influence the erection recovery, such as the patient’s age, preoperative erectile function, comorbidities, surgical approach (open, laparoscopic, or robot-assisted), surgical technique (non-, uni-, or bilateral nerve-sparing), and the surgeon’s skills and experience. The pathophysiology of postoperative ED is multifactorial. The primary mechanisms are believed to be damage to the cavernous nerves, whether through dis-section or neuropraxia, and vascular injury, which includes damage to the accessory pudendal arteries, hypoxia and fibrosis of the endothelium and smooth muscle, resulting in penile shortening (6-8). Although there is no consensus on the optimal approach to PR, accepted modalities include the use of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE-5i; such as sildenafil, vardenafil, tadalafil) and vacuum erection de-vices (VED) or vacuum constriction devices (VCD) as first-line therapies. Second-line treatments involve prostaglandin E1 preparations for intracavernous, or intraurethral (MUSE – “Medicated Urethral System for Erection”) administration. The final therapeutic option is the implantation of penile prostheses (3-10).

The Association Between Atypical Masturbation and Male Sexual Dysfunction: A Study Based on Men in Heterosexual Relationships.

We aimed to establish the prevalence of atypical masturbation in the general population and explore the association between atypical masturbation and male sexual dysfunction in heterosexual males. Atypical masturbation refers to stimulation significantly distinct from that encountered during partnered sexual activity. We posted questionnaires that contained the abridged International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-6) and the premature ejaculation diagnostic tool on social media in China. We collected 2743 valid questionnaires from December 9, 2020, to April 18, 2021. We found that the prevalence of atypical masturbation in the general population was 10.97%. Men with atypical masturbation had lower IIEF-6 scores and higher rates of erectile dysfunction (ED) than men with typical masturbation. The prevalence of premature ejaculation and estimated intravaginal ejaculatory latency time were not significantly different among men with different patterns of masturbation. Our study demonstrated that atypical masturbation is associated with ED, and a clinician dealing with sexual issues should inquire more fully about masturbation patterns than has been done to date.

Dual innervation method to preserve erectile function following prostatectomy

Prostate cancer is the second most prevalent cancer in men. Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) has altered the landscape of prostate cancer treatment. Despite the excellent oncological outcomes associated with RARP, the rate of erectile dysfunction (ED) remains high. Primary repair of disrupted cavernous nerves with interpositional nerve grafts has been described; however, the outcomes have been inconsistent. We hypothesize that this is attributed to Schwann cell atrophy and axonal regeneration limitations caused by long nerve grafts. We proposed the use of nerve transfer to support axonal regrowth via an inter-positional graft with additional donor axons. A cadaveric study was performed to evaluate the anatomical feasibility of a vastus lateralis nerve (VLN) transfer to the distal recipient cavernous nerve stump. The VLN is long with multiple branching patterns that allow tension-free coaptation of the cavernous nerve. We postulate that a dual innervation method using VLN nerve transfer together with interpositional nerve graft repair of the transacted cavernous nerves may improve the outcomes of ED post-RARP.

The relationship between social support and erectile dysfunction in middle-aged and older males.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a prevalent condition that affects middle-aged and older men, impacting their sexual health and overall wellbeing. We aimed to investigate the relationship between social support and ED among this specific population. Data were collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Social support was assessed through various dimensions, including emotional support, material support, and network support. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to examine the association between social support and ED, and a propensity-score-matched (PSM) analysis was further conducted. Among 1938 middle-aged and older males in the United States, 49.9% had a history of ED. ED was more prevalent in older individuals and those with comorbidities such as hypertension, prostate disease, higher serum creatinine level, and mental problems. Males with lower social support scores had a higher weighted rate of ED (P < 0.001). After adjusting for multiple variables in logistic regression analysis, a higher social support score was associated with a 19% lower likelihood of ED (weighted odds ratio [OR] 0.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.66-0.98, P = 0.032). The association remained consistent after propensity score matching (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.66-0.98, P = 0.028). Social support appears to be associated with a reduced risk of ED in middle-aged and older men. Further research is needed to better understand this relationship and explore interventions that enhance social support, potentially leading to improved sexual health outcomes.

PDE5is-naïve versus non-naïve patients at first investigation for erectile dysfunction-findings from a long-term, real-life cross-sectional study.

Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5is) represent a first-line pharmacological therapy for erectile dysfunction (ED). Men could obtain PDE5is for recreational purposes without any proper medical prescription. We aimed to analyze clinical characteristics of patients who already used any PDE5i for ED without previous formal medical prescription. Data from 2012 heterosexual, sexually active men seeking first medical help for ED at our outpatient clinic between 2005 and 2022 were analyzed. All patients were assessed with a comprehensive sexual and medical history and completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) at baseline. Comorbidities were scored with the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI). Thereof, according to exposure to any PDE5i before their first visit, patients were subdivided into: PDE5i-naïve and non-PDE5i-naïve patients. Descriptive statistics tested the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of both groups. A logistic regression model predicted the likelihood of being PDE5i-naïve at the baseline. Linear regression analysis (LRA) estimated the likelihood of being PDE5i-naïve versus non-PDE5i-naïve over the analyzed timeframe. Lastly, local polynomial regression models graphically explored the likelihood of being PDE5i-naïve at the first clinical assessment over the analyzed timeframe, and the sensitivity analyses tested the probability of being PDE5i-naïve at baseline. Overall, 1,491 (70.9%) patients were PDE5i-naïve and 611 (29.1%) were non-PDE5i-naïve at the first assessment. PDE5is-naïve patients were younger, with a lower prevalence of CCI ≥ 1 and of normal erectile function (EF) than non-PDE5i-naïve men (all p<0.05). Multivariable logistic regression found that patients with lower BMI (OR: 0.99), higher IIEF-EF scores (OR: 1.02), lower rates of severe ED (OR: 0.94), and who had been assessed earlier throughout the study timeframe (OR: 1.27) were less likely to be PDE5i-naïve at baseline. Univariate LRA revealed that younger patients (Coeff: -0.02), with lower CCI (Coeff: -0.29) and higher alcohol intake per week (Coeff: 0.52) were more likely to be PDE5i-naïve over the analyzed timeframe. Moreover, for the same IIEF-EF score, patients with higher CCI had lower probability of being PDE5i-naïve. Self-prescription of PDE5is is an attitude presents in the general population, despite this phenomenon has decreased overtime. Current data outline the importance to keep promoting educational campaigns to promote PDE5is as effective and safe medicinal products, while avoiding their improper use.

Irritable bowel syndrome and erectile dysfunction in medical students at a Peruvian university: an analytical cross-sectional analysis.

There is inconclusive evidence regarding the role of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in the development of erectile dysfunction (ED), especially among medical students due to high academic stress. To determine the association between IBS and ED in medical students from a Peruvian university in 2022. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted with secondary data analysis on 133 medical students from a university in northern Peru during the 2021-II academic semester. The dependent variable was ED as measured with the 5-item International Index of Erectile Function, and the exposure variable was IBS as assessed with the Rome IV-Bristol questionnaire. The results were the prevalence rates of IBS and ED and the association of these variables. Of the 133 medical students surveyed, the median age was 22years (IQR, 19-24). The median score on the 5-item International Index of Erectile Function was 21 (IQR, 10-24). The prevalence of ED was 38.4% (95% CI, 30.05%-47.17%). Among the medical students 3% and 9% displayed moderate and severe ED, respectively, and 24.8%, 13.5%, and 24.1% showed moderate depressive, anxious, and severe symptoms. An overall 10.5% had IBS. Medical students with IBS had a 108% higher prevalence of ED than those without the syndrome (prevalence ratio, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.06-4.06). Other confounding variables were not significantly associated (P > .05). The results underline the importance of comprehensive sexual and mental health assessment, with an emphasis on the relationship between IBS and ED in medical students. Strengths include the use of validated and reliable instruments and rigorous biostatistical methods, and this is the first Peruvian investigation to explain the association between IBS and ED in medical students. Limitations include the cross-sectional design and nonprobability sampling, and there may be bias in applying the instruments. This study reveals a significant association between IBS and a higher prevalence of ED in these students.

(169) Penile Fracture and Urethral Injury Repair

Abstract Introduction Penile fracture refers to the rupture of tunica albuginea of the penile corpora cavernosum which most often occur due to trauma during coitus or manual manipulation. This can be associated with either a partial or a complete urethral injury up to 39% of cases, usually those fractures crossing the septum. It is important to address both conditions to ensure sexual and voiding function is maintained. Objective The patient presented in this video is a 35-year-old gentleman who presented to the emergency department post-trauma related to sexual intercourse causing immediate detumescence and swelling. Methods This video describes the penile fracture repair performed using a midline ventral incision repair technique. Prior to surgery the patient is imaged, usually ultrasound, to allow location and marking of the suspected penile fracture. Due to the suspected urethral injury requiring a suprapubic catheter insertion at the presenting hospital, a flexible cystoscopy was performed initially. This showed the urethra was inaccessible at the level of the penile scrotal junction but within the penile urethra. A ventral midline incision along the penile raphe over the suspected fracture site is made. Dartos and Bucks Fascia were dissected to expose the tunica albuginea and allow identification of the fracture site. Further dissection was required to determine the lateral extents of the injury. Stay sutures can then be placed to allow easier closure of the injury. The tunica albuginea was then sutured with PDS sutures, care was taken to ensure these are buried sutures to ensure the patient is unable to palpate these. Subsequently, urethral injury was addressed by performing primary urethral anastomosis. A catheter was introduced through the urethra, a complete transection was seen and the ends were then dissected out to allow an end to end anastomosis to be performed. The anastomosis was checked for a leak with a table urethrogram using dilute betadine. Upon adequate closure of the urethra the ventral midline incision was closed. Results The procedure was successful and uneventful. He has a urethrogram 3 weeks post-op on which no evidence of a leak was shown. This patient went on to have good erectile function at 2 months post-operatively. However, he has a 30-degree ventral curvature which he finds bothersome. This is currently being treated conservatively with a vacuum device. Conclusions The BAUS consensus documents reports erectile dysfunction and penile curvature rates following surgery for penile fracture repair are reported to be 5% and 5% respectively. Conservative management results have a much higher rate of complication with 62% chance of erectile dysfunction and 35% chance of curvature. Disclosure No.

Outcomes of ablative therapy and radical treatment for prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

To compare biochemical recurrence, sexual potency and urinary continence outcomes of ablative therapy and radical treatment (radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy with androgen deprivation therapy). A systematic review and meta-analysis followed the PRISMA guidelines were performed. We searched MEDLINE/PubMed. Biochemical recurrence at three and five years; incontinence rate (patients who used one pad or more) and erectile dysfunction rate at 12 and 36 months (patients who did not have sufficient erection to achieve sexual intercourse) were evaluated. The Mantel-Haenszel method was applied to estimate the pooled risk difference (RD) in the individual studies for categorical variables. All results were presented as 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Random effects models were used regardless of the level of heterogeneity (I²). (PROSPERO CRD42022296998). Eight studies comprising 2,677 men with prostate cancer were included. There was no difference in biochemical recurrence between ablative and radical treatments. We observed the same biochemical recurrence between ablative therapy and radical treatment within five years (19.3% vs. 16.8%, respectively; RD 0.07; 95%CI=-0.05, 0.19; I2=68.2%; P=0.08) and continence rate at 12 months (9.2% vs. 31.8%, respectively; RD -0.13; 95%CI, -0.27, 0.01; I2=89%; P=0.32). When focal treatment was analyzed alone, two studies with 582 patients found higher erectile function at 12 months in the ablative therapy group than in the radical treatment (88.9% vs. 30.8%, respectively; RD -0.45; 95%CI -0.84, -0.05; I2=93%; P=0.03). Biochemical recurrence and urinary continence outcomes of ablative therapy and radical treatment were similar. Ablative therapy appears to have a high rate of sexual potency.

(157) Prescribing Ozempic and Wegovy for Weight Loss is Associated with an Increased Risk of Erectile Dysfunction and Hypogonadism in Non-Diabetic Males

Abstract Introduction The use of antidiabetic medications, such as metformin or sulfonylureas, can have diverse effects on sex hormones, potentially influencing erectile function. While both Ozempic and Wegovy (semaglutide) include sexual dysfunction as a side effect of the medication, no study has assessed how frequently men will experience sexual dysfunction with these medications. Recently, semaglutide was approved in June of 2021 for weight loss in non-diabetic patients and has exploded in popularity. Objective Our objective is to assess the risk of developing ED in non-diabetic males after starting semaglutide using a large claims-based database. Methods We queried the TriNetX Research database, a comprehensive insurance claims database. Our study cohort included males aged 18 to 50 who have been prescribed semaglutide after June 1st, 2021. We excluded individuals with a history of pelvic radiation, prostatectomy, pulmonary hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or any hemoglobin A1c measurement ≥7%. Propensity-matching was performed between the cohorts for age, ethnicity, race, BMI, hypertension, sleep apnea, and hyperlipidemia. Our primary outcome was comparing the proportion of men that received an ED diagnosis and/or prescription for phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5i) from one day to any time after the index prescription of semaglutide. The secondary outcome of interest included the risk of developing testosterone deficiency. Risk was reported using relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Statistical significance was set using a two-sided alpha at 0.05. Results We found 2,117 non-diabetic males with a prescription of semaglutide, which were compared to an equivalent number of propensity matched controls (Table 1). Compared to matched controls, males with a semaglutide prescription were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with ED and/or prescribed PDE5i (1.4%) when compared to control males who were never prescribed semaglutide (0.14%) (RR: 10.0, 95% CI [3.05 – 32.82]). Similarly, males with a prescription for semaglutide were more likely to receive a subsequent diagnose of testosterone deficiency (3.83%) compared to controls (1.7%), (RR: 2.25, 95% CI [1.53 – 3.32]) from one day to any time after the index prescription. Conclusions In this claims-based analysis, we found that non-diabetic males with a prescription of semaglutide have a significantly higher risk of developing ED and testosterone deficiency. Rates of erectile dysfunction in men prescribed semaglutide are overall low at 1.4% but, we were surprised that these rates were so much higher than those not receiving semaglutide as we expected that weight loss drugs would improve erectile function. Further studies are needed to assess the impact of semaglutide in non-diabetic men to assess how this drug impacts the male hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Despite its increasing popularity for weight loss, both clinicians and patients should be aware of potential hormonal effects when discussing and considering the medication. Disclosure No.

(150) Erectile Dysfunction and Peyronie’s Disease Diagnosis Rates After Penile Fracture – A Retrospective Claims Database Cohort Analysis

Abstract Introduction Penile fracture (PF) is a rare urologic emergency, with an estimated incidence of 500-600 PFs per year in the United States. Delays in surgical repair increase the risk of developing erectile dysfunction (ED) and Peyronie’s disease (PD). Objective Our objective was to analyze the rates of ED and PD following a PF using a large, multi-institutional claims database. Methods We conducted a cohort analysis utilizing the TriNetX Research database. The inclusion criteria included men ages 15 or older with a diagnosis of PF and any office visit within 5 years of the PF. Our exclusion criteria included any prior ED diagnosis, prescription of erectile aids, or penile prosthesis placement. Our primary outcome was the diagnosis of ED or prescription of erectile-aid dosing of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5i) within five years. A secondary analysis was used to assess rates of PD following a PF. Subgroup analyses were performed for age and the impact of initial repair. Propensity-matching was performed to compare men with and without PF by calculating risk ratios (RR). Results 1,242 men were identified with a diagnosis of PF and subsequently matched to men without a PF, resulting in equal cohorts of 1,227 men. Men with a history of PF were more likely to receive a diagnosis of ED or require PDE5i (RR 3.18, 95% CI 2.30-4.40). Men over the age of 45 years who had a PF were more likely to develop ED or require ED treatment compared to men under 45 years (RR: 1.65, 95% CI 1.14-2.39). Men who did not undergo immediate repair had higher rates of ED diagnoses or treatment (RR: 1.84, 95% CI 1.22-2.78). Rates of PD diagnoses were significantly higher in men with a history of PF (5.8% vs 0%, p-value&amp;lt;0.0001). Rates of PD were significantly lower if immediate repair of the fracture was performed (RR: 0.20, 95% CI 0.10-0.41). Men over the age of 45 years with a history of a penile fracture were more likely to develop Peyronie’s Disease within 5 years compared to men under the age of 45 years with a history of penile fracture (RR: 3.73, 95% CI 1.94-7.16). Conclusions We found that a PF increases the risk of both ED and PD, especially for those treated with conservative measures or over the age of 45 years. Consequently, it is essential to follow up with these patients in the long term and survey potential adverse side effects relating to sexual function that may arise. Disclosure No.

(158) Antihypertensive Medications and Erectile Dysfunction: Is this Association Accurate?

Abstract Introduction The association between erectile dysfunction (ED) and antihypertensive medications (AM) has been previously described with varying results in small or single center data sets. Utilizing large post marketing surveillance databases allows one to study drug side effects across patients in a much larger and more diverse sample size. Objective Our study sought to investigate AMs and their medication classes to determine the incidence of ED. Our hypothesis was that thiazide diuretics and beta blockers would have significantly higher rates of reported ED than other AM classes due to the classic association with these medications and ED. Methods We utilized the US government Medical Expenditure Panel Survey maintained by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to determine the total number of patients on each medication each year. The total number of ED adverse events reported per year per medication was accessed via the Food and Drug Administration’s adverse event reporting database (FAERS). Date ranges were 2013 to 2020. We reviewed all substantive outpatient AMs and compared them to one another as well as across the class with regards to reported ED rates. Results We found that a higher incidence of ED adverse events were reported with ramipril and bisoprolol -15 events per 100,000 patients and 34.1 events per 100,000 patients, respectively. Interestingly fewer adverse events (0.4 events per 100,000 patients) were reported for lisinopril. We did recognize differences among AM classes via Kruskal-Wallis analysis however the structure of our study was not able to distinguish which class was different in rates of ED as a result of the large number of drugs included. Reported ED rates increased over the study period with 2020 having the most ED reports. However, most medications reported fewer than 100 adverse events over an 8-year time period with many medications having tens of millions of patients taking them a year. Conclusions Higher rates of reported ED were seen with ramipril and bisoprolol and lower rates found with lisinopril than in other AMs. Differences among medication classes were not identified. The infrequent reporting of ED with AMs questions the existing dogma that AMs cause ED and further consideration should be given to the causality of this association. Disclosure No.

The value of audiovisual sexual stimulation with virtual reality in diagnosing erectile dysfunction.

The traditional audiovisual sexual stimulation (AVSS) test may experience limitations including low erectile response rate and lack of unified diagnostic criteria. We aimed to explore the clinical value of AVSS with virtual reality (VR-AVSS) test in assessing erectile function and diagnosing erectile dysfunction (ED). Participants 18 to 60years of age were screened for analysis in 3 clinical centers from June 2020 to March 2022. Demographic data, 5-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), erectile hardness score (EHS), and self-reported symptom questions were collected. The ED patients and control patients were confirmed according to the IIEF-5 and EHS. All subjects watched a 60-minute erotic video by VR device during RigiScan recording. The parameters including tip average rigidity, tip effective erectile duration (duration of rigidity ≥60%, tip effective erectile duration), base average rigidity, and base effective erectile duration were evaluated. The main outcome of interest was the application of VR immersion technology to improve the traditional AVSS test. A total of 301 ED cases and 100 eligible control patients were included for final analysis. Compared with control patients, ED cases had significantly lower IIEF-5 scores, EHS, positive response rate, and erectile rigidity and duration. The positive response rate of ED and control patients were 75.5% and 90.9%, respectively. The cutoff points of tip average rigidity, tip effective erectile duration, base average rigidity, and base effective erectile duration were 40.5% (sensitivity: 77.6%, specificity: 70.2%; P < .001), 4.75minutes (sensitivity: 75.9%, specificity: 75.4%; P < .001), 48.5% (sensitivity: 77.6%, specificity: 75.1%; P < .001), and 7.75minutes (sensitivity: 79.3%, specificity: 75.7%; P < .001). The technological superiority of VR will enable the VR-AVSS immersion test to be a more accurate detection than traditional AVSS modes. Our study applied VR immersion technology to establish the standard operation procedure for the AVSS test, which could effectively reduce the interference of adverse factors and minimize the detecting errors. However, the test data only included positive response subjects, so the true erectile status of men with a negative response to the AVSS test cannot be obtained. The VR-AVSS test can effectively improve the diagnostic accuracy of ED. The average rigidity and effective erectile duration were the optimal diagnostic parameters for excluding ED.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Cancer.

Prostate cancer is the second- leading cause of cancer death among men. We aimed to evaluate high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), open radical prostatectomy (ORP), robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), and external beam radiation therapy (RT) in the treatment of localized low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer. We searched bibliographic databases for case-control, cohort, and randomized controlled studies. We used MeSH subject headings and free text terms for prostate cancer, HIFU, ORP, RARP, RT, failure-free survival (FFS), biochemical disease-free survival (BDFS), urinary incontinence (UI), and erectile dysfunction (ED). Fourteen studies were included in the review, for a total of 34 927 participants. Among the 8 studies of HIFU as the primary treatment of localized low- and intermediate- risk prostate cancer, 4 studies reported 5-year FFS rates ranging from 67.8% to 97.8%, 3 studies reported 5-year BDFS ranging from 58% to 85.4%, 5 studies reported 1-year UI rates ranging from 0% to 6%, and 4 studies reported 1-year ED rates ranging from 11.4% to 38.7%. Furthermore, our search revealed a 5-year FFS benefit favoring ORP compared to RT, a 1-year UI rate favoring ORP compared to RARP, and a 1-year ED rate favoring ORP compared to RARP. Our systematic review and meta-analysis revealed lack of studies with active comparators comparing HIFU to standard of care (ORP, RARP, or RT) in primary treatment of localized low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer. Open radical prostatectomy has favorable efficacy outcomes compared to RT, while RARP has beneficial functional outcomes compared to ORP, respectively.

Timing of male urethral injury treatment in patients with polytrauma: A retrospective study

IntroductionMale urethral injuries are uncommon, and the ideal timing of the definitive treatment remains controversial. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of early and delayed interventions (1 month or more after the injury) for male urethral injuries. Patient and methodsWe conducted a retrospective review of the medical records of 67 male patients with urethral injuries treated at our institution between 2011 and 2020. We examined patient age, injury severity score (ISS), abbreviated injury scale, mechanism, location and severity of injury, presence of pelvic fractures, surgical interventions, timing of treatment, and complications. We analysed factors associated with urinary complications based on the location of urethral injury. Additionally, we performed a subset analysis of patients with severe injuries (ISS≥16) to assess the impact of delayed surgery. ResultsOverall, 47 %, 37 %, and 27 % of patients in the delayed treatment group (N = 30) had urethral stricture (US), erectile dysfunction (ED), and/or urinary incontinence (UI). These rates were greater than the 22 % US, 3 % ED, and 11 % UI rates in the early treatment group (N = 37). The subgroup analysis revealed that patients with anterior urethral injury (AUI) who underwent delayed treatment (N = 18) tended to be more severely injured (ISS, 19 vs 9, p = 0.003) and exhibited higher rates of US (44% vs 21 %, p = 0.193) and ED (39% vs 0 %, p = 0.002) than those who received early treatment (N = 24). In the case of posterior urethral injury (PUI), the delayed treatment group (N = 13) had higher rates of US (50% vs 23 %, p = 0.326), ED (33% vs 8 %, p = 0.272), and UI (42% vs 0 %, p = 0.030) than the early treatment group. Regarding study limitations, more than 45 % of the enrolled patients were severely injured (ISS≥16), which may have potentially influenced the timing of urethral injury repair. ConclusionsThe treatment of male urethral injuries may be delayed due to concurrent polytrauma and other associated injuries. However, delayed treatment is associated with higher rates of urinary complications. Early treatment of urethral injuries may be beneficial to male patients with urethral trauma, even in cases of severe injury.

Distribution of neurovascular structures within the prostate gland and their relationship to complications after radical prostatectomy.

Radical prostatectomy remains the main choice of treatment for prostate cancer. However, despite improvements in surgical techniques and neurovascular sparing procedures, rates of erectile dysfunction, and urinary incontinence remain variable. This is due, at least in part, to an incomplete understanding of neurovascular structures associated with the prostate. The objective of this study was to provide a comprehensive, detailed histological overview of the distribution of nerves and blood vessels within the prostate, facilitating subsequent correlation of prostatic neurovascular structures with patients' clinical outcomes after radical prostatectomy. Neurovascular structures within the prostate were investigated in a total of 309 slides obtained from 15 patients who underwent non-nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to identify and distinguish between parasympathetic and sympathetic nerves, whereas hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to identify blood vessels. The total number, density, and relative position of nerves and blood vessels were established using quantitative morphometry and illustrated using visualization approaches. Patient-specific outcome data were then used to establish whether the internal distribution of nerves and blood vessels within the prostate correlated with the nature and extent of complications after surgery. One-way analysis of variance tests and unpaired ttests were applied to establish statistically significant differences across the measured variables. Nerves and blood vessels were present across all prostatic levels and regions. However, their number and density varied considerably between regions. Assessment of the precise positioning of neurovascular structures revealed that the majority of nerve fibers were located within the dorsal and peripheral aspects of the gland. In contrast, blood vessels were predominantly located within ventral and dorsal midline regions. The number of intraprostatic nerves was found to be significantly lower in patients who recovered their continence within 12 months of surgery, compared to those whose recovery took 12 months or longer. We report an unexpected disconnect between the localization and positioning of nerve fibers and blood vessels within the prostate. Moreover, individual variability in the density of intraprostatic neurovascular structures appears to correlate with the successful recovery of urinary continence after radical prostatectomy, suggesting that differences in intrinsic neurovascular arrangements of the prostate influence postoperative outcomes.

Evaluation of erectile dysfunction in patients with lumbosacral disc herniation

Objectives: Survey on erectile dysfunction in patients with lumbosacral disc herniation and evaluation of their clinical improvement after surgical treatment of spinal canal stenosis due to herniated disc. Materials and Methods: 35 patients with lumbosacral were treated with discectomy with posterior intervertebral fusion (PLIF) surgery from 10/2021 - 4/2022 at the Department of Neurology, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital. Patients were evaluated for erectile dysfunction and postoperative improvement using the IIEF-5, CSFQ-14, DASS-21, Oswestry scales. Results: The mean age was 48.49 ± 9.15 years old. 51.4% of patients had the most severe hernia at the L4-L5 disc, 28.6% L3-L4 and 20% L5-S1. 100% of patients with herniated disc have erectile dysfunction. Of which 40% had mild-moderate disorders, 34.3% had moderate disorders, 14.3% had severe disorders and 11.4% had mild disorders. The CSFQ-14 and DASS-21 scales were correlated with erectile dysfunction (p &lt; 0.05). Surgery significantly improved pain (VAS score), activity limitation (ODI and JOA), degree of erectile dysfunction, changes in sexual function, depression and anxiety, stress of the patient 1 month after surgery (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: Patients with lumbosacral disc herniation had a 100% erectile dysfunction rate with a mean IIEF-5 score of 11.69 ± 3.77. The CSFQ-14 and DASS-21 scores have a strong positive correlation with erectile dysfunction. Surgical treatment of spinal canal stenosis due to lumbosacral disc herniation improves the clinical status of herniated disc as well as improves erectile dysfunction in these patients. Key words: Erectile dysfunction, IIEF-5 erectile dysfunction questionnaire, CSFQ-14 scale, DASS-21 scale, Oswestry scale, disc herniation.

Do oral antiviral drugs used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B cause erectile dysfunction?

The effect of antiviral drugs on the erectile dysfunction (ED) problem expressed by some patients using antiviral drugs due to chronic hepatitis B infection (HBV) was investigated. A total of 102 male patients receiving antiviral therapy for HBVinfection without any known non-cirrhotic and comorbid disease that may cause ED and whodon't use any drugs with an ED formation potential were analyzed through the InternationalIndex of Erectile Function test. Among the patients admitted to the study, anxiety disorder was detected as 24.5% (n = 25) and depression as 46.1% (n = 47). 70.6% (n = 72) of the patients suffered ED. Severe ED was only detected in 3 (n = 2.9%) patients. ED was detected in 70.6% of the entecavir, 64.2% of tenofovir, and 80% of Tenofovir alafenamide users ( P = 0.287). On the other hand, the logistics regression analysis revealed that the most important factors that increase the risk of ED are age (>55 age; RR: 2.66; P < 0.001), and anxiety disorder (RR: 2.30; P < 0.0001). The cumulative effect of antiviral drugs on ED was 5.7% (RR: 0.8; P = 0.156). We could not find any mounting evidence relating to the effect ofcommonly used antiviral drugs for hepatitis B causing ED. The incidence rate of ED on ourpatients was at a similar rate with population studies in the literature based on society. It is notappropriate to terminate antiviral therapy in hepatitis B for this reason.