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Sexual Medicine Reviews Jun 2024One of the changes caused by pelvic cancers is the decrease in patients' sexual function, which influences their quality of life (QoL) during and after treatment. Sexual...
INTRODUCTION
One of the changes caused by pelvic cancers is the decrease in patients' sexual function, which influences their quality of life (QoL) during and after treatment. Sexual dysfunction (SD) is associated with severe ejaculatory dysfunction, sexual dissatisfaction, reduced libido and sexual desire, decreased intensity of orgasm, difficulty in erection, and lower sexual frequency.
OBJECTIVES
This systematic review investigated the effectiveness of conservative treatments (nonsurgical and nonpharmacologic) for SD in males with pelvic cancer.
METHODS
Systematic searches were performed in the Cochrane Library, PubMed, CINAHL, PEDro, Embase, and VHL databases in September 2023 by using MeSH terms related to population, study design, intervention, and outcome.
RESULTS
Only prostate cancer studies were included due to a lack of studies in other treatments. Studies used pelvic floor muscle training (8 studies); biofeedback (1 study); a penile vibrator (1 study); electrostimulation (2 studies); shock wave therapy (2 studies); aerobic, resistance, and flexibility exercises (2 studies); and a vacuum erection device (1 study). All articles assessed sexual function and reported improvements in the intervention group, including 5 with no differences between the groups. Articles involving shock wave therapy described improvements in SD but were not clinically relevant. Studies evaluating QoL reported benefits in the experimental groups. Adverse effects of a vacuum erection device and penile vibrator were reported.
CONCLUSION
Conservative treatments are more effective than others in treating SD in men with prostate cancer. Further studies are needed to assess the unwanted effects of these treatments. In this study, we found evidence that this type of therapy improves sexual function and QoL in this population.
PubMed: 38936816
DOI: 10.1093/sxmrev/qeae045 -
Archivio Italiano Di Urologia,... Jun 2024Erectile dysfunction can cause self-withdrawal and decreased quality of life. Patients who do not respond to pharmacological therapy and other conservative treatments... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Erectile dysfunction can cause self-withdrawal and decreased quality of life. Patients who do not respond to pharmacological therapy and other conservative treatments are urged to undergo penile prosthesis implantation. Malleable penile prosthesis was the first prosthesis developed, but then inflatable penile prosthesis was developed to give a more natural erection. There is no meta-analysis comparing inflatable and malleable penile prostheses in terms of safety and efficacy. This study is conducted to evaluate patient and partner satisfaction, ease of use, mechanical failure, and infection rate in patients who underwent penile prosthesis implantation.
METHOD
This meta-analysis followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) protocols. Five eligible studies were included from Pubmed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and SemanticScholar databases.
RESULT
In this study, patient and partner satisfaction are significantly better (OR 3.39, 95% CI 1.66-6.93, p = 0.0008) (OR 2.32, 95% CI 1.75-3.08, p < 0.00001). Mechanical failure is also significantly higher in inflatable penile prostheses (OR 5.60, 95% CI 2.02-15.53, p = 0.0009). There is no significant difference in terms of ease of use and infection rate in inflatable or malleable penile prostheses.
CONCLUSIONS
This study concluded that inflatable penile prosthesis is better in terms of patient and partner satisfaction, but mechanical failures occur more frequently in this type of prosthesis.
Topics: Humans; Male; Erectile Dysfunction; Penile Prosthesis; Patient Satisfaction; Prosthesis Design; Penile Implantation; Treatment Outcome; Quality of Life; Prosthesis Failure
PubMed: 38934528
DOI: 10.4081/aiua.2024.12353 -
Translational Andrology and Urology Apr 2024Penile prosthetic devices are the standard treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) after failure of maximum medical therapy and conservative options. Several penile... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Penile prosthetic devices are the standard treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) after failure of maximum medical therapy and conservative options. Several penile lengthening procedures (PLPs) can be performed concurrently with penile prosthesis (PP) insertion in patients with severe ED, penile shortening, and/or Peyronie's disease to help combat negative emotional and psychological concerns from penile length loss with penile prosthetic device placement.
METHODS
An extensive, systematic literature review of the various pre-, intra-, and post-operative techniques that can be applied to preserve, restore or enhance penile length at the time of penile prosthetic implantation.
RESULTS
Numerous pre-operative and post-operative inflation protocols exists with vacuum erection devices and penile traction therapy. Intraoperative surgical techniques include cavernosal sparing and channeling without dilatation, subcoronal incision with circumferential penile degloving and grafting, the sliding technique, the modified sliding technique, the multiple-slit technique, the tunical expansion procedure (TEP), modified TEP, and the auxetic expansion procedure. These approaches can be meaningful to restore and/or preserve length for patients undergoing PP insertion.
CONCLUSIONS
PLPs can be performed by surgeons who have extensive penile reconstruction experience and have been trained to do these procedures, as there is significant risk to the patient and limitations to what can be expected. Each patient must be counseled in detail about the risks and benefits of these procedures and have their expectations managed as the average postoperative penile length recovery is around 3 cm and can range from 0-4.0 cm. Future research is needed to identify the appropriate candidate for each approach, and how much length gain the patient can expect.
PubMed: 38721300
DOI: 10.21037/tau-23-354 -
Translational Andrology and Urology Apr 2024Priapism is a rare condition characterized by persistent erection of the penis that lasts more than 4 hours in the absence of sexual stimulation and is associated with... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Priapism is a rare condition characterized by persistent erection of the penis that lasts more than 4 hours in the absence of sexual stimulation and is associated with significant morbidity and complications, including erectile dysfunction and penile fibrosis. Surgical management of priapism can be extremely challenging. We herein provide a comprehensive review that aims to evaluate the role of penile prosthesis (PP) implantation in the management of priapism.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was performed using the following databases: PubMed, Embase, and Scopus to identify studies that evaluated the effectiveness of PP implantation in treating priapism and the long-term complications, outcomes, and patients' satisfaction rate.
RESULTS
Out of 717 English-language studies published between 2002 and 2022, 17 were chosen for this review. Majority of patients had a malleable PP (MPP) implant, either early or delayed after the priapism episode. Early placement (EP) of PP is widely defined between studies ranging from less than 72 hours, within 1 week, and within 3 weeks. Most common causes of priapism were sickle cell anemia (SCA), medication-induced, and idiopathic. Studies show a higher satisfaction rate ranging between 80% and 100%, with sexual intercourse achievement ranging between 64.2% and 100%. Based on the GRADE system, included studies rated as very low quality of evidence. Commonly reported complications that arise after PP procedures, include device infection, erosion, curvature, and mechanical malfunction, such as auto-inflation.
CONCLUSIONS
PP can be an effective treatment option for priapism, particularly in cases of ischemic priapism lasting more than 36 hours or recurrent priapism that is medically refractory. However, due to the very low quality of evidence, larger, well-designed studies are warranted where long-term outcomes, patients' satisfaction, and complications following priapism-related PP implantation are measured as endpoints.
PubMed: 38721288
DOI: 10.21037/tau-23-224 -
Narra J Aug 2023Prostate cancer treatment can significantly impact erectile function, and penile rehabilitation has been proposed to improve the impacts. However, the effectiveness of...
Prostate cancer treatment can significantly impact erectile function, and penile rehabilitation has been proposed to improve the impacts. However, the effectiveness of penile rehabilitations after treatment of prostate cancer is scarce. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness of different interventions of penile rehabilitation program after prostate cancer treatment. We conducted a comprehensive search of electronic databases, PubMed and Google Scholar, to identify randomized controlled trials that evaluated interventions for penile rehabilitation after prostate cancer treatment. Studies that met our inclusion criteria were systematically reviewed, and data were synthesized and analyzed. We identified 11 randomized controlled trials that evaluated different interventions for penile rehabilitation after prostate cancer treatment. The interventions included the use of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors, intracavernous injections, vacuum erection devices, and penile rehabilitation programs. The data suggest that these phosphodiesterase inhibitors, intracavernous injections, vacuum erection devices, and penile rehabilitation programs are promising in improving erectile function after prostate cancer treatment. However, the optimal timing and duration of these interventions remain unclear, and there is a need for further research to determine their long-term effectiveness and safety. Healthcare providers should consider individualized approaches to penile rehabilitation, taking into account patient characteristics and preferences.
PubMed: 38454969
DOI: 10.52225/narra.v3i2.174 -
The Journal of Sexual Medicine Nov 2023The health benefits of regular aerobic exercise are well established, although there is limited high-quality evidence regarding its impact on erectile function. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The health benefits of regular aerobic exercise are well established, although there is limited high-quality evidence regarding its impact on erectile function.
AIM
To determine the effect of aerobic exercise on erectile function in men and to identify factors that may influence this effect.
METHODS
This systematic review and meta-analysis included randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effects of aerobic exercise on erectile function via the Erectile Function domain of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-EF). The mean difference in IIEF-EF scores between the aerobic exercise and nonexercising control groups was estimated by a random-effects meta-analysis. Meta-regression was used to evaluate the association of moderator variables on meta-analysis results.
OUTCOMES
The IIEF-EF score is reported on a 6-30 scale, with higher values indicating better erectile function.
RESULTS
Among 11 randomized controlled trials included in the analysis, aerobic exercise resulted in statistically significant improvements in IIEF-EF scores as compared with controls, with a mean difference of 2.8 points (95% CI, 1.7-3.9; P < .001) and moderate heterogeneity among studies (I2 = 53%). The effect of aerobic exercise on erectile function was greater in men with lower baseline IIEF-EF scores, with improvements of 2.3, 3.3, and 4.9 points for mild, moderate, and severe erectile dysfunction, respectively (P = .02). The meta-analysis results were not influenced by publication bias or individual study effects.
CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
Health care providers should consider recommending regular aerobic exercise as a low-risk nonpharmacologic therapy for men experiencing erectile difficulties.
STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS
The primary strength of this review was the generation of level 1 evidence on a topic of general interest regarding sexual health in men. However, the included studies evaluated diverse groups, which may complicate data interpretation for specific segments of the population.
CONCLUSION
Regular aerobic exercise can improve the erectile function of men, particularly those with lower baseline IIEF-EF scores.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Erectile Dysfunction; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Penile Erection; Exercise
PubMed: 37814532
DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdad130 -
Sexual Medicine Reviews Dec 2023Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition that negatively affects men's quality of life. It can have various causes, including psychological, vascular, and...
INTRODUCTION
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition that negatively affects men's quality of life. It can have various causes, including psychological, vascular, and neurologic factors. Existing treatments for ED mainly focus on symptom relief rather than addressing the underlying cause. Stem cells (SCs) have shown potential as a therapeutic approach for ED due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
OBJECTIVES
This systematic review aims to assess the current status of trials and determine the potential impact of SCs on male sexual health.
METHODS
A comprehensive search strategy was employed to gather relevant articles from 6 electronic databases. The search included articles published until March 2023. The reference lists of articles were manually reviewed to identify additional studies of relevance. The eligibility criteria for inclusion in the analysis focused on clinical trials involving humans that evaluated the safety and efficacy of SC therapy for ED. Exclusion criteria encompassed case reports, case series, abstracts, reviews, and editorials, as well as studies involving animals or SC derivatives. Data extraction was performed via a standardized form with a focus on erectile outcomes.
RESULTS
A total of 2847 articles were initially identified; 18 were included in the final analysis. These studies involved 373 patients with ED and various underlying medical conditions. Multiple types of SC were utilized in the treatment of ED: mesenchymal SCs, placental matrix-derived mesenchymal SCs, mesenchymal SC-derived exosomes, adipose-derived SCs, bone marrow-derived mononuclear SCs, and umbilical cord blood SCs.
CONCLUSION
SC therapy shows promise as an innovative and safe treatment for organic ED. However, the lack of standardized techniques and controlled groups in many studies hampers the ability to evaluate and compare trials.
Topics: Female; Pregnancy; Animals; Male; Humans; Erectile Dysfunction; Quality of Life; Placenta; Stem Cell Transplantation; Penile Erection
PubMed: 37758225
DOI: 10.1093/sxmrev/qead040 -
Sexual Medicine Reviews Sep 2023There has been tremendous growth in regenerative medicine during the last decade. For erectile dysfunction (ED), after the inclusion of low-intensity shockwave therapy...
INTRODUCTION
There has been tremendous growth in regenerative medicine during the last decade. For erectile dysfunction (ED), after the inclusion of low-intensity shockwave therapy as a treatment modality for ED management by the European Association of Urology sexual health guidelines, intracavernosal injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has gained popularity between urologists and patients as a novel ED therapeutic modality with initial promising results. However, limited clinical data exist regarding efficacy and safety in patients with ED. Furthermore, despite numerous preclinical studies in other tissues and organs, the mechanism of action for restoring erectile function remains undetermined.
OBJECTIVES
This systematic review aims to present the current status of preclinical and clinical evidence regarding the use of PRP as treatment option for ED.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane, and ScienceDirect databases, until February 2023 for studies exploring the effect of PRP on ED.
RESULTS
We identified 517 articles, 23 of which were included in this review. These were 7 preclinical (of which 1 was a comparative trial and 6 were placebo-controlled randomized controlled trials) and 16 clinical studies (of which 1 was a comparative trial, 5 were randomized trials, and 2 were placebo-controlled randomized controlled trials). Preclinical data support the regenerative role of PRP in erectile tissue, in accordance with existing evidence in other tissues. Randomized clinical studies, as well as the first 2 available randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials, showed promising efficacy and a lack of any adverse events.
CONCLUSION
As PRP for ED is widely used worldwide, there is an urgent need for high-quality studies with long-term follow-up. Standardization of research protocols, especially on the quality of PRP preparation, is also needed.
Topics: Male; Humans; Erectile Dysfunction; Platelet-Rich Plasma; Penile Erection; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37528499
DOI: 10.1093/sxmrev/qead027 -
Sexual Medicine Reviews Sep 2023Organ-sparing surgery (OSS) in penile cancer management aspires to maintain organ form and function and preserve health-related quality of life (HRQoL), yet there is a...
INTRODUCTION
Organ-sparing surgery (OSS) in penile cancer management aspires to maintain organ form and function and preserve health-related quality of life (HRQoL), yet there is a lack of integrated evidence exploring these outcomes.
OBJECTIVES
The aim sought to review HRQoL, functional, aesthetic, and psychological outcomes following OSS or radical penectomy for penile cancer.
METHODS
A systematic review of MEDLINE and Cochrane databases included studies reporting on function (sexual, urinary or sensory), genital appearance or HRQoL/psychological well-being following surgical treatment of primary penile cancer. English-language reports (2000-2022), incorporating patient-reported or objective clinical outcome measures, were eligible. Studies of nonsurgical treatment strategies and those in the context of metastatic disease were excluded. Data were compiled and analyzed.
RESULTS
Twenty-six studies were included. Sexual function was the most studied outcome (754 pooled respondents; 19 studies), most frequently with the original 15-item and abridged 5-item International Index of Erectile Function. Preservation of erectile function following OSS is generally described, with some reduction in overall sexual satisfaction cited. Heterogeneous assessment of voiding function with little preoperative evaluation render interstudy comparison difficult. Most patients appear able to void from a standing position following OSS, with spraying the most common symptom. Maintenance of some sensory function is described with both split-thickness skin grafting and urethral glanduloplasty following radical glansectomy. Limited studies suggest reasonable patient satisfaction with genital cosmesis post-OSS. A negative impact on HRQoL is described in most studies following penile cancer surgery, variably correlated with aggressiveness of penile surgery and addition of lymphadenectomy. Anxiety, depression, and reduced self-esteem have been reported in penile cancer survivors. Relationship well-being varies, with some survivors reporting this to be unchanged.
CONCLUSION
OSS can preserve elements of sexual, urinary, and sensory function, supporting advantages over radical penectomy for eligible patients. However, a comprehensive understanding remains limited due to small, heterogeneous patient cohorts, challenges in obtaining premorbid data, and variability in outcome measures. Standardization of patient-reported outcomes following OSS is desirable.
Topics: Male; Humans; Penile Neoplasms; Erectile Dysfunction; Quality of Life; Penis; Penile Erection
PubMed: 37204120
DOI: 10.1093/sxmrev/qead021 -
Obesity Surgery Jun 2023Obesity is associated with a higher prevalence of various comorbidities including erectile dysfunction (ED). Bariatric surgery leads to weight loss and remission of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Obesity is associated with a higher prevalence of various comorbidities including erectile dysfunction (ED). Bariatric surgery leads to weight loss and remission of weight-related diseases. The exact influence of bariatric treatment on ED is yet to be established; however, the number of papers on the subject is growing.
METHODOLOGY
A systematic review with meta-analysis comparing erectile dysfunction before and after surgery was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines with a literature search performed in June 2022. Inclusion criteria involved (1) ED assessment using the International International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and (2) longitudinal study design. Secondary endpoints involved hormonal changes and specific fields of IIEF.
RESULTS
An initial search yielded 878 records. Fourteen studies were included in the meta-analysis involving 508 patients. The quality of analyzed studies was moderate. Analysis showed significant differences in IIEF before and after surgery (Std. MD = 1.19, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.66, p<0.0001). Testosterone after surgery is higher by 156.32 pg/ml (95% CI 84.78 to 227.86, p<0.0001). There were differences in erectile function (MD:4.86, p < 0.0001), desire (MD: 1.21, p < 0.0001), intercourse satisfaction (MD: 2.16, p < 0.0001), and overall satisfaction (MD: 1.21, p = 0.003). There were no differences in terms of orgasms (MD: 0.65, p = 0.06).
CONCLUSION
There are differences in ED before and after bariatric surgery. Patients achieve 19% more in the IIEF questionnaire showing improvement. Further studies, including multivariate regression models on large cohorts, are required to determine whether the surgery is an independent factor in alleviating ED.
Topics: Male; Humans; Erectile Dysfunction; Longitudinal Studies; Obesity, Morbid; Penile Erection; Bariatric Surgery
PubMed: 37086370
DOI: 10.1007/s11695-023-06572-9