Testicular function and sexuality in adult patients with anorectal malformation
jpedsurg.org shows its articles on its own site.
Read the article on jpedsurg.org ↗Article · Feb 2020 · 1 min read
In brief
In brief
Study of 30 adult males with repaired anorectal malformations reveals high rates of testicular hypotrophy (53.5%), cryptorchidism (33%), and delayed sexual debut compared to controls. Findings support routine testicular function screening in ARM patients to identify fertility issues early and provide appropriate psychological support.
Written by the GCMD Library team from the article.
Purpose
To collect data on sexual and fertility issues in adult male patients with history of anorectal malformations (ARM).
Materials and methods
Thirty adult males born with ARM, cared for at the Pediatric Surgery of Treviso and Padua Hospitals, were enrolled and interviewed about sexual habits and relationships. Testicular ultrasound, evaluation of male sex hormones and semen analysis were performed to assess testicular function and compare data with 15 fertile controls. Presence of erectile dysfunction was evaluated with IIEF-5 questionnaire.
Results
Cryptorchidism and recurrent orchiepididymitis were reported in 33% and 40% of patients, respectively. Average testicular volume resulted significantly lower than fertile controls (11.1 vs 14.3 mL, p = 0.002) and 53.5% presented testicular hypotrophy ( 139). Coital debut resulted delayed at 18 years old (vs 15 years in the control group). Overall 63.5% reported their condition did not affect their sexual sphere.
Conclusions
Evaluation of testicular function is recommended in ARM patients to detect and treat possible infertility disorders, to recognize the clinical conditions which could affect the spermatogenesis since childhood, and to guarantee psychological support.
Level of evidence rating
Prognosis study.
Level III (case–control study).