International Journal of Impotence Research最新文献

TGF-β1 plays a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of Peyronie's disease, driving the excessive extracellular matrix accumulation and fibroblast activation characteristic of fibrosis. As in many fibrotic disorders, its action via Smad transcription factors presents a key therapeutic target. Given the notable deficiency in proven effective conservative treatments for Peyronie's disease, particularly in its acute phase, this study aimed to investigate the efficacy of baicalein, a flavonoid known to inhibit the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway, thereby offering a promising therapeutic strategy. We established a rat model of Peyronie's disease on 30 male Wistar albino rats using a single intratunical injection of a combined solution containing 0.1 mL recombinant TGF-β1 protein (0.01 μg/μL) and 0.1 mL sodium tetradecyl sulfate (0.01 μg/μL, 3%), and administered baicalein intralesionally at low (0.8 μg/L, 50 μL), moderate (1.6 μg/L, 50 μL), and high (3.2 μg/L, 50 μL) doses. There were no significant differences among the groups in terms of animal weights or degrees of curvature before and after treatment. Our comprehensive analysis of blindly performed histopathological and immunohistochemical parameters, including tunica albuginea thickness, fibrosis severity, and smooth muscle content, demonstrated that intralesional baicalein suppressed fibrosis formation in corporeal bodies (p = 0.002) in a dose-dependent manner, preserved crucial cavernosal smooth muscle tissue (p = 0.005), and effectively prevented pathological increases in tunica albuginea thickness (p = 0.002). Importantly, systemic toxicity was not detected in any of the subjects. As the first study to investigate intralesional baicalein for Peyronie's disease, our findings positively contribute to the literature and underscore its potential as a safe, accessible, and highly effective agent. Further in vitro and in vivo research is warranted to fully explore baicalein's capacity to address current treatment gaps in this challenging condition.

Humans have long used various substances to enhance sexual pleasure and performance, often at the expense of their overall health. This review investigates the sexual-related effects of recreational drugs, including amphetamines, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), mephedrone, gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), and ketamine. By examining anecdotal evidence, self-reports, and limited scientific data, this study aims to clarify the current understanding of these drugs' effects on sexual function. Amphetamines, potent central nervous system stimulants, are associated with increased sexual desire and arousal, delayed ejaculation and prolonged sexual sessions, and heightened orgasm intensity. However, their use is also linked to compulsive sexual behavior, erectile dysfunction with chronic use, and a high risk of dependency. MDMA, known for its empathogenic properties, enhances intimacy, physical sensuality, and sexual desire while intensifying orgasm. Nevertheless, it can impair erectile and ejaculatory function, with prolonged use leading to chronic sexual dysfunction. Mephedrone, a synthetic cathinone with stimulant effects similar to amphetamines, increases sexual desire and reduces inhibitions, though specific evidence regarding its sexual-related impacts remains limited. GHB, with its combined stimulant and depressant properties, is often used to enhance sexual experiences. Its effects include increased arousal, intensified orgasm, lowered inhibitions, and greater sexual openness. However, its use carries a substantial risk of dependency. Finally, ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic used recreationally for its euphoric effects, shows minimal associations with sexual function, with limited evidence pointing to reduced inhibitions. Chronic use is linked to urinary and sexual dysfunction. Across all substances, unsafe sexual behaviors and a heightened risk of STI/HIV transmission emerge as major negative consequences, underscoring the broader health risks associated with sexualized drug use. This review highlights the need for greater awareness of both the perceived benefits and risks of sexualized associated with sexualized drug use. It underscores the necessity for rigorous, controlled research to better understand the effects of these substances on sexual function and calls for the development of legitimate treatment options for sexual dysfunction, which are often inadequately addressed through illicit drug use.

The diagnosis of female genital cutting/mutilation (FGC/M) in children is complex, as findings may be subtle or mimic normal vulval variation. England and Wales safeguarding guidance advises referral of any signs of FGC/M, regardless of the observer's background. We hypothesised that most children referred to a specialist clinic for concerns about vulval appearance would not have undergone FGC/M, reflecting gaps in anatomical knowledge and limitations of current guidance. A retrospective review of electronic medical records for all children (0-17years) seen from October 2014 to March 2025 was undertaken. The primary outcome was the proportion of appearance-related referrals. Secondary endpoints included confirmed finding of FGC/M, family history of FGC/M, vulval findings, and whose concerns triggered the referral. Among 291 referrals, 129/291 (44.3%) were confirmed to have undergone FGC/M. Forty-two cases (42/291 (14.4%)) were triggered for appearance concerns (median age 4 y IQR 2-11). FGC/M was verified in just one of these 42 children (1/42 (2.4%)). There was a family history of FGC/M in 14/42 (33.3%). Thirty-four (34/42 (81.0%)) had typical anatomy and six (6/42 (14.3%)) had common paediatric vulval conditions. Non-clinicians generated 26/42 referrals (61.9%). Updated guidance is needed to balance vigilance in safeguarding with a more nuanced, informed and child-centered approach.

Post-vasectomy pain syndrome (PVPS) is a chronic and potentially debilitating condition affecting a subset of men undergoing vasectomy. Despite its impact on quality of life, PVPS remains underrecognized, and management strategies are often inconsistent due to limited high-quality evidence. This review aims to synthesize current evidence on the prevention, diagnosis, and management of PVPS and to provide clinically relevant recommendations. PVPS etiology appears multifactorial, involving immunological, mechanical, and neuropathic mechanisms. Diagnosis is clinical, with adjunctive imaging and nerve blocks providing diagnostic and prognostic value. Initial management is conservative, including NSAIDs, neuropathic agents, and pelvic floor therapy. In refractory cases, microsurgical spermatic cord denervation, vasectomy reversal, or epididymectomy may be considered. Psychosocial factors are important and require multidisciplinary care. PVPS demands a nuanced, stepwise approach. Prevention through informed consent and careful surgical technique is key. Further research is needed to standardize diagnostic criteria and validate treatment pathways to optimize patient outcomes.

Hypoactive Sexual Desire Dysfunction (HSDD) in women has a complex origin, and addressing modifiable factors can lead to the best outcomes. One contributing factor is sexual boredom, particularly in women in monogamous relationships and we decided to evaluate sexual novelty as a therapeutic strategy in such women using prospective randomized study design. These women were recruited following screening using a Decreased Sexual Desire Screener (DSDS). Participants' baseline sexual boredom was assessed using the Sexual Boredom Scale (SBS). Reasons for sexual boredom were identified, and customized novelty packages were developed accordingly. The participants were divided into two groups: Group A received psychotherapy alone (n = 196), while Group B (n = 202) received psychotherapy along with a customized sexual novelty package. Sexual desire levels were measured and compared at baseline and after a six-month intervention using the Elements of Desire Questionnaire (EDQ). The groups were similar in age, duration of monogamy, SBS scores, and baseline EDQ scores. Post-intervention results showed that the improvement in EDQ scores for the sexual novelty group was double that of the psychotherapy group (1.8 ± 0.3 vs 0.9 ± 0.1, p < 0.0001). Moreover, multiple regression models showed that lower age of the participant (p = 0.0253) and a longer period of monogamy (p = 0.0268) adversely affected sexual desire.

Recent studies have explored peripheral electrical stimulation (pES) as a potential treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluate the efficacy of pES in ED patients. A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between 2015 and 2025. Studies comparing pES to sham procedures, standard therapies, or no treatment were included. Eligible studies assessed objective or subjective erectile function outcomes, primarily using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5). A meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model. Only three RCTs (n = 82) met inclusion criteria. pES was associated with a significant mean increase in IIEF-5 scores versus controls, with a pooled mean difference of 5.04 points (95% CI, 4.04-6.04). However, heterogeneity was high (I² = 86%, p < 0.001) and a significant difference in terms of pES protocols was noted. No adverse effects were reported. Hypothetical mechanisms of pES in ED have been discussed. pES shows potential as a novel, non-invasive ED treatment targeting multiple physiological pathways. The low certainty of evidence, limited number of RCTs, and study heterogeneity highlight the need for further research.

Delayed ejaculation (DE) and anejaculation (AE) pose significant clinical challenges in andrology and sexual medicine, with no universally effective or standardized treatments currently available. In clinical practice, management strategies are primarily empirical. Drawing inspiration from the physiological mechanisms underlying nocturnal emissions, we propose a novel therapeutic approach for non-organic DE and AE. This method aims to facilitate ejaculation by enhancing seminal vesicle fluid secretion, thereby increasing prostatic urethral pressure during sexual activity. To this end, we administered Yangjing Capsules, a traditional Chinese herbal formulation with kidney-tonifying properties, to promote seminal vesicles secretory function. Preliminary clinical findings demonstrated an efficacy rate of 83.3% in the treatment group, compared to 40% in the control group treated with ephedrine tablets (RR = 2.083; 95% CI:1.331-3.626; P = 0.0016). We anticipate that this strategy may offer a novel option for the clinical management of non-organic DE and AE and provide new insights into therapeutic development in this field.

Surgical site infections remain a devastating complication of inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) implantation. We evaluated a novel surgical protocol combining chlorhexidine-alcohol skin preparation with fibrin sealant-mediated hemostasis and no drain placement, hypothesizing that it would reduce infection and hematoma rates. Between January 2020 and December 2023, 103 men underwent primary IPP placement with a protocol of 2% chlorhexidine gluconate/70% isopropyl alcohol (ChloraPrep®) skin antisepsis and intraoperative application of Evicel® fibrin sealant to corporotomy suture lines, subcutaneous tissues, and pump pocket. This group was compared with 115 historical controls who received povidone iodine skin preparation only and routine surgical drains between January 2015 to December 2019. The primary endpoint was IPP infection at 12 months; secondary endpoints included hematoma rate, operative time, length of stay, and patient satisfaction. No infections occurred in the study cohort (0/103), compared to 3.5% (4/115) of controls (p < 0.001). Hematoma incidence was 1.0% (1/103) versus 5.2% (6/115) in controls (p = 0.03). Mean operative time (52.4 ± 13.8 min vs. 58 ± 18 min, p = 0.12) was similar between groups, while same-day discharge rates were higher in the study cohort (94.7 vs. 88.0%, p = 0.03). Combining chlorhexidine-alcohol skin antisepsis with fibrin sealant hemostasis and eliminating drains is a viable option to reduce infections and hematomas in IPP surgery.