Background: Individuals undergoing phalloplasty as part of their gender-affirming medical transition are subsequently able to undergo insertion of a penile implant to achieve rigidity in the neophallus for penetrative intercourse. These procedures require specific knowledge and surgical skills, as the anatomy of the neophallus differs from that of the native penis. Currently, there is no universally accepted guideline for preoperative assessment, surgical technique, or postoperative care.
Aim: To address this gap, we developed consensus-based protocol informed by expert opinions to standardize peri-surgical care delivery and facilitate valid scientific evaluation.
Methods: A Delphi approach was used to develop and reach a consensus on a clinical protocol for pre-, peri-, and postoperative care related to penile prosthesis implantation surgery after phalloplasty. Surgeons who perform this procedure regularly were recruited to participate in the expert panel. The process included two rounds of voting by the expert panel to achieve maximum level of consensus on the protocol items.
Outcomes: Consensus ratings were obtained for each recommendation, culminating in a final set of items to be included in the final version of the clinical protocol.
Results: Twenty-one experts agreed to participate in the study, with 17/21 (81%) partaking in the first voting round and 16/21 (76%) in the second. In the first voting round, 65 items were presented to the expert panel, and consensus was reached on the inclusion of 27 (42%) of them. In the second round, 29 items were presented, and consensus was reached on 26 (90%) of them.
Clinical implications: This protocol can be used by physicians worldwide to enhance global clinical outcomes and facilitate scientific research by promoting consistency.
Strengths and limitations: Strengths of this protocol include its consolidation of expert opinions in a niche surgical field to create consensus-backed recommendations for care in this clinical context. However, limitations stem from the overrepresentation of certain geographical areas, which may hinder its applicability in regions with differing resources and care protocols.
Conclusion: Consensus was successfully reached on recommended practices for penile implant insertion in transgender and gender diverse individuals with phalloplasty.
Introduction: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are antidiabetic agents that also induce weight loss. Their widespread use has prompted investigation of potential benefits beyond glycemic control, including effects on male sexual and reproductive function. Emerging evidence suggests that they may improve male reproductive parameters, particularly in men with metabolic dysfunction.
Objectives: To systematically evaluate the effects of GLP-1RAs (liraglutide, semaglutide, dulaglutide, and exenatide) on male reproductive hormones, semen parameters, and metabolic outcomes.
Methods: We conducted a systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We searched in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science up to April 2025. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies evaluating the effects of GLP-1RAs in adult men. Assessed the risk of bias with the risk of bias 2 tool for RCT and the Risk Of Bias In Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool for observational studies.
Results: Ten studies involving a total of 639 men were included. GLP-1RAs were consistently associated with increased total testosterone, particularly in men with obesity, type 2 diabetes, or functional hypogonadism. Free testosterone changes were inconsistent, often offset by concurrent rises in sex hormone-binding globulin. Luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels were preserved or increased with GLP-1RA use, in contrast to the suppression observed in testosterone therapy comparator groups. Improvements in semen parameters were reported in obese or hypogonadal men; however, no significant changes were found in healthy individuals.
Conclusion: GLP-1RAs may improve testosterone levels and potentially enhance semen quality in men with metabolic issues, while maintaining gonadotropin function. They could serve as fertility-sparing alternatives to testosterone therapy in some obesity-related hypogonadism cases. More long-term, controlled studies with standardized fertility measures are needed to confirm their role in male reproductive health.

