Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026
07:21
Clinical Application of 24 G Cannula Needle and 3-0 Polypropylene Suture in Vas Deferens Exploration
Published on: February 10, 2023
Sexual function and fertility issues in cases of exstrophy epispadias complex
M S Ansari1, R M Cervellione, J P Gearhart
1Department of Urology, Division of Pediatric Urology, The James Buschanan Brady Urological Institute, The John Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, 21287 USA.
Summary
Bladder exstrophy (EEC) patients often experience sexual function and fertility challenges. This review found most female patients have normal fertility, while males face significantly reduced fertility, though sexual function is generally adequate.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Reproductive Medicine
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Bladder exstrophy (EEC) presents unique challenges for patients transitioning into adulthood.
- Issues of sexuality, sexual function, and fertility become increasingly important for EEC patients.
- Understanding long-term outcomes is crucial for comprehensive patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review existing evidence on sexuality, sexual function, and fertility in EEC patients.
- To assess the impact of different management strategies on reproductive and sexual health outcomes.
- To provide a comprehensive overview for clinicians and researchers in the field.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of Medline database over 25 years.
- Keywords used: Exstrophy, sexual function, and pregnancy.
- Inclusion criteria: English literature, studies on exstrophy patients; 40 publications analyzed, supplemented by 15 from bibliographies.
Main Results:
- Most EEC patients exhibit adequate sexual function.
- Female patients generally experience normal fertility.
- Male patients demonstrate significantly lower fertility rates; some urinary diversion techniques may improve ejaculatory outcomes.
Conclusions:
- While sexual function is typically adequate in EEC patients, fertility remains a significant concern, particularly for males.
- Primary reconstruction shows promising results, comparable to older urinary diversion methods regarding sexual function.
- Further research is needed to optimize fertility outcomes for male EEC patients.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Infertility in Males
Male infertility affects millions of couples worldwide, arising from various factors that impact different stages of the reproductive process. An endocrine imbalance resulting from conditions like hypogonadism, Klinefelter syndrome, or pituitary disorders can disrupt hormone levels and reduce sperm production. Testicular defects, such as tumors, cryptorchidism, atrophic testes, abnormal sperm morphology, and low sperm count or motility, may arise due to genetic factors, structural...
01:20Disorders of the Male Reproductive System
Men's health issues are increasingly recognized as significant, with several conditions posing common threats. Among these, testicular cancer is especially prevalent in younger men, particularly those aged 20 to 35 years. The disease often manifests as a painless mass in the testicles, sometimes accompanied by a sensation of heaviness or a dull ache.
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra. Symptoms...
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra. Symptoms...
01:41Spermatogenesis
Spermatogenesis is the process by which haploid sperm cells are produced in the male testes. It starts with stem cells located close to the outer rim of seminiferous tubules. These spermatogonial stem cells divide asymmetrically to give rise to additional stem cells (meaning that these structures “self-renew”), as well as sperm progenitors, called spermatocytes. Importantly, this method of asymmetric mitotic division maintains a population of spermatogonial stem cells in the male reproductive...
01:25Accessory Ducts of the Male Reproductive System
The male reproductive system is a complex network of organs and tissues that work together to produce and transport sperm. The epididymis, vasa deferens, ejaculatory ducts, and urethra are the accessory ducts involved in sperm maturation and transportation. These ducts play a critical role in the production and transportation of sperm from the testes to the urethra, where it is then released during ejaculation.
The epididymis is a small, comma-shaped organ located at the back of each testicle.
The epididymis is a small, comma-shaped organ located at the back of each testicle.
01:16Accessory Glands of the Male Reproductive System
The accessory ducts involved in sperm maturation and transportation include the epididymides, vasa deferentia, ejaculatory ducts, and urethra. These ducts play a critical role in the maturation, storage, and transportation of sperm from the testes to the urethra, where it is then released during ejaculation.
The epididymis is a small, comma-shaped organ located at the back of each testicle. The epididymis can be divided into three main parts: the head, body, and tail. The head of the epididymis...
The epididymis is a small, comma-shaped organ located at the back of each testicle. The epididymis can be divided into three main parts: the head, body, and tail. The head of the epididymis...
01:15Development of the Sexual Organs in the Embryo and Fetus
Development of the reproductive organs in an embryo starts from a bipotential state. This means the early embryo can develop either male or female reproductive organs. The formation of these organs begins with the growth of gonadal ridges that arise from the intermediate mesoderm during the fifth week of development.
Near the gonadal ridges, two duct systems are present: the mesonephric ducts (Wolffian ducts) and paramesonephric ducts (Müllerian ducts). These ducts form the basis for the male...
Near the gonadal ridges, two duct systems are present: the mesonephric ducts (Wolffian ducts) and paramesonephric ducts (Müllerian ducts). These ducts form the basis for the male...