High frequency of sexual dysfunction in patients with male accessory gland infections

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Andrology
• Reproductive Medicine

Background:

• Male accessory gland infection (MAGI) is a common condition affecting male reproductive health.
• Ultrasonography plays a role in diagnosing MAGI, but its correlation with clinical symptoms requires further investigation.
• Sexual dysfunction is a potential consequence of MAGI, impacting patients' quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and validate a new diagnostic tool, the structured interview about MAGI (SI-MAGI), for assessing MAGI patients.
• To evaluate differences in symptoms, including sexual dysfunction, between MAGI patients with (US+) and without (US-) ultrasound alterations.
• To compare symptom scores between MAGI patients and a healthy control group.

Main Methods:

• Patients with MAGI were divided into two age-matched groups: US+ and US- based on ultrasound findings.
• A novel SI-MAGI, comprising 30 questions across four domains (urinary, ejaculatory, sexual dysfunction, quality of life), was administered.
• Statistical analysis (ANOVA) was used to compare symptom scores between groups.

Main Results:

• MAGI US+ patients reported significantly higher scores across all four SI-MAGI domains compared to MAGI US- and healthy controls (P < 0.005).
• Sexual dysfunction was more prevalent in the MAGI US+ group (52%) than in the MAGI US- group (28%).
• The SI-MAGI effectively differentiated symptom severity based on ultrasound findings.

Conclusions:

• The SI-MAGI is a valuable tool for assessing the clinical presentation of MAGI, complementing traditional diagnostic methods.
• MAGI with positive ultrasound signs is strongly associated with increased symptom burden, including significant sexual dysfunction.
• This study highlights the importance of evaluating sexual dysfunction in MAGI patients, particularly those with evident ultrasound abnormalities.