Do ureteral catheterisation procedures affect sexual functions? A controlled prospective study

The use of ureteral stents is a common procedure in urology practice. We investigated whether the use of double-J stent had an effect on sexual functions or not. One hundred and seventy-seven cases were included in the study. Unilateral double-J stent was placed during ureteral stone treatment in one hundred and eight of these cases. Sixty-nine cases were included as the control group. 'International Index of Erectile Function' (IIEF) and 'Female Sexual Function Index' (FSFI) questionaries were assessed before and 4 weeks after the intervention in all patients. When total IIEF and subdomains of IIEF scores of men and total FSFI and subdomains of FSFI scores of women whom double-J stent was placed were evaluated before and after the procedure, there was statistically significant reduction in patient's scores. In the control group, any statistically significant alteration in patient's score was not observed in men and women. Sexual functions are negatively affected in both women and men whom ureteral stents are placed. To reduce these problems specific to urinary system owing to stents, new treatment strategies and new studies that lead to improvements in the material and design of stents are required.