Sexual dysfunction in Indian men undergoing Double J ureteral stenting following ureteroscopy-A prospective analysis

This prospective study was aimed to evaluate the impact of an indwelling ureteral double-J stent on the sexual health of Indian men undergoing ureteroscopy. The first phase of the study included 30 men who were not counselled prior to stenting about possible sexual dysfunction, while in the next phase, 60 men were counselled about this. These 60 patients were assessed by a 6-point questionnaire: five questions from the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) and an additional 6th question to assess pain during erection/ejaculation. Patients answered the questionnaire prior to ureteroscopy, at the time of stent removal and then 4 weeks after stent removal. A higher proportion of men in the second phase attempted sexual activity (68.3% vs. 26.7%; p < .001). Significant changes were noted in the total IIEF-5 score (mean 23.16 before vs. 15.65 after, p < .001) and individual IIEF-5 components: erection confidence (4.59 vs. 2.76, p = .017), maintenance ability (4.67 vs. 2.43, p = .006) and intercourse satisfaction (4.61 vs. 2.31, p < .001) and also the 'pain' question (2.83 post-stenting vs. 0.37 pre-stenting, p < .001). Most patients had a recovery of scores at 4 weeks after stent removal. Thus, ureteral DJ stenting leads to significant but temporary sexual dysfunction and patients need to be counselled regarding this.