Sexual Function, Quality of Life, and Urinary Continence in Young Adult Males Post-bladder Exstrophy Repair:...

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Sexual Medicine
• Reconstructive Surgery

Background:

• Bladder exstrophy is a rare congenital condition requiring complex surgical management.
• Long-term outcomes regarding sexual function, quality of life, and urinary continence in adult survivors are not well-defined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess sexual function, quality of life, and urinary continence in young adult men with bladder exstrophy.
• To evaluate the interrelationships between these outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of adult men with bladder exstrophy was surveyed using validated instruments: Erection Hardness Score (EHS), International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-15, and Short Form Health Survey (SF-12).
• Continence was assessed via patient report and clinical evaluation.
• Medical and surgical histories were reviewed.

Main Results:

• Moderate sexual dysfunction (mean IIEF-15 score 28.4) and severe intercourse satisfaction issues were reported.
• Erectile rigidity was fair (mean EHS 3.2), but mental health scores (MCS-12) were significantly lower than physical health scores (PCS-12).
• Continence status and satisfaction were not associated with sexual function or quality of life. Redo epispadias repair correlated with better physical health.

Conclusions:

• Adult men with bladder exstrophy exhibit significant sexual dysfunction and mental health concerns.
• Age influences sexual function and mental well-being, while surgical history (redo epispadias repair) impacts physical health.
• Continence management does not appear to directly affect sexual function or overall quality of life in this population, suggesting a need for tailored treatment planning.