Citations

Abstract Introduction Vacuum erectile device (VED) is 1 of the main approved therapies for erectile dysfunction (ED). The introduction of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (PDE5i) for ED significantly changed the roles of VED in contemporary sexual medicine. Objective To provide updated clinical evidence to inform health care providers on best practices with VED. Methods A consensus panel was held with leading sexual medicine experts during the 5th International Consultation on Sexual Medicine (ICSM). Relevant peer-reviewed literature was reviewed with focus on research from the last 10 years, but not limited to the last 10 years. The expert panel generated consensus statements based on the quality of evidence and criteria of Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation. Results As a primary or combination therapy for ED, VED has been shown to be successful in all populations studied, including difficult to treat cohorts, such as diabetes mellitus, spinal cord injury, and post-radical prostatectomy (RP), but long-term attrition rates are high. Available evidence has shown that VED can preserve or restore penile size for patients after RP, after incision and grafting surgery for Peyronie’s disease, before and after penile prosthesis, and after other post pelvic surgeries. However, it has not demonstrated a more rapid recovery of spontaneous erectile function after RP. VED does not increase penile length for subjective short penis. Studies with female specific VED for female sexual dysfunction are very limited. Conclusions Since the prior 4th ICSM, more evidence is available to support the new roles of VED in contemporary sexual medicine. Research into the penile pathophysiologic changes with VED therapy and clinical outcomes for various conditions are ongoing. We encourage sexual medicine clinicians to follow the 5th ICSM recommendations, but providers should also use their own judgement and adopt shared decision making with their patients/partners when considering VED for a specific disorder.

Abstract Introduction Penile prosthesis (PP) is one of the main approved therapies for erectile dysfunction (ED). Greater than 50 years of clinical use has led to considerable innovation in PP surgery and patient care. Objectives To summarize the current literature and provide updated clinical evidence to inform healthcare providers on best practices with PP. Methods A consensus panel was held with leading sexual medicine experts during the 5th International Consultation on Sexual Medicine (ICSM). Relevant peer-reviewed literature was reviewed with focus on research from but not limited to the last 10 years. The quality of each individual study was judged with Oxford levels of evidence (LOE) criteria, but overall LOE were not used as systematic review was not performed. The expert panel generated consensus statements based on the quality of evidence and criteria of GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation). Results PP provides excellent outcomes for the treatment of ED. The panel developed 35 recommendations building upon previous recommendations. Nine recommendations (4, 5, 11,13,17, 25, 26, 31, and 32) are retained without change from 2015. Twelve recommendations (1, 2, 3, 7, 9,14,16,19,21, 28, 33, and 34) change syntax to make statements more active or change details. Fourteen recommendations (6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 18, 20, 22, 23, 24, 27, 29, 30, and 35) are novel in this update. Conclusion Since the 4th ICSM, new evidence has emerged to guide PP use in modern sexual medicine. While multi-institutional studies are needed to improve outcomes, key challenges remain: reducing infections, enhancing devices, and improving awareness and accessibility. We recommend following 5th ICSM guidelines while emphasizing the importance of clinical judgment and shared decision-making for optimal PP outcomes.

Abstract Background Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) (0.05%) has recently been suggested as a dip and irrigation solution at time of inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) surgery. Aim This study evaluated infection rates before and after implementing CHG protocol while investigating concurrent risk factors contributing to post operative infections. Methods A retrospective, consecutive cohort study was performed that included patients who underwent insertion of a Coloplast Titan IPP including both virgin and revision cases between 2021 and 2024. Cases performed from January 2021 to August 2022 utilized rifampin/gentamicin for dip and vancomycin/gentamicin for irrigation (ABX), whereas those from October 2022 to May 2024 utilized CHG for both dip and irrigation. Perioperative risk factors including dip and irrigation solution used at time of surgery were compared between groups. Outcomes We defined the incidence of postoperative infection and risk factors associated with infection in each group. Results The incidence of infection was significantly higher in the 0.05% CHG group (13/377) compared to the ABX group (0/320) (P < .001). When analyzed separately by subgroup, virgin cases treated with CHG for dip and irrigation demonstrated a significantly higher infection rate (7/315) compared to those in the ABX group (0/280) (P = .012). Similarly, in revision cases, the CHG group also exhibited a significantly higher infection rate (0/40) than the ABX group (6/62) (P = .043). Univariable analysis of the CHG cohort identified three significant risk factors for infection: diabetes mellitus (DM), extended operative time (OP), and revision surgery (P = .003, .001, and < .001, respectively). Multivariable regression analysis revealed that patients with DM had a 5.7-fold increased risk of infection (OR: 5.70, P = .004), while those undergoing revision surgery faced a 5.3-fold higher risk (OR: 5.26, P = .004). Additionally, each minute increase in OP was associated with a 1% higher infection risk (OR: 1.01 per minute, P = .007). These associations remained significant after adjusting for all variables in the model. Clinical Implications Prosthetic surgeons should be cautious about adopting 0.05% CHG for both dip and irrigation in the absence of strong clinical evidence demonstrating its non-inferiority to antibiotic solutions. Strengths and Limitations This is the first clinical study reporting infection rates after IPP surgery using 0.05% CHG for both dip and irrigation. While retrospective and non-randomized, we present a relatively large sample size of patients. Conclusions Our findings identify four risk factors for penile prosthesis infection: usage of the 0.05% CHG solution for dip and irrigation solution of Coloplast hydrophilic-coated devices, DM, revision surgery, and extended OP.

Abstract Introduction Penile prosthesis (PP) implantation is associated with high patient satisfaction in patients with medically refractory erectile dysfunction (ED). There remains a paucity in the literature regarding the temporal evolution of patient following PP surgery. Objective We sought to evaluate mechanical-associated outcomes in our Penile prosthesis (PP) cohort. Methods We analyzed our prospective penile registry that includes patient-completed surveys regarding device outcomes administered at 6 and 12-months after PP placement. We specifically examined the questions: “Have you had another [prosthesis] surgery since your first operation?”; and, “Does the device ever inflate or deflate on its own, if Yes how bothersome is this for you on a scale of 1-10 (1- very bothersome, 10 no bother)?”. Chart review was performed to identify pertinent variables including reservoir location (retropubic vs submuscular) and need for prosthesis revision for survey respondents. Results A total of 304 patients were enrolled in the registry. Of these, 101 completed the 6-month assessment and 79 completed the 1-year survey. The vast majority of PP were Coloplast (91.4%) utilizing the “classic” pump. Mean chart review follow up was approximately 3 years. One device was explanted for implant infection. No additional operations were reported for mechanical failure. Auto-inflation (AI) was reported in 38 patients at 6 months and 21 patients at 12 months. AI was most common in patients with submuscular reservoir placement (75.9% of those who reported AI at 6 months and 50% at 12 months respectively). The relative risk of developing AI was doubled in patients with a submuscular reservoir [2.2 (1.05-3.44); p < 0.001)]. Degree of bother had a reported median of 5 (3.75-9) at 6 months and became less bothersome after 12-months year with a reported median of 7 (5-9) (p = 0.230) [Fig. 1]. Conclusions Early Penile prosthesis mechanical failure requiring revision surgery did not occur in our cohort but patient-reported auto-inflation was identified more frequently than previously reported. Further study is warranted, but patients may benefit from pre-operative counseling regarding the incidence of auto-inflation. Disclosure Yes, this is sponsored by industry/sponsor: Coloplast. Clarification: Industry funding only - investigator initiated and executed study.

Abstract Introduction Convective water vapor thermal therapy (Rezum) can have varied outcomes based on prostate architecture. Objective We sought to compare the efficacy of traditional Rezum therapy with steam treatment of the median lobe to transurethral resection for the median lobe, and Rezum treatment for the lateral lobes of the prostate (Rezurp). Methods A single-surgeon series between 2019 and 2024 analyzed standard BPH outcomes. The rate of retreatment, complications, and a global assessment: “Knowing what you know now, would you like to repeat the procedure?” were utilized. Significant median lobe was defined as ≥1 cm of intravesical protrusion for Rezurp patients and ≥ 2 median lobe treatments required for standard Rezum. Results Follow-up assessments were performed for 89/105 patients in the Rezurp group and 107/138 patients in the Rezum group. There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics between the two groups, as shown in Table 1. In the Rezum group, the median IPSS before surgery was 25 (20–28), while the median score after surgery was 9 (5–15), and in the Rezurp group, the median IPSS before surgery was 22.5 (19–28), and the median score after surgery was 5 (3–9.7). The changes were statistically significant for both groups (P < 0.001). For the IPSS quality-of-life (QoL) scores, the median in both groups was 4 (mostly not satisfied) before surgery and 2 (mostly satisfied) after surgery. The changes in QoL scores were significant in both (P < 0.001). In the Rezum group, the median Q-max was 7.9 and 13.1 before and after surgery, while in the Rezurp group, it was 8.0 and 17.1, respectively, and the changes were significant for both (P = 0.001). In addition, changes in post-voiding residue were significant in both groups (P = 0.001) (Table 2). In the Rezum group, 62% (67 patients) were on alpha-blockers before surgery, whereas only 15.8% (17 patients) continued after surgery. For the Rezurp group, 71.9% (64 patients) were on alpha-blockers before surgery, compared to 10.1% (9 patients) afterward. The discontinuation of alpha-blockers was significant for both groups (P = 0.001). Furthermore, changes in stopping the use of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors were significant for both groups (P = 0.001). The changes in stopping PDI-5 were not significant in both groups (P = 0.38). Regarding retreatment, 5.6% (5 out of 89) of patients in the Rezurp group required a retreatment procedure, compared to 14.9% (16 out of 107) in the Rezum group. The retreatment rate was significantly higher in the Rezum group (P = 0.03). When asked if they would repeat the procedure, 91% (81 out of 89) in the Rezurp group expressed interest, compared to 72% (77 out of 107) in the Rezum group. The interest in repeating the procedure was significantly higher in the Rezurp group (P = 0.001). Conclusions Although both Rezum therapy and Rezurp resulted in significant improvements in Q-max, PVR, IPSS, and QoL, the Rezurp group had a significantly lower rate of retreatment. Disclosure No.

Abstract Introduction Discrimination and sexual harassment within the workplace have a negative impact on well-being and productivity and are often underreported due to lack of comfortability in confronting the offender. Objective We aim to assess the prevalence of these abusive behaviors within a urology department and the impact of a dedicated training session on comfortability reporting/confronting discrimination and harassment. Methods Employees within a urology department at a single institution were invited to take a survey regarding discrimination and harassment both before and after a dedicated training session on reporting and confronting these behaviors. Statistical analyses were performed between pre- and post-survey groups, genders, and roles within the department. Results A total of 77 participants were included, 52 (67.5%) identified as female. Roles within the department included physician (25; 32.5%), advanced practice provider (11; 14.3%), nurse (20; 26%), and nonclinical staff (21, 27.2%). More women reported experiencing sexual harassment at least once a year compared to men (38.6% vs. 16.7%, p < 0.001). Patients were the most commonly reported offenders of abusive behaviors towards staff (p < 0.05) Fig. 1.A. The training demonstrated a positive impact in respondent comfort level with addressing gender discrimination (14.3% increase in comfort; p = 0.043) Fig. 1.B. Conclusions Specific training on strategies for addressing abusive behaviors can help employees feel empowered to confront gender discrimination by both patients and their peers. Disclosure No.

Abstract Introduction Penile prosthesis (PP) implantation is associated with high patient satisfaction and improved sexual quality of life in medically refractory erectile dysfunction (ED). Despite the current surgical advances and patients’ satisfactions after PP implantation, there has been paucity of data on reported partner satisfaction. We aimed to evaluate changes in partner satisfaction after PP placement. Objective We aimed to evaluate changes in partner satisfaction after PP placement. Methods We initiated a registry of patients undergoing surgery for placement of a PP. After consent, Perioperative study assessments and follow-ups were conducted. After surgery, patients were directed to fulfill a survey at 6 months and 12 months. Patients who fulfilled both items were included in the analysis. Results A total of 304 patients had a PP placement, of these 101 completed the survey. At 6 months, 62 patients (61.4%) reported a moderate to high partner’ satisfaction, and this positive response was sustained at 12-months (82.3%). 73.3% of partner’s reported no-pain after 6 months and this increased to 79.7% after 12 months. 67.3% of partners stated they would recommend the procedure to a friend or family at 6-months. This increased significantly to 84.8% at 12-months (p = 0.012). Conclusions Penile prosthesis placement is associated with high partner satisfaction rates, with a sustained positive perception over time when comparing 6 and 12-month follow-up outcomes. Further study is warranted to assess partner satisfaction after penile prosthesis implantation. Disclosure Yes, this is sponsored by industry/sponsor: COLOPLAST. Clarification: Industry funding only - investigator initiated and executed study.

Abstract Introduction Resistance training by recreational sportspeople in fitness settings has become increasingly popular worldwide, moreover an increasing landscape of social media (SM) influencers in bodybuilding have arisen since 2021, specially on short-duration videos (clips). Some Image enhancer drug users, including anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are known to mistrust medical health professionals and seek out information and advice from online sources. Objective we aimed to quantitatively assess the quality of social media videos as an information source for AAS usage in the general population. Methods A search was performed on the most popular short-clips social media platforms in the US (TikTok, YouTube) with the most searched terms for AAS. The first 50 results with any search term listed by relevance were selected in each platform. Video features (views, likes, subscribers) and video sources were collected. Each video included in the study was assessed using DISCERN score to quantify the source quality. Results A total of 100 videos were included and analyzed. Most videos (84%) were from non-health professionals (influencers/clip source/podcasts), only 7% of the videos came from a health educator/physician. Most videos were rated as “very poor” (85%) and “poor” (7%) According to the DISCERN classification, there was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) by both content creator type, and platform with the highest scores among physicians [37 (33-41)] and YouTube [19(17.7-30.2]. [Fig]. Conclusions Image-centric social media use is positively associated with the use of AAS. Despite the increasing number of information, the overall quality was poor. The misleading, inaccurate and incomplete information may pose a health risk to the viewers. Further efforts in health policies are strongly encouraged to assess this problem. Disclosure No.

Abstract Introduction Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a known precursor and sequelae to diagnosed cardiovascular disease (CVD). ED severity predicts CVD severity. AUA guidelines recommend evaluating serum lipids and using an ED diagnosis as an opportunity to discuss and address cardiovascular risk. Serum plasma ceramides are novel predictors of adverse cardiovascular events independent of traditional risk factors such as LDL and hsCRP levels. Ceramide levels improve with lifestyle modification. Objective We aimed to evaluate the utility of ceramide levels in ED patients utilizing self-reported erectile function results (IIEF-6). Methods We initiated ceramide testing in all patients with ED and Peyronie’s disease in late 2019 (in addition to lipids, Hgba1c, etc). We retrospectively analyzed ceramide levels from electronic records with IIEF-6 results. For the statistical analysis we dichotomized our cohort by ED symptom severity (moderate/severe ED: IIEF ≤17 vs. no/mild ED: IIEF ≥18) and ceramide levels by CV risk strata (moderate or higher >6). A Fisher exact test was performed. Results A total of 354 patients were reviewed, of these 253 (71.4%) had moderate ED or higher. A statistically significant difference in abnormal ceramide values was found in patients with mild to moderate symptoms severity or higher, and the odds of getting an abnormal ceramide test was increased based on the IIEF scoring alone (OR 2.3 [1.04– 5.12]; p value = 0.034) [Figure]. Conclusions Patients undergoing management for erectile dysfunction may benefit from serum ceramide testing and subsequent cardiac referral. In our cohort, men with moderate to severe ED were twice as likely to have actionable ceramide levels. Further study is warranted to optimize utility of ceramide in men with ED and potentially drive lifestyle change. Disclosure No.