Abstract
Background and Objectives: Upper urinary tract stones are commonly treated using endourological procedures and the double J stent is routinely inserted to guarantee proper urine drainage and avoiding blockage of urine stream. Double J stents have some undesirable side effects. This study is aimed to determine the impact of double J stent insertion on male sexual function in patients undergoing endourological procedures to treat upper urinary tract stones.
Methods: In this clinical trial, double J stents were inserted in 50 sexually active adult males between August 2023 and November 2023 as a part of endourological operations to treat upper urinary tract stones at Azadi Teaching Hospital in Duhok City. The International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire was administered to measure the impact of double J stent insertion on their sexual function before, during, and after the stent was removed.
Results: The mean age of the patients was 41 (SD: 8.57) years, with the majority falling into the 30-39 (42.0%) and 40-49 (32.0%) age groups. Most of the patients had no prior medical (98.0%), surgical (96.0%), or drug (98.0%) history. Patients underwent Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy were (22.0%), retrograde intrarenal surgery (40.0%), and ureteroscopy (38.0%). The stent was inserted in the right side ureter in 52% of patients and in 48% in the left side. While the stent was in place, the mean values of the erectile function scores fell from 23.8 to 14.64 and then restored to 22.12 (p<0.0001) after one month of stent removal.
Conclusion: This study revealed that double J stent insertion has a significant negative impact on the sexual function of adult males.