Evaluation of Sexual Function in Men with Orchialgia

Abstract

This study examined the effect of chronic scrotal pain on sexual function using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). We enrolled 50 patients with symptoms consistent with orchialgia and 50 control subjects without orchialgia, who were healthy, sexually active, married, and age-matched. Both groups were evaluated using the IIEF questions for sexual function, and quality of life was investigated using the abbreviated version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire. A significant difference was found in the values of orgasmic function, intercourse satisfaction, sexual desire, overall sexual satisfaction, and total IIEF scores between the patient and control groups; however, there were no significant group differences in the IIEF scores related to erectile function. In the patient group, 39 of 50 subjects reported decreased sexual desire and satisfaction due to a decrease in frequency of sexual activities. Thus, investigation of sexual function was essential for these patients in order to determine the adequate management and treatment of chronic orchialgia.

The Impact of Peyronie's Disease on the Patient: Gaps in Our Current Understanding

“…In Gelbard and colleagues' (1990) survey of men with Peyronie's disease, pain was found to decrease with time, although 48% of the overall patient population reported their pain to be the same or worse at the time of the survey. Results of a study of genital pain in men, however, indicated that pain reduced sexual satisfaction independent of erectile dysfunction (Ciftci et al, 2011), suggesting that pain experienced by patients with Peyronie's disease may affect sexual function independent of penile curvature or other symptoms. Pain, therefore, may be a significant contributor to sexual dysfunction experienced by men with Peyronie's disease and their partners.…”

Extirpative surgery for chronic orchialgia: is there a role?

“…A 2011 study assessing the effect of orchialgia on male sexual function found a significant impact on International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scores (17). This study is unique in the inclusion of a control group of 50 men without orchialgia as a comparison.…”

Chronic Testicular Pain in Adult Men

“…A visual analog scale is used to measure intensity. Only three of the research articles (Ciftci et al, 2011;de Oliveira et al, 2009;Misra, Ward, & Coker, 2009) and four of the case reports (McJunkin, Wuollet, & Lynch, 2009;Nouri & Brish, 2011;Rosendal, Moir, de Pennington, Green, & Aziz, 2012;Rowell & Rylander, 2012) include the quality of CTP. Sinclair, Miller, and Lee (2007) offer support for a neuropathic origin of CTP and are the first to show that neuromodulating medications decrease pain in chronic orchialgia.…”