Background
The bladder exstrophy-epispadias complex is a rare congenital malformation associated with severe dysfunction of the genital and urinary tracts and requiring a staged surgical reconstruction.
Aim
The primary aims of this study were to report the sexuality, infertility, and urinary incontinence outcomes in a cohort of men born with bladder exstrophy-epispadias complex. The secondary aim was to highlight some predictive factors of infertility in this population.
Methods
We conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional study of men diagnosed with classic presentations of bladder exstrophy or epispadias.
Outcomes
Patients were asked to complete 4 validated questionnaires: the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-5, the Erection Hardness Score (EHS), the Self-Esteem and Relationship, and the International Consultation Incontinence modular Questionnaire-Short Form. Fertility potential was assessed with semen analysis and a non-validated questionnaire.
Results
38 Patients 18–64 years old (M [mean] = 32.2) completed the questionnaires. The average IIEF-5 score was 18.1/25 (ranging from 3–25; SE = 7.62), with results indicating that 55% of the sample had normal erectile function. Results also showed higher scores for patients with normal spermatozoa concentration (M = 22.75, SE = 1.89, P = .08) than for those with oligospermia (M = 17.30, SE = 8.53, P = .08). Results on the IIEF-5 also indicated higher scores for patients who conceived children without assisted reproductive technologies (ART) (M = 22.83, SE = 2.317, P = .02) than for patients without children (M = 15.76, SE = 8.342, P = .02). The average EHS was 3.43/4 (ranging from 1–4, SE = 0.9). EHS was higher for patients who had reconstruction than for patients who had cystectomy (M = 3.88, SE = 1.07 and 2.78, SE = 1.09, P = .02). The average total Self-Esteem and Relationship score was 67.04/100 (ranging from 10.71–96.43, SE = 22.11). The average total International Consultation Incontinence modular Questionnaire-Short Form score was 4.97/21 (ranging from 0–18, SE = 5.44), higher score indicating more urinary incontinence. Among the patients surveyed, 31.6% were parents at the time of study and 50% of them benefited from ART. With regards to the 14 semen analyses performed, only 7.1% produced normal results and 44.7% indicated that ejaculation was weak and dribbling.
Clinical Translation
Erectile function appears to be decreased and psychological aspects of sexuality indicate low self-esteem about sexual relationship. Although ethical problems could not allow prospective spermograms, our cohort is large enough to provide significant data.
Conclusions
Early sperm storage for future ART, sexual medicine management, and complementary genital reconstruction in adulthood constitute potential treatment options for this population.
