The Association between Varicocele, Premature Ejaculation and Prostatitis Symptoms: Possible Mechanisms

ABSTRACT Introduction No study has ever systematically evaluated the impact of varicocele on sexual function. Aim Two cross-sectional studies were performed in patients attending an andrology unit either for male sexual dysfunction (study 1) or couple infertility (study 2). In study 1, we evaluated the impact of varicocele on sexual function. In study 2, we retrospectively evaluated a possible association between varicocele and prostatitis signs and symptoms. Methods Study 1 refers to a consecutive series of 2,448 (mean age 52.0 ± 12.9 years) subjects. Study 2 consists of a consecutive series of 139 male subjects (mean age 37.3 ± 6.3). Main Outcome Measures In study 1, varicocele was clinically classified into three grades according to Dubin criteria. Different hormonal parameters were also evaluated. All the patients of study 2 underwent simultaneous scrotal and transrectal color-Doppler ultrasonography (CDU) along with seminal characteristics and interleukin-8, a surrogate marker of prostatitis. Results After adjusting for age, subjects with severe varicocele (N = 284, 11.6%; Dubin grade 2 and 3) showed a reduction of testicular volume ( P P P P P P P P Conclusions In conclusion, signs and symptoms of prostatitis are more common in varicocele patients, who more often complain of premature ejaculation. Lotti F, Corona G, Mancini M, Biagini C, Colpi GM, Innocenti SD, Filimberti E, Gacci M, Krausz C, Sforza A, Forti G, Mannucci E, and Maggi M. The association between varicocele, premature ejaculation and prostatitis symptoms: Possible mechanisms. J Sex Med 2009;6:2878–2887.