Evaluation of the efficacy of masturbation on distal ureteral stones: a prospective, randomized, controlled study.

PURPOSE To evaluate the effect of masturbation on the spontaneous expulsion of distal ureteral stones 5-10 mm in size. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 128 men with distal ureteral stones were randomly divided into 3 groups. All patients received standard medical therapy. Patients in group 1 (n = 43) were instructed to masturbate at least 3-4 times a week, patients in group 2 (n = 41) received tamsulosin 0.4 mg/day, and patients in group 3 (controls, n = 44) received standard medical therapy alone. Rates of expulsion, need for analgesic, and ureterorenoscopic lithotripsy were compared between the groups. RESULTS The mean ages of the patients in groups 1, 2, and 3 were 37 ± 5.0, 37.6 ± 4.6, and 38.4 ± 6.8 years, respectively (p = 0.7). The mean stone size in each group was 6.93 ± 1.1 mm, 7.1 ± 0.9 mm, and 6.87 ± 1.1 mm, respectively (p = 0.4). Spontaneous passage rates in groups 1, 2, and 3 were 81.4%, 80.5%, and 43.2%, respectively, and were significantly higher in group 1 (p = 0.001) and group 2 (p = 0.001) when compared with group 3. Analgesic requirement in groups 1, 2, and 3 was 1.7 ± 0.6, 1.5 ± 0.6, and 1.8 ± 0.6 times per day, respectively, and was significantly lower in the tamsulosin group than in the control group (p = 0.004) CONCLUSION: Masturbation and tamsulosin increased the spontaneous passage of distal ureteral stones 5-10 mm in size. Masturbating at least 3-4 times a week was as effective as tamsulosin. Masturbation and tamsulosin also reduced the need for ureterorenoscopic lithotripsy.