Gautam Dagur

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause: an overview of clinical manifestations, pathophysiology, etiology, evaluation, and management.

Genitourinary syndrome of menopause, a new term for a condition more renowned as atrophic vaginitis, is a hypoestrogenic condition with external genital, urological, and sexual implications that affects >50% of postmenopausal women. Due to sexual embarrassment and the sensitive nature of discussing symptoms, genitourinary syndrome of menopause is greatly underdiagnosed. The most up-to-date literature pertaining to clinical manifestations, pathophysiology, etiology, evaluation, and management of genitourinary syndrome of menopause is comprehensively reviewed. Early detection and individually tailored pharmacologic (eg, estrogen therapy, selective estrogen receptor modulator, synthetic steroid, oxytocin, and dehydroepiandrosterone) and/or nonpharmacologic (eg, laser therapies, moisturizers and lubricants, homeopathic remedies, and lifestyle modifications) treatment is paramount for not only improving quality of life but also for preventing exacerbation of symptoms in women with this condition.

The impact and management of sexual dysfunction secondary to pharmacological therapy of benign prostatic hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common genitourinary complications in men over 50 years of age and typically presents with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Classes of medications include α1-adrenoceptor blockers, 5α-reductase inhibitors, and phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors. Today, α1-adrenoceptor blockers and 5α-reductase inhibitors are often combined to give a synergistic effect. A review of the current literature identified several adverse sexual side effects, including erectile dysfunction (ED), decreased libido, orgasmic disorders, and ejaculatory disorders. We believe it is important to know the extent of these side effects, as the clinician and patient will need to decide the cost of improved voiding symptoms. The chief adverse effect is ejaculatory disorders, including the absence of ejaculation. Clinical consideration for BPH should include the elements of male sexual function, patients’ age, and the characteristics and comprehensive effects of each group of drugs. Methodological bias in clinical studies, such as the subjective evaluation of the sexual side effect, makes it difficult to determine the ideal drug for treatment.

Urological complications of uterine leiomyoma: a review of literature.

IntroductionUterine leiomyomas are common gynecologic tumor in reproductive-aged women, by age 50, diagnosis shared by urologist, gynecologists and radiologists.ObjectiveThe goal of this article is to review the current literature, study the impact of leiomyoma on female lower urinary tract, examine the cause female sexual dysfunction and provide a comprehensive review of current diagnostic, imaging studies, and current treatment of leiomyoma.MethodsClinical leiomyoma studies published from 1956 through 2015 were identified using the PubMed search engines and the key words leiomyoma, fibroid in the current literature. Impact of leiomyoma on the lower urinary tract including female sexual dysfunction was reviewed with terms of “urinary retention”, “bladder”, “urethra”, “dyspareunia”, “incontinence”, “incomplete bladder emptying”, “female sexual dysfunction”, and “lower urinary tract” to study the urological and sexual effects of leiomyoma. Literature related to leiomyoma was reviewed from 1965 to present.ResultsWomen with uterine leiomyomata complained of pelvic pain, menstrual irregularities, infertility, lower urinary tract symptoms and sexual dysfunction.ConclusionLeiomyoma is a common tumor of the uterus that often clinically impacts on the lower urinary tract and results in urological and sexual symptoms. Leiomyoma can compress and grow into and become adherent to the bladder and surrounding pelvic organs or metastasize into peritoneal organs. Leiomyoma can enlarge and compress the urinary bladder, urethra, and lower end of the ureters. Leiomyoma can cause embarrassing sexual dysfunction in females. Current literature of non-surgical and surgical therapy of leiomyoma is described.

Classifying Hydroceles of the Pelvis and Groin: An Overview of Etiology, Secondary Complications, Evaluation, and Management

Introduction: A hydrocele is defined as the pathological buildup of serous fluid in the pelvis and groin due to various etiologies such as diseases or trauma. It has distinct clinical manifestations, particularly discomfort and psychosocial distress. Understanding the anatomy, embryology, and physiology associated with hydrocele formation is crucial to understand its onset and progression. Materials and Methods: A MEDLINE® search was conducted using keywords for the relevant classification of hydrocele and its etiology, complications, sexual barriers, evaluation, and management. Results: Appropriately classifying the hydrocele as primary, secondary communicating, secondary noncommunicating, microbe-induced, inflammatory, iatrogenic, trauma-induced, tumor-induced, canal of Nuck, congenital, and giant is important for identifying the underlying etiology. Often this process is overlooked when the classification or etiology is too rare. A focused evaluation is important for this, so that timely management can be provided. We comprehensively review the classifications, etiology, and secondary complications of hydrocele. Pitfalls of current diagnostic techniques are explored along with recommended methods for accurate diagnosis and current treatment options. Conclusion: Due to the range of classifications and etiologies of hydrocele in the pelvis and groin, a deliberate differential diagnosis is essential to avoiding imminent life-threatening complications as well as providing the appropriate treatment.

Critical Manifestations of Pneumoscrotum

Introduction: Pneumoscrotum is a critical, physical finding that may indicate significant morbidity and mortality. Accumulation of gas in the scrotum can be primary or secondary. Objective: This paper discusses rapid diagnosis and treatment options. Material and Methods: PubMed searches for pneumoscrotum, etiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Results: We review the historical perspective, classification, etiology, diagnosis, and treatment options of pneumoscrotum, as well as the presentation of pneumoscrotum in neonates/infants. Conclusion: It is crucial to diagnose the etiology pneumoscrotum and designing a treatment option based off that.

The Role of Diabetes Mellitus in Sexual and Reproductive Health: An Overview of Pathogenesis, Evaluation, and Management

BACKGROUND Uncontrolled or long-term diabetes mellitus is conducive to vascular and oxidative stress disturbances that impede several physiological systems, which may in turn elicit psychological symptoms. OBJECTIVE We assess the sexual and hormonal complications of diabetes mellitus that impair reproductive function in males and females. METHODS A comprehensive MEDLINE® search was guided using key words relevant to diabetes mellitus and reproductive health. RESULTS We reviewed the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, imaging modalities, pharmacological treatment, and intervention options for each diabetic reproductive complication in males and females. Erectile dysfunction secondary to angiopathic, neuropathic, and myopathic damage is a leading complication of diabetes in males. Other reproductive complications include ejaculatory dysfunction, hypogonadism, modified semen parameters, and delayed puberty. Specifics of reproductive dysfunction in diabetic women are less definite than in men due to the lack of standardized evaluation of sexual function in women as well as the increased role of psychological morbidity. Despite this, it is known to manifest as hypogonadism, hypoactive sexual desire disorder, dyspareunia, menstrual dysfunction, and polycystic ovarian syndrome. CONCLUSION Longitudinal studies with larger sample sizes are necessary to better comprehend the connection between diabetes and sexual dysfunction, chiefly in females. Understanding and dividing the role of fertility and sexual issues in reproductive dysfunction can help guide evaluation and management.

Effect of Diabetes Mellitus on Sexual Arousal and Intercourse

Diabetes mellitus, when producing hyperglycemia, as well as angiopathic, vasculopathic, and neuropathic complications, poses a threat to the function and viability of sexual arousal and intercourse at similar and different levels in males and females. Males are faced with hypogonadism, depression and anxiety, affecting their sexual arousal desire. Male intercourse may be impaired by erectile dysfunction, priapism, ejaculatory dysfunction, and/or benign prostatic hyperplasia. Female sexual arousal may be affected by depression, hormonal imbalance, and hypoactive sexual desire disorder. Female sexual intercourse may be disturbed by dyspareunia, vaginismus, and anorgasmia. Effects on sexual intercourse may also be seen at the gender neutral level due to cranial neuropathy and various autonomic neuropathies outside the genitourinary tract. Though specific treatments target most conditions, healthy diet and exercise are the best bets to avoid the long-term effects of diabetic complications on sexuality.

Testicular compartment syndrome: an overview of pathophysiology, etiology, evaluation, and management

Testicular compartment syndrome (TCS) refers to the impairment of microcirculation in the testicle due to either increased venous resistance or extraluminal compression, which leads to hypoxia. TCS releases oxidants through hypoxia and ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI). The pathophysiology, etiology, evaluation, and management of TCS are reviewed. Based on the properties of TCS, specific causes, e.g., varicocele, hydrocele, orchitis, cryptorchidism, and scrotal hernia, are suggested and categorized. The oxidant-induced stress from TCS may explain the correlations between these causes and infertility. A chief shortcoming of current imaging modalities is that they detect TCS late after it has progressed to impair the macrocirculation of the testicle. We propose frequent sequential periodic power Doppler ultrasonography to monitoring for earlier detection. Intraoperatively, TCS can be diagnosed by the dull purple appearance of a hypoxic testicle and by tissue pressures above 30 mmHg. When compartment pressure is low, the underlying etiology must be promptly treated. During acute presentation, an incision of the resilient tunica albuginea may be necessary. A great challenge of treating TCS is restoring microcirculation while minimizing IRI; concomitant antioxidant therapy secondary to treatment may be effective and harmless at the least. Because testicular oxidant stress is common in infertility and since TCS can cause such a stress, TCS may be a larger factor in infertility than currently suspected.

Urological Manifestations of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: A Review of Current Literature

Sleep apnea syndrome is a common health issue that is frequently found in patients with obesity associated cardiovascular and respiratory disorders. Patients with sleep apnea suffer from hypoxia during sleep, resulting in metabolic dysfunction of various organ specific symptoms. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome results in critical psychological symptoms, which include depression and suicidal tendencies. Sleep apnea syndrome carries significant morbidity and mortality that is frequently ignored by healthcare providers. A high percentage of sleep apnea patients suffer from genitourinary symptoms, such as frequency, nocturia, erectile dysfunction, enuresis, and overactive bladder. Current concepts of sleep apnea, as related to urological health issues, are discussed to facilitate treatment options of sleep apnea syndrome. Current literature is reviewed related to genitourinary symptoms.

Neuro-urological manifestations of Parkinson's disease

This article highlights the urological manifestations of Parkinsons disease, the neurological pathways shared by Parkinsons and its urological diseases.