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Semen quality after extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy for the management of lower ureteric stones: a review of the literature
Author(s) -
Gulur Dev Mohan,
Philip Joe
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
bju international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.773
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1464-410X
pISSN - 1464-4096
DOI - 10.1111/j.1464-410x.2010.10008.x
Subject(s) - medicine , lithotripsy , urology , semen quality , ureter , semen , extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy , extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy , surgery , anatomy
What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add? ESWL is effective in treating distal ureteric stones. However, the effect of lithotripsy on semen parameters and the testis has not been reviewed. This review reports that lithotripsy to distal ureteric stones causes a transient oligoasthenozoospermia for up to three months after lithotripsy. We have highlighted this important after‐effect to be discussed while counselling men with a procreative intent before lithotripsy. Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy has long been an important tool in the urologists’ armamentarium for the treatment of distal ureteric stones. Several studies have been conducted on the morbidity and adverse effects of ESWL on human tissues but the effect of lithotripsy on semen and testes remains inconclusive. Impact on semen analysis and testes is important because the seminal vesicles and testes are exposed to the shock waves due to their anatomical proximity to the distal ureter. This article has reviewed all the published literature in English language on semen analysis after lithotripsy.