Semen changes after extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy for distal-ureteral stones.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effects on semen of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy for distal-ureteral stones.


METHODS
We examined the semen of 62 patients 1 day before and 1 week and 3 months after SWL for distal-ureteral stones. The results were compared with those of 62 patients similarly treated for upper- ureteral stones.


RESULTS
Sperm density and motility decreased significantly after SWL for distal-ureteral stones (P < 0.001 for both). Macroscopic hemospermia was reported by 16 patients. These changes were reversed by 3 months. No change was observed after SWL for upper-ureteral stones.


CONCLUSIONS
Transient deterioration of semen characteristics can be expected after SWL for distal-ureteral stones, which may be attributable to damage to the seminal vesicles or ejaculatory ducts. The changes are transient, and normal semen characteristics are found by 3 months after SWL. The long-term effects in subfertile men warrant further investigation.
Sayed
Mohamed Abdel-Basir
MA
Urology Department, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt. Sayedmohamed_22@hotmail.com
D000328:Adult; D001723:Birth Rate; D006801:Humans; D007248:Infertility, Male / Q000209:etiology*; D008096:Lithotripsy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D012661:Semen / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology; D013076:Sperm Count; D013081:Sperm Motility / Q000502:physiology; D014514:Ureteral Calculi / Q000628:therapy*