Sexual Dysfunction Following Urethroplasty for Urethral Stricture Disease

Purpose of Review To review the relationship between different techniques of urethroplasty on sexual function, discuss the limitations of current literature, and report on novel techniques for improving sexual function following urethroplasty. Recent Findings Recent literature utilizing prospective trials comparing different techniques of urethroplasty (transecting vs. non-transecting) have shown no significant difference in postoperative sexual function outcomes. It is now apparent that postoperative sexual outcomes play a significant role in overall patient satisfaction with urethroplasty. Current scientific evidence is limited by either low sample size, heterogeneous patient populations, differing urethroplasty techniques, varied stricture etiologies, differing follow-up protocols, or the reliance on self-reporting of sexual function by patients through either validated or non-validated questionnaires. Urethroplasty-specific questionnaires are being developed to better characterize sexual dysfunction postoperatively. Summary Current data support an overall low impact of urethroplasty on sexual function; however, the more nuanced aspects of sexual function have not been adequately defined due to the limitations of current literature. Further investigation utilizing standardized questionnaires with the ability to elicit data regarding the different elements of sexual function will be necessary for further characterization of the impact of urethroplasty in order to optimize patient outcomes.