Diagnosis and Management of Andrological Diseases

A special issue of Diagnostics (ISSN 2075-4418). This special issue belongs to the section "Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2025) | Viewed by 10693

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
Interests: prostate cancer; urology; urologic oncology; endourology; surgical oncology

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Guest Editor
1. Department of Urology, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
2. Department of Neurosciences and Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy
Interests: urology; oncology; robotic surgery
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Guest Editor
Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Odontostomatology, Urology Unit, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80138 Naples, Italy
Interests: urology; andrology; fertility; prostate; erectile dysfunction; sexual dysfunctions; gender; peyronie; testes; testicular cancer; kidney; stones; bladder; sperm

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Andrology is a relatively new field in medicine that specializes in male sexual and reproductive health. This field is gaining more and more attention since diseases and factors impacting male sexual health and fertility are becoming more common in males of all ages across the globe.

In this setting, research in the field of Andrology is in a golden era. Researchers are producing high-level studies with the aim of better understanding, diagnosing and treating all conditions that can deprive men of such important parts of their lives as sexual and reproductive wellness.

Erectile Dysfunction is the most diagnosed sexual dysfunction in elderly populations; however, the age of presentation is declining and nowadays, this dysfunction is increasingly common in young men. Overall, all sexual dysfunctions are more frequently complained about by patients and partners because the higher quality of life encourages men and couples to enjoy sexual wellness even at late ages or in cases of seriously debilitating diseases. However, the age of presentation of all these dysfunctions is declining and sometimes, dysfunction could only be a signal for a future or present hidden disease, such as cardiopathy or diabetes.

Similarly, the thriving research in the male fertility field is providing the scientific community with a new vision of male reproductive health with the aim of helping men and couples in their parenting desires.

With this Special Issue, we invite eminent authors to send original articles and reviews exploring the diagnosis and management of medical conditions related to sexual development, infertility, sexual dysfunction, sex hormone action, and other urological issues in males. A deeper understanding of andrological diseases can guide health practitioners in diagnosing, more comprehensively assessing and correctly treating affected men

Dr. Ciro Imbimbo
Dr. Savio Domenico Pandolfo
Dr. Simone Cilio
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • prostatitis
  • prostate cancer
  • erectile dysfunction
  • infertility
  • premature ejaculation

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Review

24 pages, 361 KiB  
Review
Decoding the Puzzle of Male Infertility: The Role of Infection, Inflammation, and Autoimmunity
by Romualdo Sciorio, Lina De Paola, Tiziana Notari, Silvia Ganduscio, Patrizia Amato, Laura Crifasi, Daniela Marotto, Valentina Billone, Gaspare Cucinella, Antonio Perino, Luca Tramontano, Susanna Marinelli and Giuseppe Gullo
Diagnostics 2025, 15(5), 547; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15050547 - 24 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1081
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Male infertility is a complex, multifactorial condition influenced by infectious, inflammatory, and autoimmune components. Immunological factors, though implicated in reproduction, remain poorly understood. This study aims to deepen the understanding of infections, inflammation, and autoimmune factors in male infertility, with a [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Male infertility is a complex, multifactorial condition influenced by infectious, inflammatory, and autoimmune components. Immunological factors, though implicated in reproduction, remain poorly understood. This study aims to deepen the understanding of infections, inflammation, and autoimmune factors in male infertility, with a focus on immune-related disorders affecting the testes and epididymis—immunologically privileged but vulnerable sites. These factors can impair sperm quality through oxidative stress (ROS) and antisperm antibodies (ASA), further compromising fertility. Methods: A narrative review was conducted by analyzing scientific literature from the past 10 years conducted on PubMed using keywords such as “male infertility”, “autoimmunity”, and “inflammatory disease”. Studies focusing on testicular and epididymal disorders, immunological impacts, and therapeutic approaches were included. Results: Our research highlights that conditions like epididymitis, vasectomy, testicular trauma, and previous surgeries can trigger inflammatory responses, leading to ASA formation and oxidative stress. ASA, particularly sperm-immobilizing antibodies, inhibits sperm motility and migration in the female reproductive tract. Infections caused by sexually transmitted bacteria or urinary pathogens frequently induce epididymo-orchitis, a primary contributor to male infertility. While standardized methodologies for ASA testing remain elusive, assisted reproductive treatments such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), in vitro fertilization (IVF), and intrauterine insemination (IUI) show promise in overcoming immune-mediated infertility. Conclusions: This review underscores the critical role of infection, inflammation, and autoimmune responses in male infertility. It highlights the necessity of improving diagnostic methods, understanding immune-pathological mechanisms, and addressing medicolegal issues associated with male infertility. This knowledge could pave the way for innovative therapies, ultimately enhancing fertility outcomes, and mitigating the societal and legal repercussions of infertility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Management of Andrological Diseases)
10 pages, 1133 KiB  
Review
Comparison of Current International Guidelines on Premature Ejaculation: 2024 Update
by Lorenzo Romano, Davide Arcaniolo, Lorenzo Spirito, Carmelo Quattrone, Francesco Bottone, Savio Domenico Pandolfo, Biagio Barone, Luigi Napolitano, Francesco Ditonno, Antonio Franco, Felice Crocetto, Javier Romero-Otero, Riccardo Autorino, Marco De Sio and Celeste Manfredi
Diagnostics 2024, 14(16), 1819; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14161819 - 21 Aug 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4201
Abstract
Premature ejaculation (PE) is a common male sexual dysfunction that can cause significant distress in the patient and partner. This study aimed to compare the current international guidelines on PE to highlight their similarities and differences. We examined the latest guidelines from the [...] Read more.
Premature ejaculation (PE) is a common male sexual dysfunction that can cause significant distress in the patient and partner. This study aimed to compare the current international guidelines on PE to highlight their similarities and differences. We examined the latest guidelines from the European Association of Urology (EAU), American Urological Association/Sexual Medicine Society of North America (AUA/SMSNA), and International Society of Sexual Medicine (ISSM) by comparing definitions, classifications, epidemiology, pathophysiology, and recommendations on diagnosis and therapy. The quality of guidelines was assessed using the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) Global Rating Scale (GRS). We found significant variations in the definitions of PE and recommendations on management of patients. The EAU guidelines were the most recent, the AUA/SMSNA guidelines lacked detail in some areas, and the ISSM guidelines were the most complete but also the least updated. The search for a unified definition and the development of standardized diagnostic and therapeutic pathways remain concrete issues to improve the management of patients with PE worldwide. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Management of Andrological Diseases)
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17 pages, 1339 KiB  
Review
Exploring the Multifactorial Landscape of Penile Cancer: A Comprehensive Analysis of Risk Factors
by Ugo Amicuzi, Marco Grillo, Marco Stizzo, Michelangelo Olivetta, Simone Tammaro, Luigi Napolitano, Pasquale Reccia, Luigi De Luca, Andrea Rubinacci, Giampiero Della Rosa, Arturo Lecce, Paola Coppola, Salvatore Papi, Francesco Trama, Lorenzo Romano, Carmine Sciorio, Lorenzo Spirito, Felice Crocetto, Celeste Manfredi, Francesco Del Giudice, Matteo Ferro, Bernardo Rocco, Octavian Sabin Tataru, Raffaele Balsamo, Giuseppe Lucarelli, Dario Del Biondo and Biagio Baroneadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Diagnostics 2024, 14(16), 1790; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14161790 - 16 Aug 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2055
Abstract
Penile cancer, while rare, is a critical public health issue due to its profound impact on patients and the complexities of its management. The disease’s multifactorial etiology includes risk factors such as HPV infection, poor hygiene, smoking, genetic predispositions, and socioeconomic determinants. This [...] Read more.
Penile cancer, while rare, is a critical public health issue due to its profound impact on patients and the complexities of its management. The disease’s multifactorial etiology includes risk factors such as HPV infection, poor hygiene, smoking, genetic predispositions, and socioeconomic determinants. This article provides a comprehensive review and analysis of these diverse risk factors, aiming to enhance understanding of the disease’s underlying causes. By elucidating these factors, the article seeks to inform and improve prevention strategies, early detection methods, and therapeutic interventions. A nuanced grasp of the multifactorial nature of penile cancer can enable healthcare professionals to develop more effective approaches to reducing incidence rates and improving patient outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Management of Andrological Diseases)
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21 pages, 2090 KiB  
Review
Ultrasound Elastography as a Diagnostic Tool for Peyronie’s Disease: A State-of-the-Art Review
by Gianni Paulis, Giovanni De Giorgio and Andrea Paulis
Diagnostics 2024, 14(6), 665; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14060665 - 21 Mar 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2443
Abstract
Elastography is a noninvasive method that utilizes ultrasound imaging to assess the elasticity and stiffness of soft tissue. Peyronie’s disease (PD) is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the male penis, causing the formation of fibrous plaques. This alters the penis’s elasticity and [...] Read more.
Elastography is a noninvasive method that utilizes ultrasound imaging to assess the elasticity and stiffness of soft tissue. Peyronie’s disease (PD) is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the male penis, causing the formation of fibrous plaques. This alters the penis’s elasticity and can lead to changes in its shape. Ultrasound elastography (UE) is an important advancement in the diagnosis of PD. It not only identifies plaques, but it also measures their rigidity, providing crucial information to monitor changes during and after treatment. We conducted a narrative review of the scientific literature to identify articles that discuss the use of elastography in the diagnostic study of PD. The purpose of this study was to describe the “state of the art” in the diagnostic use of ultrasound in combination with elastography to highlight any benefits in the diagnosis of PD. We found 12 relevant articles after searching PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar using the keywords “ultrasound elastography” and “Peyronie’s disease”, including eight clinical studies, two case reports, and two review articles. The results of our review indicate that UE is a useful technique for identifying Peyronie-related plaques, particularly when they are not detectable using a standard ultrasound or physical examination. It is also helpful in monitoring improvements during and after conservative treatments. More research is required to confirm the effectiveness of ultrasound elastography in diagnosing Peyronie’s disease and to determine whether it is better than traditional ultrasound. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis and Management of Andrological Diseases)
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