Pyospermia in an adult cohort with persistent lower urinary tract symptoms and a history of ablated posterior urethral valve.

PURPOSE: To assess for the presence of lower urinary tract symptoms and abnormal semen parameters in adults with a history of PUV.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

The study involved 29 male patients, aged 17-51 (mean 21.5 years), with a history of PUV. Ten had more severe symptoms of frequency, urgency and enuresis, and agreed to detailed study. Medical history, urine analysis, ultrasonography and voiding cystourethrogram were completed for all. Magnetic resonance imaging of the bladder, prostate, seminal vesicles and ejaculatory ducts, ultrasonography of the prostate, as well as semen analysis and culture, and measurement of serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and testosterone were performed on the 10/29 patients with severe symptoms.

RESULTS

Of the 8/10 patients who provided acceptable semen culture data, 88% (7/8) showed significant bacterial growth and pyospermia. On semen analysis, 3/8 patients had profound decreases in sperm count, 6/8 < 50% motility and 4/8 ≤ 30% normal forms. pH range for semen was 7.2-7.8 (mean 7.45). For all 10 patients, follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormone values were within normal range. Elongation of the prostate was the only radiologic variant of the sex accessory structures.

CONCLUSION

A significant finding of pyospermia and bacterial growth in semen culture is reported in a subpopulation of young men with a history of PUV and severe lower urinary tract symptoms. This may have an impact on fertility.