BACKGROUND Sexual function scales are widely used in self-diagnosis and web-based surveys, but their validity has not been evaluated. OBJECTIVE To explore the validity of self-reported sexual function scales. METHODS The participants who visited our hospital from June 1, 2020 to April 1, 2021 filled two questionnaires. The first, self-report version (SRV), was filled individually. The second, auxiliary-report version (ARV) was filled after explanation and aid from a researcher. The ARV was used as the standard, and the classification was based on age, occupation, education, Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT), International Index for Erectile Function (IIEF-6), and sexual frequency. The number of misdeclarations, overestimations, underestimations, false-positive, and false-negative rates of Erection Hardness Scale (EHS), IIEF-6, Masturbation Erection Index (MEI), and PEDT in the SRV were evaluated. The intraclass correlation coefficient, Spearman correlation, and Bland-Altman plot were used to assess consistency. RESULTS A total of 322 patients who visited our hospital were included. The SRV error rate was higher for participants over 40 years of age. The remaining categories had no effect on the error rate of the SRV. In addition, as individuals, participants were more likely to overestimate the severity of their disease in the SRV, consistent with a false-positive rate. Overall, there was consistency between the two questionnaires. CONCLUSIONS The self-reporting of EHS, IIEF-6, MEI, and PEDT by participants was valid. These can help patients to effectively and quickly reach conclusions in a cost-friendly manner. However, misdiagnoses are possible. CLINICALTRIAL The present study protocol was reviewed and approved by the institutional review board of Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University (Reg. No. [2021]02-249-01).

Stromal vascular fraction (SVF), an uncultured adipose-derived cell population, exerts regenerative effects primarily through paracrine mechanisms. While local intratesticular injection of SVF alleviates busulfan-induced testicular injury, the intravenous route remains unexplored. This study investigated whether intravenous SVF administration could mitigate busulfan-induced spermatogenic impairment. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats received busulfan (15 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) or vehicle; the busulfan + SVF group received 2 × 10⁶ allogeneic SVF cells intravenously immediately after busulfan injection. Two weeks later, we evaluated sperm parameters, testicular histopathology (Johnsen’s score, seminiferous tubule diameter, germinal epithelial thickness), and immunohistochemical expression of SOX9 (Sertoli cells), CYP11A1 (Leydig cells), and DDX4 (germ cells). Busulfan alone induced severe spermatogenic defects, including reduced sperm count and motility, increased abnormal morphology, marked histopathological damage, and decreased expression of SOX9, CYP11A1, and DDX4. In contrast, intravenous SVF treatment significantly improved sperm count, motility, and testicular architecture, and restored the expression of SOX9, CYP11A1, and DDX4 within two weeks. This is the first demonstration that intravenous SVF attenuates early busulfan-induced testicular injury, providing preliminary evidence for a rapid, culture-free approach as a less invasive alternative to local injection. However, longer follow-up and fertility studies are needed to confirm sustained spermatogenic restoration.

Liu Z, et al. Investig Clin Urol. 2025 Jul;66(4):329-335. https://doi.org/10.4111/icu.20250011