Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in male infertility by impairing sperm function through various molecular mechanisms. This review explores the impact of excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) on spermatozoa, particularly focusing on lipid peroxidation, DNA fragmentation, and protein oxidation. Lipid peroxidation damages sperm membranes, reducing fluidity and motility. ROS-induced DNA fragmentation compromises genetic integrity, potentially leading to infertility and adverse offspring outcomes. Protein oxidation alters key structural proteins, impairing sperm motility and the ability to fertilize an egg. The primary sources of oxidative stress in sperm include leukocyte activity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and environmental factors such as smoking and pollution. Despite the presence of natural antioxidant defenses, spermatozoa are particularly vulnerable due to limited repair mechanisms. The review highlights the importance of early intervention through antioxidant therapies and lifestyle changes to mitigate the detrimental effects of oxidative stress on male fertility. Further research is essential to enhance therapeutic approaches and improve reproductive outcomes.

Objectives: To identify the cooperation of authors, countries, institutions and explore the hot topics’ prospects regarding research of prostate diseases and erectile dysfunction (ED). Methods: Publications on research of prostate diseases and ED were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). Bibliometric analyses were performed using VOSviewer and CiteSpace software. Network maps were generated to evaluate the collaborations between different authors, countries, institutions, and keywords. Results: A total of 2,599 articles related to study of prostate diseases and ED were identified. We observed gradually increasing in the number of publications from 1998 to 2016, and the trend was to be relatively stable in the past 3 years. Journal of Sexual Medicine (243 papers) owned the highest number of publications and Journal of Urology was the most co-cited journal. Mulhall John P (52 papers) was the top most productive authors and Mcvary Kebin T with the largest numbers of citations (1,589 co-citations) during the past decades. There were active collaborations among the top authors. The USA was the leading contributor in this field with 1,078 papers. Active cooperation between countries and between institutions was observed. The main hot topics included matters related to erectile dysfunction, prostate cancer, quality-of-life, radical prostatectomy, sexual function, and BPH. Conclusion: Bibliometric analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the development of scientific literature, allowing relevant authors and research teams to recognize the current research status in this field and at the same time provide a reference for formulating future research directions.

Background: There is a lack of nationwide epidemiologic survey data on the prevalence estimate of erectile dysfunction (ED) in Chinese men living on the mainland China. Aim: To attain the representative prevalence estimate of ED in the Chinese male population and to analyze potential risk factors associated with ED by demographics, socioeconomic status, and medical comorbidities. Methods: The study was community based. The five-item Internation Index of Erectile Function questionnaire and in-person interview were used to obtain data. The survey subjects were 5,210 non-institutionalized Chinese men at least 40 years old residing in 30 provinces and autonomies of China. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to disclose risk factors associated with ED. Outcomes: The prevalence estimate of ED was 40.56% in Chinese men at least 40 years old. Results: The prevalence of ED increased with increasing age. A significant high prevalence of ED was observed in men who smoked heavily, were estranged from a partner, had diabetes, and lower urinary tract symptoms from benign prostatic hyperplasia. Smoking more than 30 cigarettes daily and obesity (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2) significantly increased the risk for ED by multivariable-adjusted odds ratios. Stable or erratic sexual partners, personal incomes, alcohol consumption, and cardiovascular and/or cerebrovascular diseases were not risk factors associated with ED prevalence. Other sexual problems commonly seen in this group of men included difficulty achieving erectile rigidness, ejaculation, and climax during intercourse. Clinical Translation: Knowledge on the prevalence of ED and its associated risk factors will help physicians in the clinical management and prevention of ED with the use of counseling for lifestyle adjustment and drug therapy. Strengths and Limitations: Data on the influence of psychological conditions on ED were not collected. ED was not categorized as minor, moderate, or severe for analysis during processing of data. Conclusion: The national representative prevalence of ED was determined for the first time in the Chinese male population.

Definitive diagnosis and selection of effective treatment for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) are frustrations encountered frequently by urology care providers in their practice. Knowledge of etiology and pathophysiology is not sufficient and therapeutic guidelines have not yielded acceptable outcomes and prognoses for both patients and care providers. The authors present updated perspectives on CP/CPPS, including definition, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis, based on literature review and clinical experience. A key point is to shift the diagnostic and therapeutic focus from a single entity of disease toward associated symptoms of CP/CPPS. An individualized multimodal treatment approach to cope with the course of the disorder is proposed. Communications and personal/family/community supports are emphasized as an important component in the therapeutic regime and rehabilitation of patients with CP/CPPS. The purpose is to improve comprehension on CP/CPPS and to help care providers and patients to achieve the goal of medical intervention—relieving associated symptoms of CP/CPPS and improving the quality of life.

Androgens are some of the most important sex hormones in men, and they maintain important physiological activities in the human body. Cognitive impairment is one of the most common manifestations of aging in the elderly population and an important factor affecting the quality of life of elderly individuals. The levels of sex hormones in elderly people decrease with age, and low levels of androgens in older male individuals have been closely linked to the development of cognitive impairment. Basic studies have shown that androgens have neuroprotective effects and that androgen deficiency impairs cognitive function by increasing oxidative stress and decreasing synaptic plasticity, among other effects. Additionally, clinical studies have also shown that androgen deficiency is closely related to cognitive impairment. This article reviews the relationship between low androgen levels and cognitive impairment, their potential mechanisms, and the effects of testosterone supplementation in improving cognition.