EAUN23 highlights: Sexual function and conditions of the penis

Plenary Session 3: Enhancing sexual function in men and women
This session addressed sexual dysfunction in women. This is the first time that this subject received the attention it deserves. Problems with sexuality in women after cystectomy are very different than in men because there is no medication to support this. Women tend to leave the problem as it is and do not ask for treatment or support. Ms. Rebecca Martin (GB) offered vital insights into the importance of counseling women during the rehabilitation after cystectomy regarding sexuality.

The other notable lecture in the Plenary Session was “Chemsex: What urology nurses and nurse practitioners need to know” by Mrs. Jennifer Krans (NL).  Her presentation opened our eyes to chemsex, which is a relatively new subject and should be addressed by a multidisciplinary team. Most men who have sexual intercourse with men use chemicals to have a more intense sexual experience. Some of them become addicted to the chemicals, such as GHB (Gamma Hydroxybutyrate) or ketamine. The presentation also covered the impact on the bladder. The Psychiatry Department in Rotterdam developed a 20-week programme for men addicted to these substances.

Thematic Session 9: Conditions of the penis
One of the most renowned surgeons specialising in penile surgery, Prof. David John Ralph (GB), presented numerous images of rare and severe conditions of the penis during his lecture “Anomalies of the penis”. The conditions ranged from Zoon’s balanitis, penile cancer, to problems after cosmetic penile enlargement.

What the Thematic Session also showed were:

• Male patients with buried penises whose penile length is affected due to a large belly
• The rare phenomena lymph oedema in the scrotum which can cause severe functional problems
• The cause and treatment options for congenital curvature and hypospadias, and how surgery can help correct these conditions.