Purpose: To determine the effects on semen of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy for distal-ureteral stones.
Patients and Methods: We examined the semen of 62 patients 1 day before and 1 week and 3 months after SWL for distal-ureteral stones. The results were compared with those of 62 patients similarly treated for upper- ureteral stones.
Results: Sperm density and motility decreased significantly after SWL for distal-ureteral stones (P < 0.001 for both). Macroscopic hemospermia was reported by 16 patients. These changes were reversed by 3 months. No change was observed after SWL for upper-ureteral stones.
Conclusion: Transient deterioration of semen characteristics can be expected after SWL for distal-ureteral stones, which may be attributable to damage to the seminal vesicles or ejaculatory ducts. The changes are transient, and normal semen characteristics are found by 3 months after SWL. The long-term effects in subfertile men warrant further investigation.
