Rate of Spontaneous Stone Passage as Assessed Using Urinary Ultrasonography and Direct Urinary System Radiography

Evaluation of the Effect of Masturbation on Distal Ureteral Stones: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study

To evaluate the effect of masturbation on the spontaneous expulsion of distal ureteral stones 5-10 mm in size.

This prospective randomized controlled study was performed between February 2018 and March 2020 after obtaining ethics committee approval.A total of 128 men with distal ureteral stones were randomly divided into 3 groups. All patients received standard medical therapy. Patients in group 1 (n=43) were instructed to masturbate at least 3-4 times a week, patients in group 2 (n=41) received tamsulosin 0.4 mg/day, and patients in group 3 (controls, n=44) received standard medical therapy alone. Rates of expulsion, need for analgesic, and ureterorenoscopic lithotripsy were compared between the groups.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age ≥18 years
• presenting with renal colic and inguinal or lumbar pain
• being diagnosed as having distal ureteral stones ≥5 mm and <10 mm in size

Exclusion Criteria:

• age <18 years,
• stones <5 mm or ≥10 mm in size,
• intermediate (stones on the ureter-iliac artery cross)
• proximal ureteral stones, multiple ureteral stones,
• presence of urinary infection,
• renal insufficiency,
• high creatinine level,
• severe hydroureteronephrosis,
• history of open or endoscopic ureteral surgery,
• vesicoureteral reflux,
• neurogenic bladder,
• erectile dysfunction,
• inability or refusal to masturbate for any reason (such as religious beliefs)