Introduction Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is a prevalent health problem thathas been inadequately investigated in the Arab world. An Arabic assessment instrument for FSD is urgently needed. Aim To validate the Arabic version of the Female Sexual Function Index (ArFSFI). Methods This is a cross-sectional study conducted between January and April 2010. Eight hundred and fifty-five women (16–60 years old) participated in the study. Validation was carried out on aspects of face, content, discriminant, and criterion (concurrent) validity. Construct validity was evaluated using principal component analysis. Reliability studies on test–retest and on internal consistency were conducted with Pearson correlation and Cronbach’s alpha, respectively. The best cutoff point for the ArFSFI to differentiate cases and noncases was determined using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Main Outcome Measure Parameters of validity and reliability of the ArFSFI and its domains. Results ArFSFI total score and scores of various domains showed high test–retest reliability (r from 0.92 to 0.98). ArFSFI domains showed high internal consistency (α from 0.85 to 0.94). Six hundred and forty-four women (75.32%) met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, criteria for diagnosis of sexual dysfunction while 211 women (24.68%) showed normal function. The ArFSFI was found to have good discriminant validity. There were significant differences between the mean scores of women with sexual dysfunction and those of women without sexual dysfunction. A total score of 28.1 was taken as the cutoff point for the ArFSFI to distinguish between women with FSD and women with normal function (sensitivity 96.7%, specificity 93.2%). The ArFSFI showed an excellent overall performance (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.985, 95% confidence interval 0.978–0.992). Conclusion The ArFSFI is a validated, reliable, and locally accepted tool for use in the assessment of FSD in the Egyptian population.

Several theories have been advanced to explain the mechanisms by which varicocele impairs male fertility. These theories include scrotal hyperthermia, retrograde flow of adrenal or renal metabolites, Leydig cell dysfunction and hypoxia. Varicocele is reported to be associated with elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in spermatozoa and diminished seminal plasma antioxidant activity. The aim of this study was to investigate whether surgical correction of varicocele might reduce ROS or increase the antioxidant capacity of seminal plasma from infertile patients with varicocele. The study group consisted of 68 infertile males, selected from patients scheduled for varicocelectomy at Cairo University Hospital during the year 1999. Seminal plasma levels of two ROS [malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)] and one ROS radical [nitric oxide (NO)] were estimated as well as six antioxidants [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), vitamin C (Vit C), vitamin E (Vit E), albumin) on the day prior to varicocelectomy. For comparison, the same parameters were measured again 3 and 6 months post-operatively. A statistically significant reduction in the 3 month post-operative levels of MDA, H2O2 and NO was observed when compared with the pre-operative values. A further significant reduction took place during the following 3 months. Four of the six antioxidants tested (SOD, CAT, GPx, and Vit C) showed a significant increase in seminal levels when comparing 3-month post-operative with pre-operative values. A further significant increase of the four antioxidant levels took place during the following 3 months. No significant change in the level of seminal plasma albumen took place during the first 3 months after varicocelectomy, however, a significant increase was noted during the next 3 months. In contrast to other antioxidants, seminal plasma levels of Vit E showed a significant decrease when comparing 3-month post-operative with pre-operative values. A further significant decrease took place during the following 3 months. It is concluded that varicocelectomy reduces ROS levels and increases antioxidant activity of seminal plasma from infertile men with varicocele.

Introduction Erectile dysfunction (ED) is common and considered to be predominantly of vascular origin. Aim To evaluate the link between ED and coronary artery disease (CAD) and provide a consensus report regarding evaluation and management. Methods A committee of eight experts from six countries was convened to review the worldwide literature concerning ED and CAD and provide a guideline for management. Main Outcome Measure Expert opinion was based on grading the evidence-based medical literature, widespread internal committee discussion, public presentation, and debate. Results ED and CAD frequently coexist. Between 50–70% of men with CAD have ED. ED can arise before CAD is symptomatic with a time window of 3–5 years. ED and CAD share the same risk factors, and endothelial dysfunction is the common denominator. Treating ED in cardiac patients is safe, provided that their risks are properly evaluated. Conclusion ED is a marker for silent CAD that needs to be excluded. Men with CAD frequently have ED that can be treated safely following guidelines.

The aim of this study was to assess seminal reactive oxygen species (ROS)-antioxidants relationship in fertile and infertile men with and without varicocele. One hundred and seventy six males were studied; fertile healthy volunteers (n = 45), fertile men with varicocele (n = 45), infertile oligoasthenozoospermia (OA, n = 44) without varicocele and infertile OA with varicocele (n = 42). In their seminal plasma, two ROS parameters (malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide) and five antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, vitaminE, vitaminC) were estimated. Compared with fertile healthy men, in all other studied groups, estimated seminal ROS were significantly higher and estimated antioxidants were significantly lower. Infertile men with varicocele showed the same relationship as infertile men without varicocele. Sperm concentration, total sperm motility as well as sperm normal forms were negatively correlated with seminal malondialdehyde and were positively correlated with vitaminC. It is concluded that varicocele has an oxidative stress (OS) in fertile normozoospermic bearing conditions. This may allow understanding that, within men with varicocele, there is a threshold value of OS over which male fertility may be impaired.

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