Does the filling state of the seminal vesicles influence sexual desire?
| ISRCTN | ISRCTN13658570 |
|---|---|
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN13658570 |
| Protocol serial number | N/A |
| Sponsor | University Hospital Bern (Switzerland) |
| Funders | Max and Hedwig Niedermaier Foundation (Switzerland), University Hospital Bern (Switzerland) |
- Submission date
- 03/04/2014
- Registration date
- 09/05/2014
- Last edited
- 24/07/2020
- Recruitment status
- No longer recruiting
- Overall study status
- Completed
- Condition category
- Urological and Genital Diseases
Plain English summary of protocol
Background and study aims
The seminal vesicles are part of the male inner genitals. It is not known if the seminal vesicles have an impact on sexual interest, i.e. if full seminal vesicles increase sexual interest. This would potentially make sense from a biological/behavioural point of view. The aim of this study is to find out if there is any specific brain area that changes its activity in relation to the filling status of the seminal vesicles. The detection of such a specific brain area would suggest that the filling status of the seminal vesicles changes the activity in the brain.
Who can participate?
Heterosexual men between the ages of 20 and 30
What does the study involve?
On day 1 in the morning, participants provide a blood sample for analysis of sex hormone levels, a conventional MRI scan of the pelvis to assess the size of the seminal vesicles, and a functional MRI of the brain. After these examinations, they masturbate in order to empty their seminal vesicles. On day 2 in the morning, they undergo the same examinations.
What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
The detection of specific brain areas would potentially have a clinical impact in men undergoing radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer, which nowadays is usually performed with removal of both seminal vesicles. If a relationship is found between seminal vesicle filling status, specific brain areas and sexual interest and confirmed by further clinical studies, the standard removal of the seminal vesicles during radical prostatectomy could be re-thought in order to potentially help to preserve sexual interest. There are no risks involved in this study.
Where is the study run from?
University Hospital Bern (Switzerland)
When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
May 2014 to April 2015
Who is funding the study?
Max and Hedwig Niedermaier Foundation and University Hospital Bern (Switzerland)
Who is the main contact?
Dr Frédéric Birkhäuser
frederic.birkhaeuser@insel.ch
Contact information
Scientific
Freiburgstrasse 4
Bern
3010
Switzerland
| frederic.birkhaeuser@insel.ch |
Study information
| Primary study design | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Study design | Interventional study |
| Secondary study design | Non randomised study |
| Study type | Participant information sheet |
| Scientific title | Does the filling state of the seminal vesicles influence sexual desire? A pilot study |
| Study objectives | Filling state of seminal vesicles is an independent factor for the intensity of sexual desire, influencing sexual arousal in healthy men. |
| Ethics approval(s) | Kantonale Ethikkommission Bern (KEK), 05/09/2014, ref: 005/14 |
| Health condition(s) or problem(s) studied | The physiological role of healthy seminal vesicles on sexual desire |
| Intervention | The five participants all undergo the same intervention. On day 1 in the morning, they first undergo a blood analysis (5 min), thereafter they undergo a conventional MRI of the pelvis and a functional MRI of the brain (40 min). After these examinations, they masturbate in order to empty their seminal vesicles. On day 2 in the morning, they undergo exactly the same examinations. |
| Intervention type | Other |
| Primary outcome measure(s) |
The effect of seminal vesicle filling state on cortical activation and sexual arousal investigated by fMRI, which would be reflected by a reduced activation of specific regions in fMRI of the brain on study after ejaculation. |
| Key secondary outcome measure(s) |
1. Changes in sexual arousal score with full/empty seminal vesicles |
| Completion date | 30/04/2015 |
Eligibility
| Participant type(s) | Patient |
|---|---|
| Age group | Adult |
| Sex | Male |
| Target sample size at registration | 5 |
| Key inclusion criteria | 1. Men between the age of 20 and 30 2. Heterosexuality 3. Written informed consent 4. Ejaculation abstention of 3-5 days before first fMRI examination |
| Key exclusion criteria | 1. Erectile dysfunction 2. Claustrophobia 3. Depression 4. Status post brain trauma 5. Severely reduced visibility 6. Medication intake with possible side effects on libido |
| Date of first enrolment | 01/05/2014 |
| Date of final enrolment | 30/04/2015 |
Locations
Countries of recruitment
- Switzerland
Study participating centre
3010
Switzerland
Results and Publications
| Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to share | No |
|---|---|
| IPD sharing plan summary | Not provided at time of registration |
| IPD sharing plan |
Study outputs
| Output type | Details | Date created | Date added | Peer reviewed? | Patient-facing? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Participant information sheet | Participant information sheet | 11/11/2025 | 11/11/2025 | No | Yes |
Editorial Notes
24/07/2020: No publications found.
23/11/2017: Internal review.
