YouTube as a source of information on retrograde ejaculation: insights into content reliability.

Abstract

This study evaluates the accuracy and reliability of YouTube videos on retrograde ejaculation, a condition affecting male fertility and quality of life. A systematic search conducted on December 11, 2024, identified 97 relevant videos from an initial pool of 545. Videos were analyzed using the DISCERN tool and Global Quality Score to assess reliability and educational quality. Reliable videos, comprising 54.6% of the sample, were significantly more often uploaded by universities, professional organizations, or nonprofit physician groups when compared to non-reliable videos (P = 0.006). When comparing different uploader subgroups, videos from universities, professional organizations, or nonprofit physician groups demonstrated significantly higher DISCERN and Global Quality Scores (P = 0.006, P < 0.001, respectively). In contrast, based on the overall distribution of uploader types among the entire video sample, videos uploaded by individuals or for-profit entities were more frequently classified as non-reliable (P = 0.005). Notably, viewership metrics did not differ significantly between reliable and nonreliable videos (P = 0.552), highlighting the challenge of discerning accurate content based on popularity alone. The findings underscore the importance of promoting high-quality, evidence-based information from credible sources on platforms like YouTube. Addressing misinformation and enhancing the visibility of reliable content are critical to improving patient education and decision-making in managing retrograde ejaculation.