Sexual function in 131 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia before prostatectomy

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Andrology
• Men's Health

Background:

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in aging men.
• Urinary symptoms associated with BPH can impact quality of life.
• The relationship between BPH and sexual dysfunction requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in patients diagnosed with BPH.
• To assess the correlation between the severity of urinary symptoms and sexual dysfunction.
• To evaluate BPH as a potential risk factor for sexual dysfunction prior to surgical intervention.

Main Methods:

• 131 male patients aged 55-74 with BPH were evaluated.
• Diagnosis included International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life assessment, digital rectal examination, transrectal ultrasound, and uroflowmetry.
• Sexual function was assessed using psychosexual history, penile brachial index (PBI), nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT), and testosterone levels.

Main Results:

• Severe urinary dysfunction (Group I, n=70) showed higher rates of unsuccessful coitus (44.2%) compared to mild dysfunction (Group II, n=61) (13.1%).
• Significant differences were observed in NPT (32.4% vs 24.4%), PBI <0.6 (33.4% vs 22.3%), and low testosterone (36.4% vs 28.5%) between severe and mild groups, respectively (p<0.05).
• No correlation was found between sexual function and general health status.

Conclusions:

• Severe urinary dysfunction in BPH patients is strongly associated with increased sexual dysfunction.
• The findings suggest that BPH may be a contributing risk factor for sexual dysfunction.
• Early assessment of sexual health in BPH patients is recommended.