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alpha(1)-Blockade in the nineties: focus on the patient
1Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Division of Urology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases
|December 24, 2002
Summary
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) causes lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) that negatively impact quality of life and sexual function. Alpha-blockers, like alfuzosin, may improve these symptoms and sexual health in aging men.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Andrology
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) affect a significant percentage of aging men, with prevalence increasing with age.
- These symptoms, often associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), negatively impact patients' quality of life (QoL) and sexual function.
- Existing questionnaires can assess LUTS severity, QoL, and sexual function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of LUTS/BPH on QoL and sexual function.
- To discuss the role of alpha(1)-blockers, specifically alfuzosin, in managing LUTS/BPH.
- To explore the potential direct or indirect effects of alfuzosin on sexual function.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies assessing LUTS, BPH, QoL, and sexual function.
- Analysis of comparative studies on symptom severity and its impact.
- Examination of treatment outcomes with alpha(1)-blockers.
Main Results:
- Increasing LUTS severity correlates with decreased QoL, general health status, and sexual function.
- Treatment of LUTS generally improves patient QoL.
- Alpha(1)-blocker alfuzosin has demonstrated potential to improve sexual drive and function, though the mechanism is unclear.
Conclusions:
- Physicians must consider the QoL aspects of BPH, including sexual function, in aging males.
- Alpha(1)-blockers are effective for LUTS/BPH and may offer additional benefits for sexual health.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the direct mechanisms by which alfuzosin influences sexual function.
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