Sexual dysfunction in 1,274 European men suffering from lower urinary tract symptoms

We determine the prevalence and bothersomeness of erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction in men with lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of bladder outlet obstruction in real life practice, and analyze predictors of sexual dysfunction in this population.

Sexual function of 1,274 European men with lower urinary tract symptoms was assessed by the DAN-PSSsex questionnaire. The relationship between sexual dysfunction and selected clinical characteristics was analyzed.

The proportion of sexually active men decreased from 91% in those 60 years old or younger to 60% in those 70 years old or older. Erectile dysfunction, reduced ejaculation and pain/discomfort on ejaculation were reported by 62%, 63% and 23% of patients, respectively. Erectile dysfunction strongly related with age (40% younger than 60 years, 80% 70 years old or older), lower urinary tract symptom severity (55% mild, 70% severe) and body mass index, hypertension and concomitant treatment with calcium channel antagonists. Reduced ejaculation was significantly related to age (42% younger than 60 years, 82% 70 years old or older), lower urinary tract symptom severity (55% mild, 68% severe) and previous benign prostatic hyperplasia surgery. Pain/discomfort on ejaculation was only related to lower urinary tract symptom severity (7% mild, 31% severe). Erectile dysfunction, reduced ejaculation and pain/discomfort on ejaculation were considered a problem by 96%, 82% and 91% of patients younger than 60 years, respectively. These 3 sexual symptoms were still highly bothersome in patients 70 years old or older.

Erectile dysfunction and reduced ejaculation are highly prevalent in men with lower urinary tract symptoms, and are strongly related to increasing age and lower urinary tract symptom severity. Both these aspects of sexual dysfunction are also highly bothersome, even in advanced age. Sexual function should be carefully assessed in the initial evaluation of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms and in deciding on treatment options, as it may have a negative impact on sex life.