Sexual function outcomes following treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms. A one-year study

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of treating lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) on the quality of sexual function in a one-year follow up. A total of 116 patients with LUTS received alpha-blocker treatment, 111 patients underwent transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and 70 patients with renal stones, with no or mild symptoms served as a control group. The patients were assessed at baseline, three months, six months and twelve months using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15). The surgical group exhibited some changes in the domain of IIEF-15. Patients in the medical group showed improvement in erectile function and intercourse satisfaction, while orgasmic, overall sexual satisfaction and sexual drive were relatively unchanged. In contrast, the surgical group suffered retrograde ejaculation and overall sexual dissatisfaction after undergoing TURP. TURP has been found to be associated with retrograde ejaculation intercourse and overall sexual dissatisfaction.