Androgens and bladder outlet obstruction: a correlation with pressure-flow variables in a preliminary study

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Andrology
• Men's Health

Background:

• Androgens play a role in the development of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common cause of LUTS in aging men.
• The relationship between androgen levels and urodynamic findings in BPH requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between androgen levels (specifically free testosterone) and urodynamic parameters in men with symptomatic BPH and bladder outlet obstruction (BOO).
• To determine if testosterone levels influence detrusor pressure, maximum flow rate, and the presence of detrusor overactivity (DO).

Main Methods:

• Twenty-five men with symptomatic BPH underwent urodynamic assessment to confirm BOO.
• Urodynamic parameters including detrusor pressure at maximum flow (P(det)Q(max)) and at urethral closure (P(det)Cl) were recorded.
• Free testosterone (FT) levels were measured and patients were categorized into low (<72 pg/mL) and normal (>=72 pg/mL) FT groups.

Main Results:

• Patients with low FT levels exhibited significantly lower P(det)Cl and P(det)Q(max) compared to those with normal FT.
• A negative correlation was observed between FT levels and P(det)Cl and P(det)Q(max).
• Detrusor overactivity (DO) was more prevalent in patients with lower FT levels, with all patients below 60 pg/mL FT experiencing DO.

Conclusions:

• Low free testosterone levels are associated with poorer bladder outlet function and increased detrusor overactivity in men with clinical BOO.
• Androgens may exert a protective or ameliorating effect on lower urinary tract function in the context of BPH and BOO.