[Benign prostatic hyperplasia and its treatment: impact on quality of life and sexual function]

To evaluate the impact of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) on health related quality of life (HRQoL) and sexual function, in patients with moderate-severe lower tract urinary symptoms (LUTS/BPH) under treatment with alpha-blockers; to study differences associated to age, urinary symptom severity and time under treatment.

1580 patients diagnosed of BPH and LUTS/BPH, and in treatment with alpha-blockers were recruited in urology practices all around Spain. Socio-demographic- and clinic-data together with LUTS/HBP severity assessment (IPSS questionnaire) and responses to EQ-5D and the Sexual Function Index Questionnaire (SFI) were collected. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed, as well as test to contrast the results by age, LUTS/HBP severity and time under treatment; multiple linear regression models were adjusted for the answers to EQ-5D and SFI.

Analysis database contained information of 1514 patients. Mean age (SD) was 63 (5.5) years (26.75% under 60 years), mean treatment time 1.8 (2.09) years (51.19% under one year). Mean questionnaire scores were: IPSS 17.29 (5.66) (65.85% moderate symptoms), EQ-5D 90 (14). The SFI-domains with worse scores were satisfaction and sexual drive. 52.58% of patients presented deteriorated HRQoL (IPSS-item 8). Age, symptom severity and time under treatment showed association with HRQoL and sexual function.

BPH and its treatment impact negatively on HRQOL and sexual function, with a more pronounced deterioration in patients with severe LUTS/HBP, in older patients and in patients in treatment over a year.