Erectile function after repeat saturation prostate biopsy: our experience in 100 patients.

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Andrology
• Men's Health

Background:

• Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a concern following prostate biopsies.
• Repeat saturation prostate biopsy (SPBx) is increasingly utilized.
• Evaluating post-biopsy erectile function is crucial for patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the incidence and severity of ED after repeat transperineal SPBx.
• To determine if SPBx significantly impacts erectile function in men.
• To provide data for patient counseling regarding sexual health after biopsy.

Main Methods:

• Prospective evaluation of 295 patients undergoing repeat transperineal SPBx (median 28 cores) under sedation.
• Assessment of erectile function using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months post-biopsy.
• Inclusion criteria: abnormal DRE, PSA > 10 ng/mL, or PSA 4.1-10 ng/mL with free/total PSA < 25%.

Main Results:

• No significant change in median IIEF-5 scores was observed from baseline (18.3) to 6 months post-SPBx (18.1) (p > 0.05).
• Only 5% of men reported mild ED at 1 month, which resolved by 3 and 6 months.
• 100 men with benign histology and normal baseline sexual activity completed the study.

Conclusions:

• Repeat transperineal SPBx under sedation does not significantly worsen erectile function.
• The risk of temporary post-biopsy ED is minimal and transient.
• Potent patients undergoing repeat SPBx may be informed of this minimal risk.