[Sexual disorders after an operation for benign prostatic hypertrophy]

A prospective study was conducted on the sexual function of 70 patients undergoing transurethral (48 cases) or transvesical (22 cases) prostatectomy for benign prostatic hypertrophy. 22 patients with no sexual activity before operation, remained sexually inactive after surgery. Frequency of intercourse and penile erection remained generally unchanged after operation. Retrograde ejaculation was observed in 33 patients (69%). Only one patient complained of total loss of potency after operation. Orgasm was maintained in all other patients; however 25 patients considered it to be "different". 4 of the sexually active operated patients (8%) and 7 of their partners complained of lack of sexual satisfaction after operation.