The impact of prostate biopsy on erectile and ejaculatory function: A prospective study

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Sexual Health
• Prostate Cancer Diagnostics

Background:

• Transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsies of the prostate (TRUS-Bx) are standard for diagnosing prostate cancer.
• The impact of TRUS-Bx on male sexual function, specifically erectile and ejaculatory function, requires thorough evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the short-term effects of TRUS-Bx on erectile function (EF) and ejaculatory function (EjF) in sexually active men.
• To determine the recovery timeline for sexual function parameters following prostate biopsies.

Main Methods:

• A prospective monocentric study involving 276 men undergoing TRUS-Bx for suspected prostate cancer.
• Assessment of erectile and ejaculatory function using validated questionnaires (IIEF-15, PDET, MSHQ-EjD Short Form) at baseline, one month, and three months post-biopsy.

Main Results:

• Erectile function (EF) showed a significant decrease at one month post-TRUS-Bx, with recovery by three months.
• Ejaculatory function (EjF) also significantly declined at one month but returned to baseline levels by three months.
• However, other aspects of sexual function including Orgasmic Function, Sexual Desire, and overall satisfaction (measured by IIEF-15 subdomains) remained significantly reduced at three months post-biopsy.

Conclusions:

• TRUS-Bx temporarily impairs erectile and ejaculatory function, with recovery typically observed within three months.
• Persistent reductions in other sexual health domains after three months highlight the need for careful patient selection and counseling regarding TRUS-Bx.