Does Transperineal Prostate Biopsy Affect Sexual Function? Results from a Prospective Cohort Study

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Sexual Health
• Oncology

Background:

• Transperineal (TP) prostate biopsy offers lower complication rates than transrectal approach.
• Limited prospective data exists on TP biopsy's impact on sexual function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prospectively assess short-term erectile and ejaculatory function after TP prostate biopsy.
• Evaluate sexual health outcomes in sexually active men undergoing TP biopsy.

Main Methods:

• Prospective observational cohort study of 249 men undergoing TP prostate biopsy.
• Sexual function assessed using IIEF-5, PEDT, and MSHQ-EjD-SF at baseline, 1, and 3 months.
• Biopsy indications included PSA levels, DRE findings, or PI-RADS ≥ 3 lesions on MRI.

Main Results:

• No significant changes in erectile or ejaculatory function in the overall cohort.
• 132 men diagnosed with prostate cancer showed significant declines in IIEF-5, PEDT, and MSHQ-EjD-SF scores at 1 and 3 months (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• TP prostate biopsy has minimal impact on sexual function in the general population.
• Prostate cancer patients may experience transient deterioration in sexual function post-biopsy.
• Long-term follow-up is crucial for prostate cancer patients to understand recovery patterns.