The evaluation of sexual function in men presenting with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Men's Health
• Sexual Medicine

Background:

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in aging men.
• BPH significantly impacts quality of life, including urinary and sexual function.
• The prevalence and correlation of sexual dysfunction with BPH symptoms and age require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantitatively and qualitatively assess sexual dysfunction in men with symptomatic BPH.
• To determine the correlation between sexual dysfunction, urinary symptoms (IPSS, BPHII), and age.
• To evaluate the degree of bother associated with sexual dysfunction in this population.

Main Methods:

• Prospective investigation of 168 men with symptomatic BPH.
• Utilized International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), BPH Impact Index (BPHII), urinary flow rate, residual urine volume, and a sexual function questionnaire.
• Employed Spearman's rank order correlation to analyze relationships between variables.

Main Results:

• Data from 140 patients analyzed; 59% reported low sexual drive, 56% low erection quality (46% meeting NIH impotence criteria), and 38% low ejaculation quality.
• Significant correlation found between age and sexual symptom scores (drive, erection, ejaculation), but not with problem assessment scores.
• BPH Impact Index (BPHII) scores correlated significantly with all sexual function aspects, unlike the total IPSS.

Conclusions:

• Symptomatic BPH is frequently associated with sexual dysfunction, with prevalence increasing with age.
• Older men with BPH experience significant bother from sexual dysfunction, similar to younger men.
• Sexual function is more closely related to the impact of BPH (BPHII) than overall symptom severity (IPSS).