SEXUAL FUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH SYMPTOMATIC BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA

This study evaluated the sexual function in an unselected population r eferred to hospital for treatment of clinical BPH. 401 patients filled in the DAN-PSS questionnaire including 3 questions concerning sexuali ty (erection, ejaculation volume and pain/discomfort during ejaculatio n). The patients were divided into four age groups (<50; 50-59; 60-69 and >69 years). The answers were analyzed for severity of symptoms and the related bothersomeness. The proportion of patients with erectile dysfunction increased with increasing age, and the related bother was much higher in the young males. Fiftyfour percent noticed that the amo unt of semen had decreased, and a correlation between increasing age a nd smaller ejaculation volume was observed. However the related bother factor was low. There was an age independent occurrence of about 15% o f patients experiencing pain/discomfort during ejaculation and the bat her factor is high. This study shows that the questions concerning sex uality in the DAN-PSS score system are formulated in a way that most p atients can understand, and are willing to fill in the form.