Prostate and sexuality: An overview

Objective: Diseases of the prostate, prostatitis, prostatodynia, benign pro static hyperplasia (BPH), and carcinoma of the prostate interfere with sexu al function. Since the American Urological Association have issued their po sition statement in 1990 that male sexual dysfunction is a recognized disea se entity, studies examined the interrelation between sexuality and the pro state. These studies were identified in our review. Method: A computer- and hand-based search of the literature was conducted with the key words healt h-related quality of life, sexual function and the various disease states o f the prostate, the drawback being that validated quality-oflife instrument s have just recently and mostly nationally been validated. Results: Sexual function is a dimension of quality-of-life questionnaires with 1 up to 11 q uestions addressing sexuality. The effect of aging on male sexuality as det ermined in Sweden serves as an important background information. Whereas pr ostadynia and sexuai dysfunction aggravate each other, BPH and its treatmen t influence only certain sexual functions, Carcinoma of the prostate, untre ated or under observation, has the greatest impact on sexuality which is to lerated differently from country to country and depends upon the expectatio n of survival. Conclusion: The impact of treatment of prostatic diseases on sexuality can now be studied easier in utilizing validated questionnaires. This update may serve as a base for these upcoming studies.