SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION IN MEN WITH LOWER URINARY-TRACT SYMPTOMS

The conventional view that sexual function is not adversely affected b y lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), assumed to be caused by enlarge ment secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), was investigated in this study of 423 men aged 40 years and over in a community popula tion in the UK and 1271 urology clinic attenders aged 45 years and ove r in 12 countries, using the ICSmale and ICSsex questionnaires. Sexual dysfunction was found to be common: in the community, age standardize d prevalences of reduced rigidity of erections were 53%, reduced ejacu lation 47%, and pain on ejaculation 5%; in clinic men, age standardize d prevalences of reduced rigidity of erections were 60%, reduce ejacul ation 62%, and pain on ejaculation 17%. Sex lives were reported to be spoiled by LUTS in 8% of community men and 46% in thr clinic. There we re negative trends for age in the extent to which clinic men were both ered by these symptoms, although older men were still very concerned. Significantly raised odds ratios of sexual dysfunction were found in t hose with LUTS, especially storage symptoms associated with incontinen ce. Urinary flow rates were not associated with sexual symptoms. Sexua l dysfunction is, therefore, strongly associated with LUTS, is a matte r of concern to the men affected, and should be taken into account whe n managing patients with LUTS. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Inc.