Erectile function and nocturnal penile tumescence in patients with prostate cancer undergoing luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist therapy

Background: Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists have been widely used as effective agents in endocrine therapy for prostate cancer. Continuous administration of the drug results in profound suppression of te sticular androgen production. However, the side effects on erectile functio n have not been fully investigated. Methods: We studied the influences of testosterone suppression on male sexu al function and nocturnal penile tumescence in nine sexually active patient s with prostate cancer who were treated with an LHRH agonist. Results: Following reduction of serum testosterone concentrations to a cast ration level by the administration of the LHRH agonist, sexual desire, sexu al interest and sexual intercourse were totally annulled, with significant changes in frequency, magnitude, duration and rigidity of nocturnal erectio ns observed in all patients. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that the LHRH agonist strongly suppr esses erectile function and sexual activity. Taking into account the qualit y of sexual function for relatively young and sexually active patients and their partners, it is necessary to establish effective modalities that mini mize the adverse effects on sexual function for the treatment of patients w ith prostate cancer.