alpha(1)-blockade in the nineties: focus on the patient

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatic hyperp lasia (BPH) are prevalent in 14-19% of men in their 40s, increasing to 43% in men > 60 y. Symptoms impact on patient's quality of life to varying degr ees and more recently have been shown to affect sexual function. A number o f questionnaires are available which can assess symptom severity, quality o f life and sexual function. Comparative studies in different countries show a similar trend, in that as symptom severity increases, then so does the i nterference with quality of life, general health status and sexual function . Treatment of: LUTS is associated with an improvement in the quality of li fe of the patient. alpha(1)-Blockers are an established treatment of LUTS a ssociated with BPH and, in addition, the alpha(1)-blocker alfuzosin has bee n shown to improve sexual drive and function. It is not yet known, however, whether this is a direct effect or due to a general improvement in the pat ient's quality of life. When treating BPH, physicians should be aware of th e quality of life aspects to the disease, including sexual function, which is still an important feature in the ageing male.