Erectile dysfunction influences the subsequent incidence of lower urinary tract symptoms and bother

It is unclear whether lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) cause erectile dysfunction (ED) independently or through common underlying pathophysiology and shared risk factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ED on the incidence of frequency and bother of LUTS. Target population consisted of men aged 50, 60 or 70 years residing in the study area in Finland in 1994. Questionnaires were mailed to 3143 men in 1994 and to 2837 of them 5 years later. The follow-up sample comprised 1683 men who responded to both baseline and follow-up surveys. ED was assessed by two questions on subject's ability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for intercourse and LUTS by the Danish Prostatic Symptom Score questionnaire. A dose-response relation was found between the severity of ED at baseline and the incidence of LUTS or bother during follow-up. After adjustment for the confounders, the incidence rate ratio (RR) of LUTS was higher in men with moderate (RR 1.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0-2.3) or severe ED (RR 2.3, 95% CI 1.4-3.8) than in those free of ED at entry. Compared with men free of ED at baseline, the RRs of urinary bother were 1.6 (95% CI 1.1-2.4), 1.9 (95% CI 1.1-3.2) and 2.2 (95% CI 1.1-4.3) for minimal, moderate or severe ED, respectively. In summary, ED is associated with an increased incidence of LUTS and bother. ED and LUTS may have a common underlying pathophysiology or shared risk factors.     

Relationships between lower urinary tract symptoms, the bother they induce and erectile dysfunction

OBJECTIVE: To study the relationships between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), LUTS-induced bother, age and erectile dysfunction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A survey consisting of two questionnaires, the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) (reflecting LUTS) and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-5 (reflecting erectile function), together with instructions on how to perform timed micturition, was sent to 2000 randomly selected men (age range 60-70 years) living in the five counties surrounding our hospital. The IPSS questionnaire included a question concerning the degree of bother induced by LUTS. RESULTS: The survey was answered by 1096 men; after the exclusion of incomplete answers, 924 surveys were evaluated. Of these 924 men, 725 (78%) were sexually active and included in the analyses. The prevalence of moderate-to-severe LUTS (IPSS>or=8) was 45%. The prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED), defined as an IIEF-5 score of 相似文献   

Alfuzosin 10 mg once daily improves sexual function in men with lower urinary tract symptoms and concomitant sexual dysfunction

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect on sexual function of alfuzosin 10 mg once daily, a uroselective alpha(1)-blocker, in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) suggestive of bladder outlet obstruction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In all, 3076 men (mean age 65.9 years) were treated for 1 year with alfuzosin 10 mg in 'real life' practice. They were asked to complete the International Prostatic Symptom Score (IPSS), its appended eighth question (bother score) and the Danish Prostatic Symptom Score questionnaire for sexual dysfunction (DAN-PSSsex). The results were analysed at the endpoint in the intent-to-treat population. RESULTS: At baseline, 2434 (79.1%) men were sexually active and answered correctly at least one item of the DAN-PSSsex. Sexual dysfunction was highly prevalent (reduced stiffness of erection, 65.3%; reduced volume of ejaculate, 63.2%; pain/discomfort on ejaculation, 20.2%), and was strongly related to the severity of LUTS and impairment of quality of life. At the endpoint, alfuzosin significantly improved the total IPSS (-6.1, - 32%) and bother score (-1.4, - 33.2%, both P < 0.001) over baseline. In those men with sexual dysfunction there were significant improvements in weighted scores related to reduced rigidity of erection (-0.5), reduced amount of ejaculate (-0.4) and pain/discomfort on ejaculation (-1.2, all P < 0.001) over baseline. The perceived improvements were more marked in men with severe LUTS or a severe bother score at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Sexual dysfunction is highly prevalent in men with LUTS and related to the baseline IPSS and bother score. Alfuzosin 10 mg once daily for 1 year is effective in improving LUTS and quality of life, and is well tolerated. It may even improve sexual function in those men with concomitant erectile and/or ejaculatory dysfunction.     

下尿路症状男性人群勃起功能调查

目的:了解下尿路症状(LUTS)男性人群的勃起功能障碍(ED)患病情况,探讨LUTS与ED之间的相关性。方法:2011年11月~2012年8月,抽取1 000例40~80岁、有固定性伴侣的男性人群,采用国际前列腺症状评分(IPSS)及国际勃起功能指数(IIEF-5)评估LUTS和ED的严重程度,单因素Logistic回归分析LUTS与ED的相关性。结果:40~80岁男性人群的LUTS患病率为42.81%(426/995),ED患病率为76.18%(758/995)。其中426例有LUTS症状患者的ED患病率为82.16%(350/426),569例无LUTS症状的ED患病率为71.70%(408/569)。随着LUTS严重程度的增高,ED的患病率明显升高。Logistic回归分析显示,年龄、LUTS严重程度与ED的关联存在统计学显著意义(P0.01)。结论:LUTS患者存在很高的ED发生率。年龄越大,LUTS症状愈严重者患ED的风险更高。     

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatitis: prevalence of painful ejaculation in men with clinical BPH

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence and importance of pain/discomfort on ejaculation (prostatitis-like symptom) in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) diagnosed with clinical benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Baseline data from 5096 men reporting LUTS suggestive of BPH, and enrolled in the ALF-ONE study by general practitioners and urologists in Europe, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Canada, were analysed to determine the prevalence and significance of pain/discomfort on ejaculation. All the men were asked to complete the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire, the bother score (IPSS question 8), and the Danish Prostate Symptom Score sexual-function questionnaire (DAN-PSSsex) which assesses three symptoms (rigidity of erection, amount of ejaculate and pain/discomfort on ejaculation) and their bothersomeness. RESULTS: There were 3700 sexually active men who had an evaluable answer to the DAN-PSSsex question related to pain/discomfort on ejaculation. Of these, 688 (18.6%) reported pain/discomfort on ejaculation and 609 (88%) considered it was a problem. Patients with painful ejaculation had more severe LUTS and reported greater bother (P < 0.001). Of men with painful ejaculation, 72% reported erectile dysfunction, of whom 91% considered it a problem, and 75% reported reduced ejaculation, of whom 81% considered it a problem. By contrast, of men with no ejaculatory discomfort, 57% reported erectile dysfunction, of whom 79% considered it a problem, and 56% reported reduced ejaculation, of whom 57% considered it a problem. A history of urinary tract infection was reported by 12% of men in the ejaculatory pain group, compared with 7% in the LUTS-only group, while 5% of men in the ejaculatory pain group reported macroscopic haematuria, compared to 3% in the LUTS-only group. Men with ejaculatory pain were slightly younger, but there were no significant differences in duration of LUTS, history of acute urinary retention, prostate-specific antigen concentrations or maximum urinary flow rate compared to the LUTS-only group. CONCLUSIONS: Of sexually active men with LUTS suggestive of BPH, approximately 20% complain of specific prostatitis-like symptoms of pain/discomfort on ejaculation, and these men clearly differ from those who present with LUTS only. For most the symptom is a significant bother. Men with BPH and painful ejaculation have more severe LUTS and reported greater bother, and had a higher prevalence of erectile dysfunction and reduced ejaculation, than men with LUTS only. Evaluation and treatment strategies should address this population of men with symptoms suggestive of both prostatitis and BPH.     

A randomised, placebo-controlled study to assess the efficacy of twice-daily vardenafil in the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia

INTRODUCTION: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is associated with bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and reduced patient quality of life (QoL). Phosphodiesterase (type) 5 (PDE5) inhibitors such as vardenafil are commonly used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED), but have also been shown to improve the symptoms of BPH. This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigated the effects of vardenafil on LUTS and QoL in men with BPH/LUTS, with or without concomitant ED. METHODS: Men aged 45-64 yr with BPH/LUTS and an International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) > or =12 were randomised to receive either 10mg vardenafil or placebo twice daily. LUTS were assessed with the use of two primary efficacy parameters, IPSS score and maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), as well as postvoid residual (PVR) urine volume; ED was measured with the use of the erectile function (EF) domain score of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-EF); and QoL was assessed with the Urolifetrade mark QoL-9 questionnaire. RESULTS: After 8 wk of treatment, there was a significant improvement in the IPSS total score in the vardenafil group compared with placebo (-5.9 and -3.6, respectively; p=0.0013). Nominally significant improvements in irritative and obstructive IPSS subscores (p=0.0017 and p=0.0081, respectively), EF (p=0.0001), and Urolife QoL-9 (p<0.0001) were also associated with vardenafil treatment. Qmax and PVR urine volume did not change significantly with treatment, although baseline values were already considered close to normal. Vardenafil was generally well tolerated, with most adverse events considered mild or moderate in severity. CONCLUSIONS: Vardenafil treatment significantly improved LUTS, EF, and QoL in men with BPH/LUTS. Vardenafil may be considered a promising treatment option for men with symptoms secondary to BPH.     

Impact of LUTS using bother index in DAN-PSS-1 questionnaire

OBJECTIVES: To quantify the bothersomeness of urinary symptoms in males with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). METHODS: A population-based postal survey of urinary symptoms among 2837 men aged 55, 65, or 75 years was conducted. The response rate was 75%, and data of both symptom and bother questions were eligible for 1803-2046 men, depending on the question. Bothersomeness of each urinary symptom was measured with a bother index (BI) as a ratio of the number of men with a bother score higher than a symptom score to that with a bother score lower than a symptom score. The BI was compared with the relative risk (RR), the prevalence of men with bother to those with symptom. RESULTS: Urgency (46%) and postmicturition dribble (42%) were the most common symptoms. Any type of incontinence was considered highly bothersome (BI: 1.79-3.70). In light of the BI, most voiding and postmicturition symptoms except weak stream (BI: 1.14) were well tolerated. The variation of the BI (0.06-3.70) was substantially larger than that of RR (0.53-0.89) of the urinary symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Bothersomeness of a symptom is an independent contribution in the assessment of LUTS. The BI may be a useful indicator of bothersomeness of urinary symptoms. The greater variation of the BI than that of RR indicates that the BI provides information on LUTS that cannot be described by prevalence or prevalence ratio only.     

男性下尿路症状和勃起功能障碍的相关性分析

目的:了解社区年龄≥50岁男性人群中有下尿路症状(LUTS)者ED的患病情况,评估LUTS(梗阻症状、刺激症状)和ED之间的相关性。方法:2006年10～11月对社区年龄≥50岁、有固定性伴侣的男性进行IPSS、IIEF-5调查,调查对象均签署知情同意书,完成规定问诊及相关检查,应用统计学方法对IPSS评分、梗阻症状评分以及刺激症状评分与勃起功能之间的相关性进行分析。结果:共调查245例,171例有LUTS患者中ED患病率为81.9%(140/171),无LUTS患者74例作为对照组,ED患病率为29.7%(22/74)。LUTS组中各年龄组ED的患病率分别为:50～59岁73.1%(38/52)、60～69岁82.1%(46/56)、≥70岁88.9%(56/63),各年龄组之间IPSS、IIEF-5比较差异有显著性(P<0.01),各年龄组之间轻、中、重度ED所占比例比较差异有显著性(P<0.01)。LUTS组中IPSS评分程度分布:轻度80例(46.8%)、中度67例(39.2%)、重度24例(14.0%),不同程度LUTS中ED者所占比例分别为:轻度LUTS71.3%(57/80)、中度LUTS89.6%(60/67)、重度LUTS95.8%(23/24),LUTS程度和ED患病率之间有显著相差性(r=0.52,P<0.01)。171例平均梗阻症状评分(3.1±3.6)分,梗阻症状与IIEF-5评分相关系数r=-0.41(P<0.01),平均刺激症状评分(6.8±4.9)分,刺激症状与IIEF-5评分相关系数r=-0.59(P<0.01)。结论:社区LUTS人群中ED有较高的患病率,LUTS程度和ED患病率显著性正相关,与梗阻症状相比刺激症状对中老年男性性生活的影响更大。在治疗LUTS的同时应该考虑ED问题,以求更有效改善患者生活质量。     

Normal urinary and sexual function in men without evidence of prostate cancer from Montreal, Canada

OBJECTIVE: To examine the rates of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and erectile dysfunction (ED), and of associated bother, in men with no evidence of prostate cancer who participated in a prostate cancer-screening event. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cohort of 366 men with no established diagnosis of prostate cancer completed a questionnaire addressing SUI, ED and associated bother. Socio-economic status and presence of comorbidities were also examined. RESULTS: The mean (range) age of the men was 54.8 (33-80) years; 90% of the men (271) had no SUI, and 76% (231) reported no urinary bother. Conversely, 62% (189) reported some degree of ED and 27% (82) some degree of sexual bother. Urinary bother (P < 0.001), erectile function (P < 0.001), and sexual bother (P < 0.02) were associated with age. Of all the men, 36% had one or more comorbidities. Men with one or more comorbidities had worse erectile function than those men with no comorbidity (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Few studies address normative values of SUI and ED rates in men with no established diagnosis of prostate cancer. We quantified the rate of SUI and it was practically negligible. Conversely, some degree of ED affected most of the present screened population. These data may be used as baseline references to evaluate the magnitude of functional and bother detriments after various prostate treatments.     

Correlation between lower urinary tract symptoms and erectile dysfunction in men presenting for prostate cancer screening

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and erectile dysfunction (ED) are age-related conditions that may have a profound impact on the quality of life. The relationship between LUTS and ED is not completely understood. In this study, we assessed this relationship in men over 45 years of age during a prostate cancer screening program. LUTS and ED were evaluated in 1267 men aged 45-75 years (mean 58.2+/-8.2 years). Patients completed the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5). The association between LUTS and ED was analyzed and the influence of age in the results was tested. We also evaluated the influence of the intensity of LUTS in the ED severity. A total of 514 (40.6%) patients were considered symptomatic of LUTS (24.8% with mild, 11.8% with moderate and 4% with severe LUTS). ED was present in 758 (59.9%) men and was considered mild in 25.0%, moderate in 18.3% and severe in 16.7%. The IIEF-5 score had a negative correlation with both the IPSS score (r=-0.33, P<0.001) and age (r=-0.31 and P<0.001). Age was positively associated with the IPSS score (r=0.14 and P<0.001). A significant correlation was observed between LUTS and ED, with 57.6% of the men with LUTS presenting ED as opposed to 29.7% of the asymptomatic population (odds ratio=3.32; 95% CI =2.57-4.29, P<0.001). Age-adjusted univariate analysis revealed a significant and independent influence of LUTS on the incidence of ED (odds ratio=2.72; 95% CI=2.08-3.57, P<0.001). IIEF scores varied significantly according to the severity of the urinary symptoms. Our findings in a prostate cancer screening population confirm that LUTS is an age-independent predictor of ED. Furthermore, they demonstrate that not only the presence of LUTS increases the likelihood of developing ED, but the severity of LUTS is associated with the intensity of ED.     

下尿路症状与勃起功能障碍关系的研究进展

下尿路症状(LUTS)和勃起功能障碍(ED)均为老年男性的常见疾病,严重影响患者的生活质量。近年来许多流行病学调查对LUTS与ED的关联性进行研究分析,认为LUTS,尤其是其排尿症状、夜尿症状及个人困扰为ED的独立危险因素。LUTS与ED伴随发病可能主要涉及以下机制:①Rho-激酶表达/活性增强;②一氧化氮释放减少及内皮素-1的海绵体平滑肌收缩作用增强;③海绵体平滑肌肌球蛋白亚型组成改变;④自主神经兴奋性增强及海绵体平滑肌神经分布减少。LUTS与ED间关联性的研究为两者的临床诊疗提供了新的思路。现简要综述近年来LUTS与ED关系的研究进展。     

Treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia: sexual function

Lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH), and sexual dysfunction, are common, highly bothersome conditions in older men, and the prevalence of both disorders increases with age. Sexual dysfunction manifests mainly as erectile dysfunction (ED), ejaculatory disorders, or decreased libido/hypoactive sexual desire (HSD). Whereas both reduced rigidity and reduced ejaculate volume are highly prevalent in ageing men, reduced rigidity and pain on ejaculation are considered to be most bothersome. Sexual dysfunction is much more prevalent in patients with LUTS/BPH than in men with no LUTS/BPH, even after controlling for confounding variables such as age or comorbidities. Hence LUTS/BPH is considered an independent risk factor for sexual dysfunction. Whether this is because of a common underlying pathology, or whether the considerable bother associated with LUTS/BPH leads to reduced sexual functioning, remains to be elucidated. Despite a decline in the frequency of sexual intercourse, as well as in overall sexual functioning, most ageing men report regular sexual activity and consider their sex life as an important dimension of their quality of life (QoL). However, most patients with LUTS/BPH experience a negative effect of their LUTS on their sex life. Hence, treatment of LUTS/BPH should aim to at least maintain or, if possible, improve sexual function. Current medical treatment of LUTS/BPH consists of monotherapy with alpha1-adrenoceptor (AR) antagonists, 5alpha-reductase inhibitors (RIs) or a combination of these. Whereas 5alpha-RIs increase the risk of ED, ejaculatory disorders and HSD, alpha1-AR antagonists can induce ejaculatory disorders, but do not provoke HSD or ED. Combined therapy carries the cumulative risk for sexual dysfunction associated with either type of drug. As already indicated, ED is generally perceived as more bothersome than ejaculatory disorders. In addition, alpha1-AR antagonists slightly improve overall sexual function, possibly by increasing blood flow in the penis through alpha1-AR blockade and/or to an increased overall QoL from the relief of LUTS. It can be concluded that alpha1-AR antagonists constitute a first-line therapy for LUTS/BPH because they combine good treatment efficacy with very few adverse effects on sexual function.     

The beneficial effect of alfuzosin 10 mg once daily in 'real-life' practice on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), quality of life and sexual dysfunction in men with LUTS and painful ejaculation

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy and safety of the selective alpha(1)-blocker alfuzosin in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and painful ejaculation, compared with those with LUTS only, as painful ejaculation is one of the most prevalent, differentiating and bothersome symptoms in men with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In all, 4857 sexually active men with LUTS had an evaluable answer to the Danish Prostate Symptom Score for Sexual Symptoms question related to pain/discomfort on ejaculation at enrolment in a 6-month open-label study with alfuzosin 10 mg once daily. Efficacy was analysed at the endpoint in the intent-to-treat population. RESULTS: Of the 4857 men, 997 (20.5%) had pain/discomfort on ejaculation and 889/997 (89.2%) considered it was a problem. At inclusion, men with painful ejaculation had more severe LUTS and bother than men with LUTS only. Erectile dysfunction (ED) and reduced ejaculation were more prevalent (74.5% and 71.9%, respectively) and bothersome in men with painful ejaculation than in those with no pain (59.6% and 57.4%, respectively). Under alfuzosin treatment, all variables in both groups significantly improved from baseline; men with painful ejaculation compared to LUTS-only had similar improvements in weighted scores for LUTS (-7.8 vs -7.7), bother (-1.7 vs -1.7), and reduced ejaculate (-0.5 vs -0.4) but greater improvements in ED (-0.6 vs -0.4; P < 0.001). The weighted score for painful ejaculation decreased from 2.2 to 0.8 (P < 0.001). Alfuzosin was well tolerated in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: This 6-month open-label study suggests that alfuzosin 10 mg once daily significantly improves LUTS, quality of life and sexual function in men with prostatitis-like symptoms, and is well tolerated.     

Association between lower urinary tract symptoms and erectile dysfunction

Our aim was to assess the association between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and erectile dysfunction by means of International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) questionnaire. A total of 69 eligible patients who were admitted to our outpatient clinic with lower urinary tract symptoms were included in the study. A self administered questionnaire of IPSS and SHIM were given to patients. Demographics and medical history data were recorded. Any risk factor that may be associated with erectile dysfunction, including coronary artery disease, diabetes, hypertension, and smoking status, was determined in each patient. Correlation tests were used to examine the relationship between lower urinary tract symptoms and erectile dysfunction by controlling the effects of age and comorbidities. Mean age was 58.6 +/- 13.1 31-86 years. Mean SHIM and IPSS total score was 14.3 +/- 7.5 and 11.5 +/- 8.1, respectively. Spearman correlation coefficient between IPSS and SHIM scores was found to be -0.41. There was a significant negative correlation with IPSS total scores of moderate degree when both age and presence of risk factor was controlled (r = -0.31; p = 0.009). Storage symptom scores showed significant correlation with SHIM scores (r = -0.33; p = 0.000). The association between SHIM score and each item of IPSS showed significant correlation for urgency, straining and nocturia when age controlled. The degree of bother by LUTS as determined by the IPSS quality of life question was also correlated with SHIM scores; however, this correlation was not significant when age or risk factor for ED was controlled. The presence of LUTS especially storage symptoms is strongly associated with erectile dysfunction independent of age and comorbidities.     

Sildenafil influences lower urinary tract symptoms

OBJECTIVE: To assess the possible relationship between erectile dysfunction (ED) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men, and whether treatment of their ED with sildenafil influences their LUTS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In all, 112 men with ED attending the andrology outpatient clinic were offered oral sildenafil and reviewed 1 and 3 months after treatment. They completed the International Index of Erectile Function and the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaires at baseline and each review. Scores were designated to indicate the visit number and differences between the visits calculated. RESULTS: A third of the men had an initial IPSS of > 7; there was no relationship between baseline urinary and sexual function scores. After treatment with sildenafil, the urinary scores at 3 months correlated strongly with the sexual function scores. There was a significant inverse relationship between the baseline IPSS and sexual function scores after treatment. The overall trend in the IPSS was towards improvement after treatment with sildenafil. CONCLUSIONS: In men with ED there is no relationship between sexual function scores and urinary symptom scores before treating ED. Treatment with sildenafil appears to improve urinary symptom scores. A lower IPSS at baseline appears to predict a better response to ED therapy with sildenafil.     

Bidirectional relationship between depression and erectile dysfunction

PURPOSE: We specified the interrelationship between depressive mood and erectile dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The target population consisted of men who were 50, 60 or 70 years old and residing in the study area in Finland in 1994. Questionnaires were mailed to 3,143 men in 1994 and to 2,837 men 5 years later. The followup sample consisted of 1,683 men who responded to the baseline and followup questionnaires. RESULTS: Erectile dysfunction was strongly associated with untreated and treated depressive symptoms. The prevalence OR adjusted for potential confounders was 2.6 (95% CI 1.8-3.8) for untreated and 3.3 (95% CI 1.6-7.1) for treated depressive symptoms at the beginning of followup. The incidence of erectile dysfunction was 59/1,000 person-years (95% CI 39-90) in men with depressive mood and 37/1,000 person-years (95% CI 32-43) in those free of the disorder. Compared with men free of depressive symptoms who did not use medication for psychological disorders at study entry the adjusted incidence density ratio of erectile dysfunction was 4.5 (95% CI 2.2-9.2) in men with treated depressive symptoms and 1.2 (0.7-2.1) in those with untreated depressive symptoms. The incidence of depressive mood was 20/1,000 person-years in men with erectile dysfunction and 11/1,000 person-years in those free of erectile dysfunction. The adjusted incidence density ratio of depressive mood was 1.9 (95% CI 1.1-3.3) in men with erectile dysfunction compared with those free of it at entry. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate or severe depressive mood or antidepressant medication use may cause erectile dysfunction and erectile dysfunction independently may cause or exacerbate depressive mood.     

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is prevalent, bothersome and underdiagnosed in patients consulting urologists for benign prostatic syndrome (BPS)

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) in patients visiting office-based urologists in Germany because of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and to evaluate the impact of ED on quality of life (QoL) in these patients. METHODS: 500 office-based urologists in Germany were invited to evaluate 20 consecutive patients for erectile dysfunction, who presented because of BPH-related LUTS. Physicians provided information on demographic factors, duration and treatment history of BPH, severity of LUTS, ED risk factors, and assessed the patient for the clinical diagnosis of ED. Patients were asked to complete the German version of the IPSS to measure LUTS severity. ED-patients quantified erectile dysfunction and impact on quality of life with validated German questionnaires (Cologne assessment of male erectile dysfunction KEED, and Qol-Med). RESULTS: Office-based urologists were aware of ED in 37.3% of 8768 patients presenting for LUTS before the study, 14.7% of patients were treated for ED. After the study-related assessment, physicians diagnosed ED in 62.1% of these patients and planned treatment in 46.9%. Severity of LUTS and ED prevalence correlated significantly after age-stratification. The incidence of ED was increased in patients with established ED risk factors. Mean QoL-Med score (best QoL: 100, worst QoL: 0) was 53.8 in patients with ED and 50.1 in ED-patients considering treatment. CONCLUSION: ED is highly prevalent in LUTS patients visiting an office-based urologist and is accompanied by a profound impact on the quality of life. Apparently, even during an urological consultation many ED-patients are hesitant to actively ask for treatment. Sexual issues should become key considerations for physicians managing patients with LUTS, especially since effective and well established oral treatment for ED is available.     

Are lower urinary tract symptoms associated with erectile dysfunction in aging males of Taiwan?

INTRODUCTION: This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and erectile dysfunction (ED) in aging males of Taiwan. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A free health screening for aging males (>or=45 years old) was conducted in Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital in August 2004. LUTS and ED were assessed by validated symptom scales: the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5). The subjects also completed a health and demographics questionnaire and underwent detailed physical examination, serum prostate-specific antigen level determination, and transrectal ultrasonography. RESULTS: The final study population consisted of 141 patients with a mean age of 59.8 years. The severity of LUTS and ED increased with age. After controlling for comorbidities, age (p<0.001) and IPSS score (p<0.001) were significantly associated with the IIEF-5 score. Furthermore, men with moderate to high IPSS scores were more likely to have ED as compared with those with mild symptoms after age adjustment (age-adjusted odds ratio 3.27, p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: ED and LUTS are highly prevalent in our study population, and this prevalence increases with age. ED is significantly associated with the severity of LUTS after controlling for age and comorbidities. These results highlight the clinical importance of evaluating LUTS in patients with ED and the need to consider sexual issues in the management of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia.     

Baseline factors as predictors of clinical progression of benign prostatic hyperplasia in men treated with placebo

PURPOSE: We analyzed data from the placebo arm of the MTOPS trial to determine clinical predictors of BPH progression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 3,047 patients with LUTS were randomized to either placebo, doxazosin (4 to 8 mg), finasteride (5 mg), or a combination of doxazosin and finasteride. Average length of followup was 4.5 years. The primary outcome was time to overall clinical progression of BPH, defined as either a confirmed 4-point or greater increase in AUA SS, acute urinary retention, incontinence, renal insufficiency, or recurrent urinary tract infection. We analyzed BPH progression event data from the 737 men who were randomized to placebo. RESULTS: The rate of overall clinical progression of BPH events in the placebo group was 4.5 per 100 person-years, for a cumulative incidence (among men who had at least 4 years of followup data) of 17%. The risk of BPH progression was significantly greater in patients on placebo with a baseline TPV of 31 ml or greater vs less than 31 ml (p <0.0001), a baseline PSA of 1.6 ng/dl or greater vs PSA less than 1.6 ng/dl (p = 0.0009), a baseline Qmax of less than 10.6 ml per second vs 10.6 ml per second or greater (p = 0.011), a baseline PVR of 39 ml or greater vs less than 39 ml (p = 0.0008) and baseline age 62 years or older vs younger than 62 years (p = 0.0002). CONCLUSIONS: Among men in the placebo arm, baseline TPV, PSA, Qmax, PVR and age were important predictors of the risk of clinical progression of BPH.     

The correlation between international prostate symptoms score and sexual health inventory in men with lower urinary tract symptoms

Objective  

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are common in aging men and are often associated with erectile dysfunction (ED). The International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS) and the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) are commonly used validated instruments for LUTS and ED, respectively. We explored the correlation between LUTS (assessed by IPSS) and ED (assessed by SHIM) in men over 40 years of age.