A Prospective Study on the Association Between Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) and Erectile Dysfunction: Results from a Large Study in Elderly Chinese in Southern China

IntroductionAlthough many cross-sectional studies have been conducted on the association between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and erectile dysfucntion (ED), no studies were prospective in Asia.AimThe relationship between LUTS and ED is examined using a prospective cohort of 2000 Chinese men.MethodsBaseline and 4-year data from a large prospective cohort study of 2000 Chinese elderly men were analyzed. A total of 1,736 subjects were included in the current analysis after excluding those with history of bladder or prostate cancer, or urological surgery, and those who used alpha blockers or anti-androgen.Main Outcome MeasuresLUTS were measured at baseline by the International Prostatic Symptom Score and ED was measured using one question on impotence at the end of 4 years.ResultsA dose–response relationship was observed for the relationship between baseline severity of LUTS and severity of ED at follow-up with those who had more severe LUTS at baseline with an increased odds of having more severe ED (odd ratio OR] = 1.86, confidence interval CI]: 1.16–2.97 for mild LUTS at baseline; OR = 2.95, CI: 1.81–4.81 for moderate LUTS at baseline; and OR = 3.82, CI: 2.00–7.27 for severe LUTS at baseline). Other baseline factors that were statistically significantly associated with ED included body mass index (OR = 1.13, CI: 1.01–1.26), hypertension (OR = 1.30, CI: 1.02–1.65) and diabetes (OR = 1.44, CI: 1.07–1.93).ConclusionThe presence of LUTS is associated with ED with more severe LUTS being associated with higher degree of ED in men. Wong SY, Leung JC, and Woo J. A prospective study on the association between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and erectile dysfunction: Results from a large study in elderly chinese in southern China. J Sex Med 2009;6:2024–2031.