Chronic Prostatitis Is A Risk Factor For Erectile Dysfunction

Abstract

Objectives. Chronic prostatitis (CP) is associated with a variety of irritative and obstructive voiding symptoms. A significant number of patients also complain of sexual dysfunction. Ejaculatory dysfunction has been reported in more than half of patients with CP. Our goal was to determine whether CP is a risk factor for erectile dysfunction (ED).Methods. The Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) was administered in our clinic and online at the Interstitial Cystitis Network. 305 men completed the SHIM questionnaire, which included 47 controls (healthy volunteers), 150 men for evaluation of other urologic complaints (urology group), and 108 men being treated for CP. The total SHIM score and response to each SHIM question were analyzed using ANOVA.Results: In the control group, the mean SHIM score was 22.7 of a possible 25 points, and mean SHIM Q1 score was 4.0 of a possible 5 points. In the general urology group, the mean SHIM score was 21 and mean SHIM Q1 score was 3.3. In the CP group, the mean SHIM score was 17 and mean SHIM Q1 was 2.91. The results had statistical significance (p=0.05). Patients with CP have significantly lower total SHIM and SHIM Q1 scores when compared with controls and patients seen for urologic complaints. Patients with prostatitis are younger than those typically seen for general urologic complaints. Conclusion: CP is a risk factor for ED. Patients with CP should be questioned about ED as part of their routine urologic care and offered treatment options.