Psychological Impact of Sexual Disorders Related to Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy

Abstract

Objectives: Lower urinary tract disorders related to BPH are today among the most frequent symptoms in urology. The aim of our study is to determine the prevalence of erectile dysfunction in patients with BPH-related lower urinary tract symptoms and the related psychological impact. Methods: We conducted a study to assess the psychological impact of BPH-related sexual dysfunction. We used two scores to assess anxiety-depressive symptoms. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), which gives an indication of the severity of depression, and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder - 7 (GAD-7) 1 for screening patients for generalized anxiety disorder. The severity of erectile dysfunction was specified using the SHIM score (Sexual Health Inventory for Men). Results: A total of 290 participants. The mean age was 58 years, 175 (60%) patients had erectile dysfunction, 120 (60%) of these patients with ED were treated with alpha blockers (OR=2.38, RR = 1.43, p = 0.04). The most represented age group was 60-69 years, 50 (28%) patients were treated with alpha blockers (OR=1.67, RR = 1.15, p = 0.01) while only 10 (5.7%) patients were treated with herbal extracts (phytotherapy). 65% of participants with erectile dysfunction showed varying degrees of depression and 53% of participants with erectile dysfunction showed varying degrees of anxiety. Conclusion: Micturition disorders caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and erectile dysfunction are frequent and often coexist. BPH-related erectile dysfunction has a significant psychological impact.