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

Abstract

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. A total of 585 men, 40 years and above, who presented with LUTS were prospectively enrolled into the study at single tertiary academic center. All patients were evaluated using SHIM and IPSS questionnaires. The self-administered IPSS and SHIM questionnaires were translated in the local language (not validated yet) as well. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 13.0. The correlation coefficient between IPSS and SHIM scores were determined, and the scatter diagram was made. The mean age (SD) of the group was 59.61 ± 11.75 years. The correlation between age and ED was statistically significant (P value < 0.001) with coefficient of 0.376. The correlation between age and LUTS was statistically significant (P value < 0.001) with coefficient of 0.312. Additionally, the correlation between ED and LUTS was statistically significant (P value < 0.001) with coefficient of 0.336. We noted a significant correlation between the severity of LUTS and ED, while confirming the earlier established correlation between age, LUTS, and ED. The exact nature of this relationship and its pathophysiology needs to be determined by further studies.