Significant numbers of men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) also report symptoms of sexual dysfunction (SD). The prevalence of SD in patients referred to a prostate assessment clinic, was assessed using a confidential questionnaire. Fifty-six percent of patients reported difficulties in maintaining an erection and 48% felt that improving their sexual function would benefit their quality of life. None of the referral letters from primary care mentioned symptoms of SD. Patients with LUTS seen in primary and secondary care should be assessed for SD and offered appropriate advice and management.
RosenRC, GiulianoF, CarsonCC. Sexual dysfunction and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).Eur Urol2005; 47: 824–37.
2.
MeulemanEJ. Prevalence of erectile dysfunction: need for treatment?Int J Impotence Res2002; 14(Suppl 1): S22–8
3.
BoyleP, RobertsonC, MazzettaC. The association between lower urinary tract symptoms and erectile dysfunction in four centres: the UrEpik study.BJU Int2003; 92: 719–25.
4.
MariappanP, ChongWL. Prevalence and correlations of lower urinary tract symptoms, erectile dysfunction and incontinence in men from a multiethnic Asian population: results of a regional population-based survey and comparison with industrialized nations.BJU Int2006; 98: 1264–8.
5.
RosenR, AltweinJ, BoyleP. Lower urinary tract symptoms and male sexual dysfunction: the multinational survey of the aging male (MSAM-7).Eur Urol2003; 44: 637–49.
6.
NamasivayamS, MinhasS, BrookeJ, JoyceAD, PrescottS, EardleyI. The evaluation of sexual function in men presenting with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia.Br J Urol1998; 82: 842–6.
7.
McVaryKT, McKennaKE. The relationship between erectile dysfunction and lower urinary tract symptoms: epidemiological, clinical, and basic science evidence.Curr Urol Rep2004; 5: 251–7.
8.
BurgerB, WeidnerW, AltweinJE. Prostate and sexuality: an overview.Eur Urol1999; 35: 177–84.
9.
Calais Da SilvaF, MarquisP. Relative importance of sexuality and quality of life in patients with prostatic symptoms. Results of an international study.Eur Urol1997; 31: 272–80.
10.
RosenRC, RileyA, WagnerG, OsterlohIH, KirkpatrickJ, MishraA. The international index of erectile function (IIEF): a multidimensional scale for assessment of erectile dysfunction.Urology1997; 49: 822–30.
Scottish Executive.Enhancing Sexual Wellbeing In Scotland: A Sexual Health Relationships Strategy.Edinburgh: Scottish Executive Publications, 2005. See http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2003/11/18503/28865 (last checked 11 April 2008)
