Quality of life in sexually active men with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia: Effects of treatment

Quality of life (QOL), sexuality in particular, has become an important consideration in treatment decisions for men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). To determine the impact of these conditions on sexual function and QOL in older men, this article provides a review of clinical data on the relationship between sexual dysfunction and symptom severity, effective clinical assessment, treatment options, and the influence of current therapies on sexual function and QOL. The various symptoms of BPH can adversely affect sexual functioning and therefore QOL. Moreover, there may be a direct association between symptom severity and sexual dysfunction that may affect QOL. Patients base their decisions regarding treatment choices for BPH more on anticipated relief of lower urinary tract symptoms and improved QOL (including sexual functioning) than on improvements in physical measures. Although medications and surgery may relieve LUTS, sexual dysfunction is a common adverse result. Newer pharmacological interventions such as specific α-adrenergic blocking agents like tamsulosin may help improve sexual function and QOL in men with symptomatic BPH.