Erectile Dysfunction and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

Efficacy and safety of PDE5 inhibitors in middle-aged and old patients with and without hypogonadism

PURPOSE

Although several reviews have evaluated the use of PDE5 inhibitors (PDE5i) for treating erectile dysfunction (ED), their specific use in middle-aged and old patients has not been fully evaluated. Given that elderly patients with ED often have a complex combination of systemic and sexual health risk factors, the safety and efficacy of PDE5i in such a context are hereby reviewed.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A thorough examination of existing literature has been conducted on PubMed.

RESULTS

PDE5i has good safety and efficacy, but the situation is more complex for patients with hypogonadism than those with normal testosterone levels, with reduced responsiveness to PDE5i. In this case, combination therapy with testosterone is recommended, safe and effective.

CONCLUSIONS

Eliminating or reducing reversible risk factors and controlling or slowing the development of irreversible factors is an important foundation for using PDE5i to treat ED in all patients, especially middle-aged and elderly ones.

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha, transforming growth factor-beta, degree of lower urinary tract symptoms as predictors of erectile dysfunction in benign prostatic hyperplasia patients

Objective

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition of insufficient penile erection, consistently or recurrently, for sexual activity. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) induces transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), which causes the transition of epithelial cells into mesenchymal cells that affect ED. This study aimed to evaluate the roles of TNF-α, TGF-β, degree of lower urinary tract symptoms, and prostatic volume for the presence of ED in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients.

Methods

Our study performed an analytic observational retrospective cohort study using secondary data from four hospitals in Bali, Indonesia, including medical records and other administrative data. The sample was BPH patients with several history qualifications.

Results

Our sample was 83 respondents, ranging from 50 years to 80 years, 61 respondents with ED and 22 with non-ED. The International Prostate Symptom Score showed a significant result, which indicates that ED is more common in patients with higher International Prostate Symptom Score (p=0.002). Moreover, the TNF-α of ≥43.9 pg/mg and TGF-β of ≥175.8 pg/mL were significantly associated with the presence of ED in BPH patients (p<0.0001). Despite these results, prostate volume is not significant with ED (p=0.947).

Conclusion

TNF-α, TGF-β, and lower urinary tract symptoms severity can predict the occurrence of ED in BPH, while prostatic volume was not significant.

Sexual function and correlates among adults aged 50+ years in China: Findings from the sexual well-being (SWELL) study

BACKGROUND

Sexual function is an important yet understudied aspect of overall health and well-being in older adults. We aimed to examine sexual function and its correlates among people 50 years and older in China.

METHODS

We enrolled people aged 50 years and older recruited from four regions in China between September 2021 and July 2022 in a multicenter cross-sectional study. Data were collected through an investigator-administered questionnaire about demographic characteristics, health characteristics, and sexual function status. Logistic regression was used to assess correlates of lower sexual function (the highest quintile of the sex-specific population distribution of Natsal-SF scores [i.e., lower functioning compared with the remaining]).

RESULTS

A total of 465 women and 832 men who were sexually active in the past year were included in the analysis (mean age: 60.4 ± 7.2) [Correction added after first online publication on 12 Feb 2024. The word "years" has been changed to "year" in this sentence.]. Over a quarter of all participants were dissatisfied with their sex life. Notably, 92 women and 167 men were categorized as having a lower sexual function. Age (in men only), living in urban areas, general health status, being underweight or overweight (in men only), and having depressive symptoms were associated with lower sexual function. Among all participants, 43.1% of men and 54.0% of women experienced sexual response problems lasting 3 months or more. Less than one-third of all participants had sought help or advice for sex life in the past year.

CONCLUSIONS

Sexual dysfunction and sexual dissatisfaction are prevalent among older adults in China and are associated with self-assessed poor health. More efforts are needed to better understand sexual health needs and tailor service provision.

The efficacy and safety of prostatic urethral lift as a minimally invasive therapeutic modality to treat lower urinary tract symptoms while maintaining sexual function in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is prevalent among elderly men, necessitating focused attention. The Prostatic Urethral Lift (PUL) procedure, a minimally invasive intervention, has emerged as a promising option for BPH management. It has shown remarkable results in ameliorating lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), enhancing quality of life, and preserving sexual function. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of PUL in BPH patients.

METHODS

Key databases (MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL, ScienceDirect, EBSCO, Google Scholar) were systematically searched using pertinent terms related to PUL and BPH. Following the PRISMA checklist, we considered only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from 2013 to 2023. The assessment focused on LUTS, quality of life, sexual function, and adverse events within three months. Follow-up post-treatment mean values compared with controls (Sham) and the improvement from baseline to post-treatment follow-up duration were considered. Statistical analysis and risk of bias evaluation were conducted using Review Manager 5.4.1, presenting results as difference of mean values (MD) and risk ratios (RR).

RESULTS

A meta-analysis with a Random Effects Model of 7 RCTs involving 378 confirmed BPH patients demonstrated significant improvements in the PUL arm including International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) (MD 5.51, p<0.0001), maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax) (MD 2.13, p=0.0001), BPH Impact Index (BPHII) (MD 2.14, p=0.0001), and IPSS-QoL (MD 1.50, p<0.0001), without significant increase of adverse events (RR 1.51; p=0.50). Positive outcomes were observed in sexual function variables and post-void residual measurements when post-treatment values were compared to baseline.

CONCLUSIONS

PUL holds advantages over control interventions, providing encouraging prospects for BPH management. This study underscores the need for further exploration of PUL's efficacy and safety in BPH patients.

Long-Term Outcomes Following Bipolar Transurethral Plasma Enucleation of the Prostate: 10-Year Follow-Up

Background and Purpose: The aim of our study is to assess the long-term outcomes and safety of bipolar transurethral plasma enucleation of the prostate (B-TUEP) in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in a single-center cohort study. Our focus is to evaluate the impact on outcomes after 10 years of follow-up (FUP) in terms of recurrence, LUTS, and patients' quality of life after B-TUEP in prostates between 30 and 80 cc. Materials and Methods: Between May 2010 and December 2011, all consecutive patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia undergoing B-TUEP were prospectively enrolled in our study. Data on patients' history, physical examination, prostate volumes, erectile function, prostate-specific antigen levels, International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS), and uroflowmetry were collected at 0, 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 60, and 120 months. Early and long-term complications were recorded. Results: A total of 50 consecutive patients underwent B-TUEP in our facility, all performed by a single surgeon (R.G.). Twelve patients were excluded during the 10 years. No patients had persistent bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) requiring reoperation. In terms of results, the improvement in IPSS was sustained throughout 5 years, and the mean difference from baseline at 5 years was 17 points, with similar results at 10 years. Erectile function was also slightly improved after surgery and maintained for the next 5 years, with a slight age-related decrease at 10 years. Furthermore, the improvements in maximum urine flow rate (Qmax) were maintained at 5 years, with a mean improvement of 16 mL/s, while at 10 years, it settled on a mean improvement from baseline of 12 mL/s. Conclusions: In our 10 years' experience, B-TUEP is a safe and highly effective technique for relieving BOO, with excellent outcomes and no recurrence at 10 years of FUP. Further multicenter studies should confirm our results.

Should Men Eat More Plants? A Systematic Review of the Literature on the Effect of Plant-Forward Diets on Men's Health

OBJECTIVE

To perform a systematic review of the literature on plant-based and plant-forward diets and the prevention/treatment of the following common men's health conditions: prostate cancer (PCa), erectile dysfunction (ED), and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

METHODS

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses system criteria were utilized to search PubMed and Medline databases for the following search terms: "Diet (Mesh)" OR "Diet Therapy (Mesh)" AND "Prostatic Hyperplasia (Mesh)" OR "Prostatic Neoplasm (Mesh)" OR "Erectile Dysfunction (Mesh)." Articles in English published from 1989 to 2022 using human participants were analyzed, data summarized, and assessed for bias.

RESULTS

Studies reporting on plant-based or vegetable-forward diets (Mediterranean) as an intervention were included. Cohort and cross-sectional studies using food frequency questionnaires or diet classification indices to quantify plant-based food intake patterns were included in the study. Ultimately, 12 PCa articles, 4 BPH articles, 6 ED articles, and 2 articles related to both BPH and ED were reviewed. Overall, the literature suggests plant-forward diets confer a protective effect on the men's health conditions reviewed.

CONCLUSIONS

Evaluation of the literature on the impact of plant-forward diets on urologic conditions includes a heterogenous range of dietary patterns and study designs. The greatest amount of research has evaluated the application of plant-forward diets for PCa. While there is currently a lack of high-quality evidence for the use of plant-forward diets as prevention and/or treatment for PCa, ED, or BPH, reported outcomes suggest a consistent small beneficial impact alongside well-established benefits for common chronic conditions.

The effect of transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy on erectile function and lower urinary tract symptoms: a prospective study

Background

Prostate biopsy (PB) is the gold standard for verifying the diagnosis of prostate cancer in men with clinical symptoms. Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided PB is the most common method for diagnosis; however, it has a few adverse effects. Mild consequences like bleeding and pain are prevalent but temporary. Since the relationship between erectile dysfunction and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and TRUS-guided PB is inconsistent in the literature, we aimed to conduct a study on these two consequences on males within 1 month following TRUS-guided PB.

Methods

Patients with a PSA ≥ 4 ml/ng who were determined to undergoTRUS-guided PB were enrolled in this prospective study. Patients' urinary symptoms and erectile function were evaluated using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) questionnaires the day before and 1 month after PB. Also, using uroflowmetry, the patients' urinary peak flow rate (Qmax) was recorded. SPSS version 18 was used to compare and analyze variables.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 67.47 ± 9.38 years. Before the PB, the IIEF-5 score was 20.19 ± 7.24, and after the PB, it was 20.25 ± 7.24 (p = 0.865). The Qmax level rose from 7.35 ± 2.15 to 7.74 ± 2 ml/s (p = 0.07). After TRUS-guided PB, the average IPSS score reduced from 11.48 ± 9.93 to 9.88 ± 8.22 which was statistically significant (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

This study indicated that TRUS-guided PB had no negative impact on erectile function or LUTS in participants and may even relieve urinary symptoms to some extent. Overally, TRUS-guided PB appears to be a safe strategy for evaluating prostate cancer suspects.

Safety and efficacy of Rezūm™ in erectile dysfunction patients with and without an inflatable penile prosthesis[[es]]Seguridad y eficacia del sistema Rezūm® en pacientes con disfunción eréctil con y sin prótesis de pene inflable

PURPOSE

This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of Rezūm™ in erectile dysfunction (ED) patients with and without an inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective review of ED patients who underwent Rezūm™ by a single surgeon over 12 months. Patient age, presence of IPP, number of benign prostatic hyperplasia medications, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), IPSS Quality of Life Index (QOL), uroflowmetry maximum flow rate (Q_max), and uroflowmetry average flow rate (Q_avg) before and after Rezūm™ were obtained. Independent two-sample T-tests were used to compare preoperative and postoperative characteristics between patients with and without an IPP. Linear regression was performed to identify factors associated with postoperative Q_max or Q_avg.

RESULTS

A total of 17 patients with ED who underwent Rezūm™ were identified, including 11 patients with an IPP. The median follow-up after Rezūm™ was 65 days. There were no significant differences in baseline demographics and clinical characteristics between patients with and without an IPP. Postoperative Q_max (10.9 mL/s vs 9.8 mL/s, p = 0.04) and Q_avg (7.5 mL/s vs 6.0 mL/s, p = 0.03) were significantly higher in patients with an IPP compared to patients without an IPP. There were no factors associated with postoperative Q_max or Q_avg on linear regression. Two patients without an IPP went into urinary retention, while no complications occurred in IPP patients.

CONCLUSION

Rezūm™ is a safe and effective procedure to perform in ED patients, particularly those with an IPP. IPP patients may experience greater increase in uroflowmetry rate compared to ED patients without an IPP.

Ejaculation Frequency and Prostate Cancer: CAPLIFE Study

PURPOSE

To evaluate the association between ejaculation frequency (EF) during four stages of life and prostate cancer (PCa) according to tumor aggressiveness, PCa stage, and urinary symptomatology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 456 incident PCa cases histologically confirmed, and 427 controls aged 40-80 years from the CAPLIFE study were analyzed. This study is a population-based case-control study carried out in the south of Spain. Average EF was measured for: (1) 20s, (2) 30s, (3) 40s, and (4) one year before the interview. EF was categorized into: (1) 0-3, (2) 4, and (3) >4 ejaculations/month. Sociodemographic, lifestyle, and medical information were also collected. To estimate the association between EF and PCa, adjusted ORs (aORs) and 95% CIs were calculated by logistic regression models.

RESULTS

A year before the interview, PCa cases ejaculated less frequently than the controls. An inverse association was observed between the EF a year before and PCa, aOR=1.64 (95% CI 1.03-2.61) for men with 4 ejaculations/month, and aOR=2.38 (95% CI 1.57-3.60) for men with 0-3 ejaculations/month, compared to men with >4. The association was higher for cases with ISUP 3-5 (aOR=2.76 [95% CI 1.34-5.67] for men with 0-3 ejaculations/month) or with a locally advanced-metastatic tumor (aOR=4.70 [95% CI 1.55-14.29]). Moreover, men with moderate urinary symptoms and 0-3 ejaculations/month had the highest risk, aOR=3.83 (95% CI 1.84-7.95).

CONCLUSIONS

A low EF could be associated with a higher risk of PCa, especially for cases with ISUP 3-5 or with a locally advanced-metastatic tumor.

A new diagnostic definition for patients with lower urinary tract symptoms evaluated by corpus cavernosum electromyography: 'Pelvic autonomic dysfunction'

This study investigates the use of corpus cavernosum electromyography (CC-EMG) recording as a diagnostic tool for identifying the presence of pelvic autonomic dysfunction (PAD) in patients with LUTS and concurrent ED. Fifty patients were included in the study, and the electromyographic and urodynamic findings were compared. The 50% relaxation degree was accepted as a threshold value for PAD. According to relaxation degree in CC-EMG recordings, patients were grouped as; Group 1 (with PAD) = 23 patients with a relaxation degree of less than 50%. Group 2 (without PAD) = 27 patients with a relaxation degree greater than 50%. The mean age of the patients was 58 ± 3.2 (50-71) years. The comparison of the urodynamic parameters and transrectal ultrasound revealed that the postvoiding residual urine volume (PVR) (p = 0.0007), P det Q_max (p = 0.0005), and P det compliance (0.003) values were statistically significantly lower in Group 2. The mean IIEF-5 and IIEF-15 scores of the patients in Group 1 were 2.5 ± 0.7 and 8.1 ± 1.1 respectively. In Group 2, mean IIEF-5 and IIEF-15 scores were 7.2 ± 2.9, and 17.2 ± 3.5 (p: 0.00023 and p: 0.0009). The mean I-PSS score was 22.8 ± 3 in Group 1 and 16 ± 2.3 in Group 2 (p = 0.001). The mean relaxation degree (RD) in Group I was 30.73 ± 6.8%, and in Group 2 was 66.3 ± 5.1%. The mean amplitude values of the patients in Group I were 261.41 ± 112.97 before papaverine injection, and in Group 2 were 246 ± 101.28 respectively. The inter-group difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The mean amplitude value of the patients in Group I after papaverine injection was 182.73 ± 60.71, and in Group 2, that value was 83.2 ± 29.19. The inter-group difference was also significant (p < 0.05). Increased electrical bursts and decreased relaxation responses on CC-EMG indirectly indicated an increase in the contractility of the bladder sphincter. Therefore, we concluded that CC-EMG could be a diagnostic tool for PAD and cavernous autonomic dysfunction.

Exploring concomitant pelvic floor symptoms in community-dwelling females and males

OBJECTIVES

Researchers and clinicians tend to focus on one pelvic floor symptom (PFS) at the time. However, the pelvic floor acts as one functional unit, increasing the likelihood of concurrent PFS in patients with pelvic floor dysfunction. There is also a paucity of literature on the prevalence of concomitant PFS, especially in males. Therefore, we explored the occurrence of concomitant PFS in community-dwelling males and females.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective observational population-based cohort study included males and females aged ≥16 years from a single Dutch municipality. Participants completed validated questionnaires on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), defecation problems, sexual dysfunction, pelvic pain, and pelvic organ prolapse. Medical general practitioner records were examined. Furthermore, a randomly selected group of non-responders aged &lt;80 years received a short questionnaire, to study response bias.

RESULTS

We invited 11 724 people, among which 839 females and 566 males completed the questionnaires. Of the female participants, 286 (34.1%) reported no PFS, and 251 (29.9%) reported two or more PFS. The most prevalent PFS clusters in females were sexual dysfunction and pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction and defecation problems, LUTS and defecation problems, and LUTS, defecation problems, and pelvic pain. Of the male participants, 212 (37.5%) reported no PFS, and 191 (33.7%) reported two or more PFS. The most prevalent clusters in males were sexual dysfunction and LUTS, defecation problems and LUTS, and sexual dysfunction, LUTS, and defecation problems.

CONCLUSION

A considerable overlap existed between PFS, with differences in PFS clusters between females and males. Of note, females reported pelvic pain more than males. We conclude that healthcare providers should address all PFS in males and females.

Reaching a Tipping Point: A Qualitative Exploration of Quality of Life and Treatment Decision-Making in People Living With Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition amongst older men and is associated with lower urinary tract symptoms and erectile dysfunction; these symptoms can be burdensome and negatively affect quality of life. Various surgical and pharmaceutical treatment options exist but there is a paucity of qualitative research exploring men's decision-making when seeking BPH treatment. This study qualitatively explored men's experience of living with BPH and seeking treatment for BPH. Twenty men (aged 52-75) were recruited from outpatient urology clinics at a hospital trust in Southern England. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews (via video or telephone call) and were audio-recorded; transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Four themes were generated: 'Impacts are about more than just physical symptoms', 'The path towards treatment', 'The process of information gathering' and 'Navigating hopes, fears and uncertainty'. Results indicate most men appear to seek treatment for BPH following a gradual, and sometimes lengthy, period of deterioration in symptoms; for some men, however, treatment seeking follows an acute episode of sudden or severe symptoms. The decision to proceed with surgical or minimally invasive treatment options appears to be dependent on men reaching a tipping point; they no longer perceive their symptoms as tolerable and feel their ability to cope with symptoms is reduced. Men each bring their own set of concerns and preferences about side effects and risk-benefit profiles of different treatments. Clinicians need to be sensitive to these individual differences and incorporate them into shared decision-making for choosing between treatment options for BPH.

Higher Levels of Serum Uric Acid Have a Significant Association with Lower Incidence of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Healthy Korean Men

Gout has been correlated with the risk of incident benign prostatic hyperplasia. In line with increasing prevalence of hyperuricemia, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum uric acid (SUA) level and the incidence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) among clinically healthy middle-aged men. We performed a cohort study in 101,091 Korean men without LUTS at baseline who completed health checkups between 2011 and 2016. LUTS were evaluated using the International Prostate Symptom Score, where a score ≥ 8 was defined as significant LUTS. Men were divided into six groups according to their SUA levels in mg/dL (<5.5, 5.5−6.4, 6.5−7.4, 7.5−8.4, 8.5−9.4, and ≥9.5). Throughout the follow-up—encompassing a total of 358,982.6 person years—13,424 people had significant LUTS (37.3 per 1000 person years for incidence rate). The multivariable models demonstrated that the highest level of SUA (≥9.5 mg/dL) was related to the lowest risk of significant LUTS compared with the reference category (<5.5 mg/dL) (0.77 (95% CI 0.59−0.99) for adjusted HR). In this large cohort composed of middle-aged men, higher SUA levels were related to a reduced risk of LUTS. This result suggests another potential role of SUA in restraining LUTS. Additional studies are needed to explain the underlying biological mechanisms of this phenomenological relationship.

Prescription rates for drugs used in treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and erectile dysfunction before and after prostate cancer diagnosis

BACKGROUND

Symptoms and treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or erectile dysfunction (ED) may lead to prostate cancer workup, and patterns of prescriptions before diagnosis may affect findings of pharmacoepidemiological studies. Usage of BPH and ED drugs after diagnosis may be related to prostate cancer treatment. We investigated differences in prescription rates of BPH and ED drugs among prostate cancer patients and cancer-free comparisons and between patients with localized and non-localized disease.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A nationwide register-based study, including all Danish men aged 50-85 years diagnosed with prostate cancer during 1998-2015 and an age-matched comparison cohort without cancer. We calculated rates of new and total prescriptions in 1-month intervals from 3 years before to 3 years after cancer diagnosis for drugs used to treat BPH and ED, overall and stratified by clinical stage.

RESULTS

We identified 54,286 men with prostate cancer and a comparison cohort of 249,645 age-matched men. The new prescription rate for BPH drugs increased for men with prostate cancer in the year before diagnosis and peaked 1 month before diagnosis with an 18-fold higher rate. Men with prostate cancer had a higher total prescription rate of BPH drugs 3 years before diagnosis, notably among men with localized disease. Before diagnosis, the new prescription rates for ED drugs were similar among men with prostate cancer and comparisons. After diagnosis, men with prostate cancer had a 7-fold higher rate of new prescriptions for ED drugs. Among men with localized disease, the total prescription rate of ED drugs increased in the months following diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Differences in prescription rates suggest increased prostate cancer surveillance among men receiving BPH drugs, whereas the post-diagnostic increase in ED drugs among men with localized disease is compatible with the increased risk of ED following prostate cancer treatment.

Extract from Cucurbita pepo improves BPH symptoms without affecting sexual function: a 24-month noninterventional study

Purpose

To assess the symptoms, quality of life and sexual well-being in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia LUTS/BPH treated with pumpkin seed soft extract (PSE) in routine practice.

Methods

This noninterventional study included 130 men treated for up to 24 months. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and related quality of life, Aging Males’ Symptoms Scale (AMS), and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) were recorded. Descriptive statistical methods were applied. The mean with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated for the primary end point (change in IPSS after 12-month treatment).

Results

Analysis at 12 months included 83 patients [mean (SD) age 65.2 (8.7) years and IPSS (15.6 (3.4), IPSS-QoL 3.4 (0.9)]. AMS and IIEF-5 indicated mild or mild to moderate disorder regarding sexual well-being and erectile dysfunction, respectively. After 12 months, the mean IPSS change from baseline was − 4.7 (95% CI − 5.4 to − 3.9), with 83% (95% CI 65.3 to 84.1) and 53% (95% CI 42.3 to 63.7) of the patients achieving reductions by at least 3 and 5 points, respectively. The proportion of patients with IPSS-QoL below 3 points (mostly satisfied) was 11% (9/83) at baseline and rose to 62% (51/83) and 73% (40/55) at 12 and 24 months, respectively. AMS and IIEF-5 scores did not indicate a negative impact on sexual function during treatment.

Conclusion

In men with a moderate LUTS suggestive of BPH, a low progression risk and an active sex life, treatment with pumpkin seed soft extract provided symptomatic relief, improved IPSS-QoL, and maintained sexual well-being.

Trial registration

DRKS00010729, June 22, 2016.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00345-022-04036-w.

Association between benign prostatic hyperplasia and suicide in South Korea: A nationwide retrospective cohort study

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a commonly diagnosed disease in elderly men, but elderly men with benign prostatic hyperplasia are more likely to have a lower quality of life and depressive symptoms. This study aims to examine the association benign prostatic hyperplasia patients with suicide death relative to a control group comprising individuals without benign prostatic hyperplasia. We used the Korean National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort from 2006 to 2015 comprising of 193,785 Korean adults ≥40 years old, and followed-up for suicide death during the 8.7 years period. Cox-proportional hazard model was used to estimate hazard ratios for suicide among patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. From 2006 to 2010, a total of 32,215 people were newly diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia. The suicide rate of people without benign prostatic hyperplasia was 61.6 per 100,000 person-years, whereas that of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia was 97.3 per 100,000 person-years, 1.58 times higher than the control group (p<0.01). After adjusting for covariates, the hazard ratio for suicide among patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia was 1.47 (95% C.I. = 1.21 to 1.78; p<0.01) compared to people without benign prostatic hyperplasia. For men without mental disorders, the hazard ratio for suicide among patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia was 1.36 (95% CI = 1.05 to 1.76) compared to control group after adjusting for multiple covariates. Our study suggests that men with benign prostatic hyperplasia had a higher probability of suicide compared to men without benign prostatic hyperplasia in South Korea. This study suggests that physicians may be aware that men newly diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia had high probability of suicide.

Efficacy evaluation of Chinese herbal medicine, VGH-BPH1, for patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, and crossover study

BACKGROUND

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can affect quality of life and cause various complications. Previous studies have suggested that Chinese herbal medicine can alleviate symptoms in patients with BPH. This study aimed to investigate whether the Chinese herbal medicine prescription VGH-BPH1 can alleviate BPH symptoms when used as an add-on treatment.

METHODS

In this crossover, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, patients with BPH were randomly segregated into two groups: group A received VGH-BPH1, and group B received a placebo for 8 weeks. Subsequently, after a 2-week wash-out period, the two groups were switched to the opposite treatment for another 8 weeks. The International Prostate Symptoms Score and Aging Male Symptoms Score were adopted as the primary outcomes to assess improvement in BPH and patient quality of life. The secondary outcomes were the International Index of Erectile Function, Constitution Chinese Medicine Questionnaire, uroflowmetry results, and postvoid residual urine volume.

RESULTS

VGH-BPH1 treatment significantly decreased the International Prostate Symptoms Score total score (p = 0.027); however, no significant difference was observed between the treatment and placebo groups. The Aging Male Symptoms Score "joint pain and muscular ache" score in the VGH-BPH1 group was significantly lower than that of the placebo group (p = 0.022). The "physical exhaustion" score also exhibited a decreasing trend when both groups were compared (p = 0.057).

CONCLUSION

Although VGH-BPH1 treatment did not outperform the placebo in terms of improving BPH symptoms, it resulted in improvement in several quality of life indicators when relative to the placebo. Future research using a larger sample size with appropriate amendments to the protocol should be conducted to further investigate the effects of VGH-BPH1.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia/obstruction ameliorated using a soluble guanylate cyclase activator

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a feature of ageing males. Up to half demonstrate bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) with associated lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) including bladder overactivity. Current therapies to reduce obstruction, such as α1-adrenoceptor antagonists and 5α-reductase inhibitors, are not effective in all patients. The phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor (PDE5I) tadalafil is also approved to treat BPH and LUTS, suggesting a role for nitric oxide (NO• ), soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), and cGMP signalling pathways. However, PDE5I refractoriness can develop for reasons including nitrergic nerve damage and decreased NO• production, or inflammation-related oxidation of the sGC haem group, normally maintained in a reduced state by the cofactor cytochrome-b5-reductase 3 (CYB5R3). sGC activators, such as cinaciguat (BAY 58-2667), have been developed to enhance sGC activity in the absence of NO• or when sGC is oxidised. Accordingly, their effects on the prostate and LUT function of aged mice were evaluated. Aged mice (≥24 months) demonstrated a functional BPH/BOO phenotype, compared with adult animals (2-12 months), with low, delayed voiding responses and elevated intravesical pressures as measured by telemetric cystometry. This was consistent with outflow tract histological and molecular data that showed urethral constriction, increased prostate weight, greater collagen deposition, and cellular hyperplasia. All changes in aged animals were attenuated by daily oral treatment with cinaciguat for 2 weeks, without effect on serum testosterone levels. Cinaciguat had only transient (1 h) cardiovascular effects with oral gavage, suggesting a positive safety profile. The benefit of cinaciguat was suggested by its reversal of an overactive cystometric profile in CYB5R3 smooth muscle knockout mice that mirrors a profile of oxidative dysfunction where PDE5I may not be effective. Thus, the aged male mouse is a suitable model for BPH-induced BOO and cinaciguat has a demonstrated ability to reduce prostate-induced obstruction and consequent effects on bladder function. © 2021 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.

International Continence Society (ICS) report on the terminology for sexual health in men with lower urinary tract (LUT) and pelvic floor (PF) dysfunction

INTRODUCTION

The terminology for sexual health in men with lower urinary tract (LUT) and pelvic floor (PF) dysfunction has not been defined and organized into a clinically based consensus terminology report. The aim of this terminology report is to provide a definitional document within this context that will assist clinical practice and research.

METHODS

This report combines the input of the members of sexual health in men with LUT and PF Dysfunction working group of the International Continence Society (ICS), assisted at intervals by external referees. Appropriate core clinical categories and a sub-classification were developed to give coding to definitions. An extensive process of 18 rounds of internal and external review was involved to exhaustively examine each definition, with decision-making by collective opinion (consensus). The Committee retained evidence-based definitions, identified gaps, and updated or discarded outdated definitions. Expert opinions were used when evidence was insufficient or absent.

RESULTS

A terminology report for sexual health in men with LUT and PF dysfunction, encompassing 198 (178 NEW) separate definitions, has been developed. It is clinically based with the most common diagnoses defined. Clarity and user-friendliness have been key aims to make it interpretable by practitioners and trainees in all the different speciality groups involved. Conservative and surgical managements are major additions and appropriate figures have been included to supplement and clarify the text. Emerging concepts and measurements, in use in the literature and offering further research potential, but requiring further validation, have been included as an appendix. Interval (5-10 years) review is anticipated to keep the document updated.

CONCLUSION

A consensus-based terminology report for sexual health in men with LUT and PF dysfunction has been produced to aid clinical practice and research. The definitions that have been adopted are those that are most strongly supported by the literature at this time or are considered clinical principles or consensus of experts' opinions.

Review: Correlation between bladder obstruction with bladder function and erectile dysfunction in mice

Bladder obstruction, including due to benign prostate enlargement (BPH), will trigger its anatomy and physiological function changes. Men with BPH have a 6 times higher risk of erectile dysfunction than those without BPH. Morphological and functional changes in subjects with partial bladder outlet obstruction (pBOO) occur differently depending on the duration of pBOO that has been experienced. The underlying pathophysiology of BPH is closely related to erectile dysfunction. Anatomically, functionally, and psychologically changes due to BPH will also have an impact on sexual function. Chronic pBOO causes lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) through a complex pathophysiological pathway. LUTS and bladder obstruction can lead to erectile dysfunction. The severity of LUTS and sexual dysfunction is inversely related to the quality of life. The treatment of LUTS symptoms will also enhance sexual function.

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Bladder morphology and functional changes are depending on the partial bladder outlet obstruction (pBOO) duration that is experienced and also have an impact on sexual function.

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Ischemia leads to increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA). Free radicals from ischemia-reperfusion injury are one of the major causes of bladder obstruction.

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Obstruction of the bladder neck nerve may be associated with impaired sensory axons.

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PBOO play a modulating role alongside key mechanisms such as vascular changes, altered CCSM tone/contractility, phosphodiesterase-dependent pathway.

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Chronic pBOO are increased risk of infection through complex pathophysiological pathway involving nitric oxide guanosine monophosphate and RhoA/Rho-kinase, metabolic syndrome, autonomic hyperactivity, pelvic ischemia, psychological factors, imbalance of sex hormones, and inflammatory pathways.

Relationship between Dietary Patterns with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Erectile Dysfunction: A Collaborative Review

Interest in the role of dietary patterns has been consistently emerging in recent years due to much research that has documented the impact of metabolism on erectile dysfunction (ED) and/or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). We conducted a non-systematic review of English articles published from 1964 to September 2021. The search terms were: (“dietary patterns” OR “diet”) AND/OR (“erectile dysfunction”) AND/OR (“benign prostatic hyperplasia”). In the present review, we have highlighted how the association between dietary patterns and two of the most frequent pathologies in urology, namely erectile dysfunction and benign prostatic hyperplasia, is present in the literature. The data suggested that a diet that is more adherent to the Mediterranean diet or that emphasizes the presence of vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, and fish or other sources of long-chain (n-3) fats, in addition to reduced content of red meat, may have a beneficial role on erectile function. At the same time, the same beneficial effects can be transferred to BPH as a result of the indirect regulatory effects on prostatic growth and smooth muscle tone, thus determining an improvement in symptoms. Certainly, in-depth studies and translational medicine are needed to confirm these encouraging data.

Forward-Looking Ultrasound Wearable Scanner System for Estimation of Urinary Bladder Volume

Accurate measurement of bladder volume is an important tool for evaluating bladder function. In this study, we propose a wearable bladder scanner system that can continuously measure bladder volume in daily life for urinary patients who need urodynamic studies. The system consisted of a 2-D array, which included integrated forward-looking piezoelectric transducers with thin substrates. This study aims to estimate the volume of the bladder using a small number of piezoelectric transducers. A least-squares method was implemented to optimize an ellipsoid in a quadratic surface equation for bladder volume estimation. Ex-vivo experiments of a pig bladder were conducted to validate the proposed system. This work presents the potential of the approach for wearable bladder monitoring, which has similar measurement accuracy compared to the commercial bladder imaging system. The wearable bladder scanner can be improved further as electronic voiding diaries by adding a few more features to the current function.

Erectile Function Following Surgery for Benign Prostatic Obstruction: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials

CONTEXT

Benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) is associated with sexual dysfunction. Furthermore, numerous BPO interventions may themselves impact sexual function.

OBJECTIVE

To perform a systematic review with network meta-analysis to evaluate how BPO interventions affect erectile function.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Three databases were searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing surgical interventions for BPO. The primary outcome was postoperative International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) score at ten time points up to 72 mo. A random-effects Bayesian network meta-analysis with meta-regression was performed. In comparison to monopolar transurethral resection (mTURP), the mean difference (MD) with 95% credible interval (CrI) and rank probability (rank p) were calculated for interventions. The mean baseline score was studied in meta-regression. τ² values were used to quantify heterogeneity.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

A total of 48 papers (33 RCTs, 5159 patients, 16 interventions) were included. Prostatic urethral lift (PUL) ranked highest at 1 mo (MD 3.88, 95% CrI -0.47 to 8.25; rank p = 0.742), 6 mo (MD 2.43, 95% CrI -0.72 to 5.62; rank p = 0.581), 12 mo (MD 2.94, 95% CrI -0.26 to 6.12, rank p = 0.782), and 24 mo (MD 3.63, 95% CrI 0.14 to 7.11; rank p = 0.948), at which point statistical significance was reached. At time points up to 60 mo, there were no statistically significant comparisons for other interventions. Analyses were not possible at 18, 48, or 72 mo. β did not reach statistical significance in meta-regression. τ² was highest at 1 mo (0.56) and 60 mo (0.55).

CONCLUSIONS

PUL ranked highly and resulted in erectile function improvement at 24 mo compared to mTURP, but direct evidence is lacking. We did not observe significant differences in erectile function following other interventions up to 60 mo. Owing to heterogeneity, our conclusions are weakest at 1 and 60 mo. Further RCTs comparing sexual function outcomes are recommended, such as PUL versus holmium laser or bipolar enucleation.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Different surgical treatments can be used to treat benign enlargement of the prostate causing urinary problems. We compared the effects of various treatments on erectile function at time points up to 5 years after surgery. Compared to surgical removal of some of the prostate gland (transurethral resection of the prostate, TURP), a technique called prostatic urethral lift resulted in better erectile function scores at 24 months. However, other treatments did not differ in their effect on erectile function.

A narrative review of the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia in patients undergoing penile prosthesis surgery

Penile prosthesis surgery is an effective and durable treatment modality for patients who have failed conservative management for erectile dysfunction (ED). Thorough patient counseling and appropriate preoperative workup lay the foundation for a successful outcome. While the risk of infection of penile prosthesis is rare, it is a dreaded complication with dire consequences. The goal of the prosthetic surgeon is to minimize the risk of preventable complications. Given the common prevalence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in this patient population, it is essential that providers are familiar with the implications and nuances of managing both conditions in order to maximize the chances of a favorable result. Due to the relatively infrequent nature of complications associated with the management of BPH in the setting of a penile prosthesis, literature regarding this topic is scarce. In this narrative review we present our own case series illustrating some of the most common scenarios that a prosthetic surgeon may encounter. We have included our suggestions for management in these difficult situations based on our clinical experience. In the following review we have highlighted the importance of identifying and treating BPH in penile implant candidates to reduce postoperative morbidity and to offer critical insights into managing BPH-related complications this population.

Assessment of Female Sexual Dysfunction and Erectile Dysfunction and Its Association with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Women and Men Over 18 Years Old: Results From the COBaLT Study

BACKGROUND

Female sexual dysfunction and erectile dysfunction (FSD/ED) have been linked with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), from both epidemiological data and basic research studies, but few studies have been conducted in Latin America addressing these issues and most of them do not include the young population.

AIM

To determine the prevalence of FSD/ED and its association with LUTS in Colombia.

METHODS

Sub-analysis of a cross-sectional, population-based study conducted in subjects ≥18 years old to evaluate LUTS/OAB. The estimated sample size was 1,054. ED was defined as ≤21 points in the SHIM and FSD as ≤19 in the FSFI-6. For LUTS/OAB, we used the 2002 ICS and 2010 IUGA/ICS definitions and validated questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed.

OUTCOMES

Prevalence of FSD/ED and association of FSD/ED and LUTS.

RESULTS

We included 1,060 participants; the median age was 40 (IQR 27-54) years. Fifty-seven (11.4%) men and 182 (32.7%) women were sexually inactive. The prevalence of FSD/ED in sexually active participants was 47% (men 52.9%, women 38.9%). The most common FSD/ED symptoms were diminished/absent lubrication in women (42%) and diminished erection maintenance after penetration in men (13%). Individuals with FSD/ED had higher rates of various LUTS. The multivariable logistic regression model found that the city of residence (OR = 0.4, 95% CI 0.2-0.9), diabetes mellitus (DM) (OR = 8.4, 95% CI 1.4-48.7), menopause (OR=3.5, 95% CI 1.9-6.2), urge urinary incontinence (UUI) (OR=1.9, 95% CI 1.1-3.3) and nocturia ≥2 (OR = 2.2, 95% CI 1.2-4.2) were associated with FSD. In men, age 40-59 (OR = 2.3, 95% CI 1.4-3.7) and ≥60 (OR = 5.5, 95% CI 2.4-12.5), the city of residence (OR = 0.2, 95% CI 0.1-0.3), less than a high-school diploma vs higher education (OR = 2.0, 95% CI 1.2-3.2), depression (OR = 4.6, 95% CI 1.8-11.5), UUI (OR = 3.2, 95% CI 1.1-10.2) and feeling of incomplete bladder emptying (OR = 2.1, 95% CI 1.3-3.5) were associated with ED.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

This study underlines the importance of assessing LUTS in women and men of all affected age groups who present with symptoms of FSD/ED and vice versa, which could help achieve a better approach for these patients.

STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS

This is the first study in Colombia and one of the few in Latin America that addresses both FSD/ED and LUTS in men and women aged 18 years and older. Limitations include being a sub-analysis of a study aiming to determine the prevalence of LUTS/OAB and not FSD/ED.

CONCLUSIONS

Regardless of age, LUTS were observed more frequently in patients with FSD/ED. Various LUTS were associated with FSD/ED. Bravo-Balado A, Trujillo CG, Caicedo JI, et al. Assessment of Female Sexual Dysfunction and Erectile Dysfunction and Its Association with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Women and Men Over 18 Years Old: Results From the COBaLT Study. J Sex Med 2021;18:1065-1074.

Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Sexual Dysfunction in Male: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: An association between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and risk of sexual dysfunction in male remains controversial in recent decades. Materials and Methods: PubMed and Web of Science were searched up to October 28, 2020, for articles reporting the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in men with LUTS. The main outcomes were results from sexual dysfunction assessments. Pooled odds ratio (OR) and weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. The quality assessment of the included studies was performed by using The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) or JBI Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-MAStARI). Results: A total of 24 full-manuscript papers met the inclusion criteria. The pooled OR for 21 studies suggested that patients with severer LUTS had a higher risk of sexual dysfunction (OR = 3.31, 95% CI: 2.43 to 4.49, p < 0.001, I ² = 90%). A significant decrease in scores of assessment tools for sexual dysfunction was observed in the patients with higher severity of LUTS compared with those patients with lower severity (WMD = -5.49, 95%CI: -7.25 to -3.27, P < 0.001, I ² = 96%). Similar outcomes were also found in subgroup analyses. In a detailed analysis of specific sexual function domains, the severity of LUTS was associated with erectile dysfunction, intercourse satisfaction, and overall satisfaction, except for sexual desire. Conclusion: The study demonstrates an association between exposure of lower urinary tract symptoms and risk of sexual dysfunction in male. Assessment of sexual function is necessary for patients with lower urinary tract symptoms. Systematic Review Registration: http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier: CRD42020208747.

Low Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Level as a Potential Risk Factor of Erectile Dysfunction in Elderly Men with Moderate to Severe Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

Purpose

To evaluate the correlation between vitamin D level and erectile dysfunction (ED) in male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) patients.

Materials and Methods

We analyzed data from 534 male patients who were tested for LUTS from 2014 to 2017. LUTS severity was classified into mild (≤7) or moderate to severe (≥8) based on total IPSS scores. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as a serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] level of less than 20 ng/mL. The severity of ED was dichotomized into mild (≥17 points) or moderate to severe (≤16 points) depending on total IIEF-5 scores. The association of the serum 25(OH)D level with moderate to severe ED was assessed using logistic regression analysis.

Results

In the entire cohort, moderate to severe ED was significantly associated with age ≥60 years (odds ratio [OR], 1.762; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.011–3.073) and moderate to severe LUTS (OR, 2.075; 95% CI, 1.134–3.789), but not with serum 25(OH)D level (OR, 1.001; 95% CI, 0.979–1.023). Whereas, in the subgroup consisting of moderate to severe LUTS patients over 60 years (n=223), either low serum 25(OH)D level (OR, 0.944; 95% CI, 0.903–0.986) or vitamin D deficiency (OR, 2.949; 95% CI, 1.118–7.782) was the independent risk factor of moderate to severe ED as a result of each multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

Low vitamin D status closely correlated with moderate to severe ED in elderly men with moderate to severe LUTS.

Marijuana, Alcohol, and ED: Correlations with LUTS/BPH

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is a disease complex with enormous societal burden and yet the pathogenesis of LUTS/BPH is poorly understood. We set out to review the literature on the relationship between depression, marijuana usage, and erectile dysfunction (ED) to LUTS/BPH.

RECENT FINDINGS

LUTS/BPH has independent associations with depression as well as with ED. In each case, the causality and mechanistic relationship is unknown. The impact of marijuana, as it increasingly pervades the general population, on the disease complex of LUTS/BPH is not well studied but recent results support short-term benefit and long-term caution. Depression, a form of central nervous dysfunction, and ED, which is likely mediated via endothelial dysfunction, are independently associated with LUTS/BPH. The presence of cannabinoid receptors in urologic organs, coupled with recent population studies, supports a modulatory effect of marijuana on voiding although an enormous knowledge gap remains.

A state-of-art review on the preservation of sexual function among various minimally invasive surgical treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia: Impact on erectile and ejaculatory domains

There is a strong association between benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)/lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and sexual dysfunction. While transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is considered the standard BPH treatment, it is however associated with a high rate of erectile and ejaculatory dysfunctions. Over the past decade, new and novel minimally invasive BPH therapies have been shown to improve various parameters of voiding domains while minimizing adverse sexual effects. These minimally invasive BPH therapies can be largely be divided into those with cavitating technology (Rezum, Histotripsy, Aquablation), intra-prostatic injections (Botulinum neurotoxin Type A, Fexapotide Triflutate, prostate specific antigen-activated protoxin PRX-302), and mechanical devices which include intraprostatic stents (Urospinal 2™, Memotherm™, Memokath™, and Allium triangular prostatic stent™) and intraprostatic devices (iTIND™, Urolift™), as well as prostatic artery embolization. Published literature on these technologies showed reasonable preservation of erectile function with limited data reported on ejaculatory domain. Further validation of the performance of these novel minimally invasive treatment options for LUTS due to BPH in well-designed and multi-centre studies are desired, to evaluate their role (or lack of such a role) in clinical practice and whether these BPH therapies can provide equivalent standard or better than TURP.

How can we Preserve Sexual Function after Ablative Surgery for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?

Our aim was to provide a narrative review regarding the prevalence, the associated pathophysiologic pathways and the potential management methods of sexual dysfunction related to ablative surgical techniques for Benign Prostatic Enlargement (BPE). Men suffering from BPE are at high risk of sexual dysfunction due to the disease itself, comorbidities, and pharmacological/surgical treatments. Transurethral resection of the prostate, as the gold standard treatment option for BPE, has historically been associated with relatively high rates of postoperative sexual dysfunction problems, mainly retrograde ejaculation but also erectile dysfunction. Ablative surgical techniques, including photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP), transurethral needle ablation (TUNA), Transurethral Microwave Therapy (TUMT), Convective Water Vapor Energy Ablation (Rezum®) and Aquablation®, have been proposed as treatment methods able to reduce treatment-related complications for BPE patients, including adverse effects on erectile and ejaculatory function, without compromising the efficacy rates for BPE. The neurovascular bundles can be damaged during TURP due to posterolateral capsular perforation. Ablative techniques and especially PVP theoretically seem to skip this hazard, as the distance created from the necrotic area to the capsule is generally larger compared to the distance induced after TURP. However, indirect thermal injury of erectile nerves, which could also be induced by the majority of available ablative techniques, could potentially lead to ED. Two special technical characteristics (physiological saline use for tissue ablation and real time penetration depth control) of Aquablation® could be proved beneficial with regard to the effect of the method on erectile function. In general, ablative techniques seem to have a minor impact on sexual function. However, low methodological quality characterizes most of the studies included in this review mainly due to the impossibility, in many cases, to perform blind randomization. Also, many studies did not have an erectile and ejaculatory function as primary outcomes limiting that way their statistical power to identify significant variations. Management of sexual dysfunction problems arising from ablative surgeries for BPE treatment could be divided into two levels. Firstly, intraoperatively the avoidance of manipulation of crucial structures regarding ejaculatory (bladder neck or ejaculatory ducts) and erectile function (neurovascular bundles) could possibly decrease the negative effect of these procedures on sexual function. Thus, in this direction, modifications of classic ablative techniques have been proposed resulting in encouraging outcomes regarding postoperative sexual function. Secondly, if EjD and/or ED are established, the already known treatment choices should be chosen in order for sexual function rehabilitation to be achieved. Thus, regarding ED: PDE5i daily or on-demand remains the gold standard first-line treatment choice followed by intracavernosal alprostadil injections in cases of failure, while penile prosthesis implantation must be kept as the final definitive solution when all the other methods have failed. Regarding ejaculation disorders (retrograde ejaculation or anejaculation): medical therapy with a-agonists (pseudoephedrine), sperm retrieval from the urine, bladder neck reconstruction, prostatic massage, electroejaculation, penile vibratory stimulation and surgical sperm retrieval are the available treatment options. Furthermore, high-quality studies are required to investigate the potential side effects of BPE surgery on sexual function and efficient treatment methods to manage them.

Outcomes of combination therapy with daily tadalafil 5 mg plus tamsulosin 0.4 mg to treat lower urinary tract symptoms and erectile dysfunction in men with or without metabolic syndrome

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of tadalafil 5 mg/die plus tamsulosin 0.4 mg/die combination therapy on lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and erectile dysfunction (ED), according to presence vs. absence of metabolic syndrome (MetS).

METHODS

Seventy-five consecutive men presenting with ED and LUTS were enrolled. Patients were divided into two groups according to MetS presence. All subjects were treated with combination therapy for 12 weeks. Patients were re-evaluated after treatment with uroflowmetry and post-void residual volume (PVR), International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS), IPSS Quality of Life (QoL), overactive bladder questionnaire (OAB-q) and International Index Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) Score.

RESULTS

After enrollment, 50 patients were included: 31 (62.0%) with MetS and 19 (38.0%) without MetS. At baseline, patients without MetS showed a significantly better IPSS, IIEF and OAB-q, as compared to those with MetS. After 12 weeks of combination therapy LUTS, ED and flowmetry significantly improved in both groups (P<0.001). The improvement after 12 weeks was similar between groups in all parameters (P>0.05), except for ∆OAB-q that was significantly better for patients with MetS (P=0.028). Nevertheless, total IPSS, all IPSS subscores and OAB-q were significantly better at 12 weeks in men without MetS (P<0.05). Despite IIEF-5 was significantly different at baseline, after 12 weeks of combination therapy, erectile function was similar in men with or without METS: 16.3±3.8 vs. 17.7±4.7 (P=0.238). No serious adverse event (AE) was reported, and complications were comparable between groups (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with MetS have worse LUTS and ED profiles. However, tadalafil plus tamsulosin combination treatment provided them a similar ED profile and a greater relief of overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms at the end of the trial. Combination therapy had the same safety profile in men besides MetS. Further randomized controlled trials are needed.

Sexual and ejaculatory function after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate and bipolar transurethral enucleation of the prostate: a single-center experience

Currently available surgical treatments for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) due to Benign Prostatic Obstruction (BPO) are associated with an increased risk of sexual dysfunction. The aim of our study is to compare sexual and ejaculatory function after Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) and Bipolar Transurethral Enucleation of the Prostate (B-TUEP). We performed a retrospective analysis of data prospectively collected from 62 (44.9%) and 76 (55.1%) patients who underwent HoLEP and B-TUEP, respectively. Erectile function and ejaculation characteristics were assessed with the International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function (IIEF-EF) domain and the Male Sexual Health Questionnaire-Ejaculatory function (MSHQ-EJ) questionnaires. Our study recorded no change in erectile function and no significant difference in rates of preserved antegrade ejaculation after both surgeries. One month after surgery, rates of physical pain/discomfort and perceived decreased physical pleasure during ejaculation were higher in HoLEP than B-TUEP patients (all p < 0.03). Moreover, HoLEP patients were more bothered by their ejaculatory difficulties than B-TUEP men (p = 0.03). At 3- and 12-months follow-up, all ejaculation-related differences disappeared. In conclusion, both procedures are valid alternatives for BPO treatment as they offer comparable urinary and sexual outcomes in the long term. However, in the first month after surgery, HoLEP patients present with more ejaculatory difficulties.

The effects of a Chinese herbal medicine (VGHBPH0) on patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: A pilot study

BACKGROUND

The current Western medicine treatment options for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) have various degrees of documented effectiveness. However, the uses of these interventions are limited to specific patient populations or have certain side effects that interfere with patient quality of life. This study evaluated the clinical effects of a Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) on patients with BPH.

METHODS

This was a single-arm pilot study. Twenty BPH patients were enrolled, and they were required to take the investigated CHM three times a day for 8 weeks, along with their Western medicine. Patients returned to clinics as scheduled and completing international prostate symptoms scores (IPSS), aging male symptoms score, international index of erectile function, and body constitution questionnaire of traditional Chinese medicine. Uroflowmetry and sonography were also applied to evaluate the changes in urinary velocity and post-voiding residual urine volume from the baseline to the end of the study.

RESULTS

The mean IPSS total score was significantly decreased by 2.5 points after 8 weeks of treatment with the CHM (from 17.5 to 15.0, p = 0.03). The mean IPSS voiding subscore was decreased by 1.7 points (from 10.1 to 8.4, p = 0.02), and the mean incomplete emptying subscore was decreased by 0.8 points (from 2.9 to 2.1, p = 0.02), with both decreases being statistically significant. A descending trend in the post-voiding residual urine volume was also observed (from 52.9 to 30.8 mL, p = 0.07).

CONCLUSION

This trial indicated that the add-on CHM treatment (VGHBPH0) might be a potential treatment for improving the lower urinary tract symptoms of BPH patients.

How to Prevent and Manage Post-Prostatectomy Incontinence: A Review

PURPOSE

To provide an overview of the currently available evidence relating to the prevention and management strategies of urinary incontinence (UI) after radical prostatectomy (RP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive research was carried out on MEDLINE/PubMed database to identify pertinent studies concerning post-RP UI. The search strategy included these words: urinary continence; urinary continence recovery; urinary incontinence; radical prostatectomy; and prostate cancer.

RESULTS

Post-RP UI still represents a challenging issue for both urologic patients and clinicians. A complete preoperative assessment of the risk factors associated with post-RP UI aids both in counseling those patients with a higher estimated likelihood of postoperative UI and in identifying those who would probably benefit from preventive strategies in the preoperative and in the intraoperative settings. Over the last decades different surgical strategies based on either the "preservation" or the "reconstruction" of the anatomical elements responsible for urinary continence (UC) led to an overall improvement of postoperative functional outcomes. Finally, several therapeutic strategies should be evaluated for the postoperative UI management. Artificial urinary sphincter implantation represents the gold standard for treatment, notwithstanding its wide adoption is limited due to high costs and significant risk of surgical revision. In this context, male sling positioning seems the most promising strategy, in particular in mild and moderate post-RP UI.

CONCLUSIONS

To enhance the likelihood of obtaining an optimal UC recovery after RP, it is here strongly suggested to intervene throughout the overall clinical management process thus including the pre-, intra- and postoperative settings.

Ejaculatory Hood-Sparing Vaporization of the Prostate and Its Impact on Erectile, Ejaculatory, and Sexual Function

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of ejaculatory hood (EH)-sparing transurethral vaporization of the prostate (TUVP) on sexual function, with a specific focus on erectile and ejaculatory function.

METHODS

We studied 25 patients who underwent EH-sparing Photo Selective Vaporization of the Prostate using the Greenlight Laser or Bipolar Button Plasma Vaporization of the Prostate from August 2016 to March 2018. All patients were sexually active with anterograde ejaculation prior to treatment. Patients completed the Male Sexual Health Questionnaire (MSHQ) and AUA Symptom Score pre- and postoperatively. We compared preprocedure sexual function with postprocedure sexual function at 1- and 3-month intervals. A logistic regression model was used to identify predictors of improvement in sexual function.

RESULTS

Twenty-five patients underwent EH-sparing TUVP from August 2016 to March 2018. At 3-months postoperatively, patients had significant improvement in erection score (12 vs 9, P = .04) and erection bother score (5 vs 3.5, P <.01) compared to baseline. They also had improvement in ejaculation score (26 vs 23, P = .03), ejaculation bother score (5 vs 4, P = .01), and total MSHQ score (87.5 vs 73, P = .01). Anterograde ejaculation was preserved in 80.0% of patients. Logistic regression identified higher AUA score severity as an independent predictor of MSHQ score improvement (1.32, CI: 1.03-1.69, P = .03).

CONCLUSION

At 3 months postoperatively, the majority of men who underwent EH-sparing TUVP had preserved anterograde ejaculation and improved overall sexual function based on MSHQ survey. This validates EH-sparing TUVP in men with BPH who wish to maintain sexual function.

Improvement of the symptoms of lower urinary tract and sexual dysfunction with tadalafil and solifenacin after the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia with dutasteride

Background

The aim of this research is to study the influence of simultaneous taking of tadalafil and solifenacin in standard and double dosage on the lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and sexual dysfunction in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia after the course of dutasteride.

Materials and methods

The research included 326 patients older than 50 years with benign prostatic hyperplasia coupled with LUTS and sexual dysfunction having undergone the course of treatment with dutasteride. After random division into three groups, patients from the Group A (n = 107) got tadalafil 5 mg/d as monotherapy, from the Group В (n = 107) got tadalafil 5 mg/d and solifenacin 10 mg/d, and from the Group С (n = 112) got tadalafil 5 mg/d and solifenacin 20 mg/d. The duration of treatment was 12 weeks. The rating of sexual function was made with the questionnaires International Index of Erectile Function and other.

Results

The results of rating of sexual function with the questionnaires MSHQ-EjD and International Index of Erectile Function correlated among themselves. According to MSHQ-EjD, overall rating of the sexual function increased in each of the three groups (A: 67.9 (12.4)/91.5 (10.4), P ≤ 0.05; B: 72.4 (14.5)/102.6 (16.9), P ≤ 0.05; C: 76.6 (16.3)/109.6 (15.6), P ≤ 0.05). The level of hyperactivity symptoms decreased in Groups В and С (В: urgency −2.9 (0.7)/1.1 (0.6), P ≤ 0.05; nocturia 2.7 (1.0)/0.7 (0.5), P ≤ 0.05; C: urgency −2.5 (0.5)/0.8 (0.6), P ≤ 0.05; nocturia −2.8 (0.6)/1.0 (0.5), P ≤ 0.05), and it did not change in the Group A.

Conclusions

The use of tadalafil as monotherapy significantly improves the sexual function but does not affect overactive bladder symptoms. The combination therapy of tadalafil and solifenacin leads to dramatic improvement of sexual function and reversibility of detrusor hyperactivity symptoms.

Evaluation of care given to patients suffering from erectile dysfunction by French urologists in 2018

Erectile dysfunction varied by country, affecting between 20 to 40% of men aged 60 and 69 and more than 50% of men aged over 75. Our objective was to evaluate the habits of urologists in 2018 and also evaluate the need for additional, objective tools to aid physicians when providing care. A questionnaire was sent from the French Urology Association to 1158 physicians between November and December 2018. In all, 177 urologists (15.28%) took part in the study. Only 22% of urologists regularly used a questionnaire, such as the IIEF-5. When faced with erection problems, 56.5% of them did not carry out systematic cardiology evaluations. More than half of urologists requested fasting glucose, lipid and total testosterone levels. Twenty-seven percent did not carry out additional tests. First line treatment included a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor in 81% of cases. Two thirds of urologists (78%) rated themselves as being correctly trained in the area of erectile dysfunction. However, only 49% systematically inquired about erection problems when faced with benign prostatic hyperplasia and 65% thought that erectile dysfunction was not treated optimally. Despite existing recommendations, only half of urologists carry out a cardiac evaluation when a finding of erectile dysfunction is made. One third of urologists do not request additional testing. Greater training, along with the use of an objective diagnostic tool could help urologists to optimise the care they provide for patients suffering from erectile dysfunction, allowing them to keep working within current guidelines. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Male and female sexual dysfunction in diabetic subjects: Focus on new antihyperglycemic drugs

The association between diabetes mellitus (and its micro- and macro-vascular complications) and erectile dysfunction is widely known and the presence of hypogonadism may further complicate sexual dysfunction and quality of life, given the association between hypogonadism and reduced libido, ejaculatory disorders, and depressive symptoms. However, the recent introduction of novel antidiabetic agents with a wide range of mechanism of action may have a significant impact both on male and female sexuality directly (by inducing side effects as urinary tract infections) and indirectly (improving metabolic status and reducing diabetes complications behind sexual dysfunctions). To date only few papers are reporting the sexual effects of these treatments and, often, these are not comparable in their results. Conversely, female sexual dysfunctions are somehow under-investigated. Data on prevalence is heterogeneous and specific pathogenic mechanisms, as well as the burden of psychological factors, are still heatedly debated. The aim of this narrative review is to summarize current knowledge and stressing out the need to diagnose male and female sexual dysfunctions also in light of the impact of treatments with novel antidiabetic agents. This would highlight the still unmet needs for sexual care in a diabetes care setting and could represent an incentive for future discussions, as well as a required theoretical starting point for studies on this subject.

Association Among Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms, Erectile Function, and Sexual Satisfaction: Results from the Brazil LUTS Study

INTRODUCTION

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) affect ≥60% of adult men and are associated with erectile dysfunction (ED) and sexual dissatisfaction.

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship among male LUTS, ED, and sexual satisfaction.

METHODS

This was a secondary analysis of the Brazil LUTS study, a cross-sectional, epidemiological survey conducted by telephone interview in 5 cities in Brazil. This analysis included men aged ≥40 years.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

LUTS were identified using International Continence Society definitions. LUTS severity was assessed using the International Prostate Symptom Score questionnaire. Erectile function was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) questionnaire and sexual satisfaction was rated on a 5-point scale.

RESULTS

2,433 men participated in the study. Of 2,183 men reporting data on LUTS, 873 (40%) had LUTS "about half the time" or more. The prevalence of ED and sexual dissatisfaction was 14.4% and 7.8%, respectively. The proportion of men reporting ED and sexual dissatisfaction was higher among men with LUTS (24.6% and 13.8%, respectively) than men without LUTS (8.7% and 4.5%, respectively; P < .001). LUTS severity was negatively correlated with IIEF-5 scores (r = -0.199; P < .001); we estimated a 0.431-point decrease in IIEF-5 score per 3-point increase in International Prostate Symptom Score. Increased age and the presence of LUTS were associated with a greater chance of ED and sexual dissatisfaction; depression/anxiety and diabetes were associated with a greater chance of sexual dissatisfaction only. Among men with LUTS, urgency with fear of leaking, urgency urinary incontinence, and nocturnal enuresis were associated with a greater chance of ED, whereas slow stream and urgency urinary incontinence were associated with a greater chance of sexual dissatisfaction.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate that the presence of LUTS is associated with an increased chance of ED and sexual dissatisfaction in Brazilian men and reinforce the importance of a comprehensive assessment of these conditions. Gomes CM, Averbeck MA, Koyama M, et al. Association Among Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms, Erectile Function, and Sexual Satisfaction: Results from the Brazil LUTS Study. Sex Med 2019;8:45-56.

Which Drug to Discontinue 3 Months After Combination Therapy of Tadalafil plus Tamsulosin for Men with Lower Urinary Tract Symptom and Erectile Dysfunction? Results of a Prospective Observational Trial

BACKGROUND

Safety and efficacy of tamsulosin and tadalafil for men with benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) and/or erectile dysfunction (ED) are defined. However, there are only a few pilot studies on combination therapy with these drugs for men with lower urinary tract symptom (LUTS)/BPE and ED. Moreover, preliminary reports are limited to 12 wk, without any information about subsequent therapies.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of discontinuation of tamsulosin versus tadalafil 12 wk after combination therapy.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Fifty consecutive patients with moderate-to-severe LUTS (International Prostate Symptom Score [IPSS] > 7) and mild-to-severe ED (International Index of Erectile Function-5 [IIEF-5] < 22) were treated with combination therapy (tamsulosin 0.4mg/d plus tadalafil 5mg/d) for 12 wk. After 12 wk, 25 patients discontinued tamsulosin (Group TAD), while 25 patients discontinued tadalafil (Group TAM).

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Efficacy variables were IPSS (total, voiding, storage) and IIEF-5. Paired samples t test and analysis of variance were used.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Groups TAD and TAM presented similar features (age, BMI, metabolic profile) including symptoms scores at baseline. Similar and significant improvements in IPSS (total, voiding, and storage) and IIEF-5 were recorded in both groups after 12 wk of combination therapy (all p< 0.001). Total IPSS was similar between the two groups at the end of the trial. However, we found between-group significant differences from baseline to 24 wk and from 12 to 24 wk in storage-IPSS (Group TAD: -3.32 vs Group TAM: -1.24, p= 0.002; Group TAD: +0.24 vs Group TAM: +1.20, p= 0.040, respectively) and in IIEF-5 (Group TAD: +4.64 vs Group TAM: +0.16, p< 0.001; Group TAD: -1.64 vs Group TAM: -4.40, p= 0.003). No significant treatment-related adverse event was recorded in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

After 12 wk of combination therapy, monotherapy with tadalafil for further 12 wk allows to preserve the improvement of storage IPSS and IIEF-5, in addition to total IPSS.

PATIENT SUMMARY

In this report we evaluated the discontinuation of tamsulosin or tadalafil after 12 wk of combination therapy. We found that tadalafil monotherapy, for a further 12 wk, aids in retaining the improvement of storage symptoms and erectile function.

Epidemiology and treatment modalities for the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common conditions affecting men. BPH can lead to a number of symptoms for patients commonly referred to as lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Over the last decade, increased modifiable risk factors, such as metabolic disease and obesity, have resulted in an increased incidence of BPH. This increasing incidence has brought about a multitude of treatment modalities in the last two decades. With so many treatment modalities available, physicians are tasked with selecting the optimal therapy for their patients. Current therapies can first be divided into medical or surgical intervention. Medical therapy for BPH includes 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors and alpha-blockers, or a combination of both. Surgical interventions include a conventional transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), as well as newer modalities such as bipolar TURP, holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP), Greenlight and thulium laser, and prostatic urethral lift (PUL). Emerging therapies in this field must also be further investigated for safety and efficacy. This narrative review attempts to consolidate current and emerging treatment options for BPH and highlights the need for additional investigation on optimizing treatment selection.

Is It Compulsory to Investigate for Erectile Dysfunction in Patients Presenting for Low Urinary Tract Symptoms?

BACKGROUND

Current European Association of Urology guidelines suggest investigation of erectile dysfunction (ED) among patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) whenever there is a clinical suspicion.

OBJECTIVE

To assess factors predictive of ED, which may drive the need for a clinical assessment in men only presenting for LUTS.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Data from 914 men presenting for LUTS at a single-center outpatient clinic and without a previous diagnosis of ED were analyzed.

INTERVENTION

All patients completed the International Prostatic Symptom Score (IPSS) and the International Index of Erectile Function-erectile function (IIEF-EF) questionnaires.

OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Logistic regression analyses tested potential predictors of ED and severe ED. The accuracy of the predictive models was assessed, and decision curve analyses (DCAs) tested their clinical benefit.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

The median baseline IPSS score was 12 (7-19). IIEF-EF scores suggestive of unreported ED were observed in 503 (55%) patients; of all, 251 (27%) men showed severe ED. At logistic regression analysis, age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.04; p<0.001), IPSS score (OR: 1.04; p<0.001), diabetes mellitus (OR: 2.37; p=0.02), and smoking history (OR 1.36; p=0.03) were associated with unreported ED, after accounting for body mass index, hypertension, other cardiovascular diseases, and dyslipidemia. The same factors were associated with severe ED (all p≤0.03). The predictive model including these variables showed good accuracy for predicting ED (areas under the curve 0.69 and 0.72, respectively). However, DCAs showed no greater clinical benefit regarding identifying which patients should actually be screened for ED using these variables versus screening all patients with LUTS. Conversely, the net clinical benefit of the tested model was higher when predicting severe ED. As a limitation, we could not check prospectively the clinical impact of detecting ED in LUTS patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the importance of ED in terms of overall men's health, segregating patients to be investigated or not for ED according to the traditional risk factors did not emerge more clinically useful than screening all patients presenting for LUTS.

PATIENT SUMMARY

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are frequently associated with erectile dysfunction (ED). Patients presenting for LUTS only in the everyday clinical practice should always be screened for ED and managed accordingly.

Effect of tadalafil 5 mg on post-micturition dribble in men with lower urinary tract symptoms: a multicentre, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effects of taking tadalafil 5 mg and placebo once daily on post-micturition dribble (PMD) in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Our prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicentre trial enrolled 102 men with PMD and other LUTS. PMD was assessed using the Hallym Post-Micturition Dribble Questionnaire (HPMDQ) and according to PMD volume. Over a 12-week period, patients took either tadalafil 5 mg (n = 51) or placebo (n = 51) once daily and their HPMDQ and PMD volume results were evaluated. Adverse events (AEs) were also reported.

RESULTS

Over the course of 12 weeks, total HPMDQscores and PMD volumes improved significantly more in the tadalafil group than in the placebo group (reduction of total HPMDQ score of ≥2 points in the tadalafil and placebo group in 68.8% and 31.9% of patients (P < 0.001) and decreased mean PMD volume in the tadalafil and placebo group at 0.48 mL and 0.22  mL, respectively (P = 0.046). Specifically, PMD frequency decreased and quality of life increased significantly more in the tadalafil group than in the placebo group (P = 0.029 and P < 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, 66.7% of the tadalafil group reported moderate and significant PMD improvement, whereas only 4.2% reported that tadalafil was ineffective. Treatment-emergent AEs did not significantly differ between the groups (all P > 0.05), and no serious AEs were observed.

CONCLUSION

Taking tadalafil 5 mg once daily reduced PMD symptom severity and PMD volume in men with PMD, without inducing serious AEs, more effectively than placebo, suggesting that taking tadalafil 5 mg once daily may be an effective and well-tolerated PMD treatment.

A current perspective on post-micturition dribble in males

Post-micturition dribble (PMD) is the involuntary loss of urine immediately after urination. It is classified as a post-micturition symptom and is more common in males. Traditionally, PMD has been considered to be part of the aging process, to have a low prevalence, and to be less bothersome than other lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). However, recent evidence suggests that PMD is not less common and does not elicit less discomfort compared with other LUTS in males. Also, PMD seems to commonly overlap with other LUTS and to be associated with erectile dysfunction. Although the etiology of PMD is not fully understood, a weakness or failure of the pelvic floor muscles is considered to be the most important factor. Although bulbar urethral massage and pelvic floor exercises are known to be effective in treating PMD, pharmacologic treatment has not yet been introduced. Recently, the possibility of treating PMD with phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor has been suggested.