Mirabegron improves erectile function in men with overactive bladder and erectile dysfunction: a 12-week pilot study

The Effects of Vibegron Add-on Therapy on Alpha 1-Blocker Therapy for Sexual Function and Overactive Bladder Symptoms in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Prospective, Open-Label Study

Background: The effect of combining an α1-adrenergic receptor blocker (α1-blocker) and the β3-adrenoceptor agonist vibegron for treating persistent overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) on sexual function remains uncertain. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effects of vibegron as an add-on to α1-blocker therapy on both OAB and sexual function. Methods: Forty-three patients with BPH in whom OAB symptoms were inadequately controlled by α1-blocker treatment were included in this prospective open-label study. The OAB Symptom Score (OABSS), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), 15-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15), and Erection Hardness Score (EHS), as well as the residual urine volume and serum-free testosterone (FT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, were evaluated before and 8 weeks after the daily administration of 50 mg vibegron/α1-blocker combination therapy. Results: Vibegron/α1-blocker combination therapy significantly improved the OABSS (from 6.9 ± 2.6 to 5.1 ± 2.9, p < 0.0001) and IIEF intercourse satisfaction domain (from 1.1 ± 2.3 to 1.9 ± 2.6, p = 0.02). No significant differences were observed for the IPSS, EHS, total IIEF-15 score, residual urine volume, and serum FT and CRP levels. Conclusions: The study findings suggest that vibegron/α1-blocker combination therapy improves OAB and sexual satisfaction.

Comparative Study Between Behavior Therapy and Behavior Therapy Plus Mirabegron 50 mg in Sexually Active Men With Bothersome Overactive Bladder Symptoms - A Multicenter, Randomized Study

PURPOSE

We evaluated the therapeutic effects on overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms and sexual function of behavioral therapy with or without mirabegron in sexually active male patients with OAB. Mirabegron, a selective β3 adrenoceptor agonist for the treatment of OAB, has been shown to induce corpus cavernosum relaxation.

METHODS

In this 4-site, randomized controlled trial, 150 sexually active men with OAB were enrolled between June 2020 and May 2022. Participants were randomly allocated (1:2) into 2 treatment groups: (1) behavioral therapy alone (n = 50) and (2) a combination of mirabegron 50 mg daily and behavioral therapy (n = 100). The evaluation was based on the overactive bladder symptoms score (OABSS), the International Index of Erectile Function, the ejaculatory domain short form, the International Prostate Symptom Score, patient perception of bladder condition, quality of life, and urodynamic parameters. The therapeutic outcomes were assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks.

RESULTS

There were 65 patients (65%) in the combination subgroup and 36 patients in the behavioral therapy who completed all 12 weeks of treatment. Both groups had a statistically significant improvement in OABSS after 12 weeks of treatment. The combination therapy group achieved a statistically significant improvement in all 4 subscores of OABSS, however, the urinary frequency (P = 0.120) and urinary incontinence (P = 0.234) subscores in the behavioral therapy only group did not show a significant change. Additionally, the combination group had a significant improvement in functional bladder capacity, which was not seen in the behavioral therapy group. However, both groups did not have a significant change in erectile or ejaculatory function.

CONCLUSION

Behavioral therapy combined with mirabegron had more significant impact on the improvement of OAB than behavior therapy alone. However, both groups did not have significant changes in erectile or ejaculatory function.

Conservative Non-surgical Options for Erectile Dysfunction

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This study aimed to review recent evidence on conservative non-surgical options for erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. A narrative review of the literature was performed. A comprehensive search in the MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases was done. Papers in English language, published from May 2017 until May 2022, were included. Papers reporting basic research or animal research were excluded, as long as reviews or meta-analyses. Congress reports, clinical cases, or clinical trials protocols with no results were also excluded.

RECENT FINDINGS

We found a multitude of different treatment modalities for ED. We must take into account the type of patient, their comorbidities, the origin of their ED, and its severity in order to reproduce effective results using these therapies. Some of the treatments show good results with a good level of evidence (new IPDE5 formulations, intracavernous injections, shock wave therapy, hormonal theraphy, psycho-sexual theraphy). However, others (some new molecules, stem cell theraphy, platelet-rich plasma injections, oxygenation-based therapy, nutraceuticals), although some of them present promising results, require randomized studies with a larger number of patients and a longer follow-up time to be able to establish firm recommendations. Regarding the conservative treatment of erectile dysfunction, in recent years, some therapies have been consolidated as effective and safe for certain types of patients. On the other hand, other treatment modalities, although promising, still lack the evidence and the necessary follow-up to be recommended in daily practice.

The Efficacy and Safety of Mirabegron for the Treatment of Neurogenic Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background and Objective: Over the past few years, mirabegron has been increasingly used as a therapeutic option for neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction. Here, we carried out a meta-analysis to investigate the efficacy and safety of mirabegron for the treatment of neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction.

Methods: We used a range of databases to retrieve randomized controlled trials (RCTs) relating to mirabegron in patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library; our strategy conformed to the PICOS (populations, interventions, comparators, outcomes, and study designs) strategy.

Results: Our analyses involved four RCTs involving 245 patients. We found that mirabegron treatment resulted in a significant improvement in bladder compliance [mean difference (MD) = 19.53, 95% confidence interval (CI): 14.19 to 24.87, P < 0.00001], urinary incontinence episodes (MD = −0.78, 95% CI: −0.89 to −0.67, P < 0.00001) and Incontinence Quality of Life (I-QOL) (MD = 8.02, 95% CI: 3.20 to 12.84, P = 0.001). Significant differences were detected in terms of Patient Perception of Bladder Condition (PPBC) (MD = −0.54, 95% CI: −1.46 to 0.39, P = 0.26) and urinary urgency episodes (MD = −0.72, 95% CI: −3.1 to 1.66, P = 0.55). With regard to safety, there were no significant differences between mirabegron and control groups in terms of the incidence of drug-related adverse events [odds ratio (OR): 0.83, 95% CI: 0.43 to 1.59, P = 0.57], arrhythmias (OR: 1.27, 95% CI: 0.37 to 4.38, P = 0.70), hypertension (OR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.13 to 3.82, P = 0.68), or post-voiding residual volume (MD: 1.62, 95% CI: −9.00 to 12.24, P = 0.77).

Conclusion: Mirabegron is an efficacious and safe treatment for patients with neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction.