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Alpha blockers and ejaculatory function: A state of the art review

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Abstract

Alpha-blocker therapy is commonly used in the treatment of the over 50% of men above the age of 50 with lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia. With the use of α-blockers comes the discussion of the potential effects these medications have on ejaculatory function. Whether α-blockers affect ejaculatory function is not in question, but rather how does this occur, and can it be advantageous when treating patients? This discussion reviews recently published data focusing on the association between lower urinary tract symptoms, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and sexual dysfunction; the etiology of ejaculatory dysfunction while taking α-blockers; and the treatment of premature ejaculation with α-blockers. The review outlines recent promising studies showing improvement of sexual dysfunction with α-blocker treatment of BPH patients as well as studies showing successful treatment of premature ejaculation with α-blocker therapy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Urologic Surgery, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 2140 Bioinformatics Bldg, CB#7235, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA

    Javier Miller Jr MD

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  1. Javier Miller Jr MD
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  2. Culley C. Carson MD
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Correspondence to Javier Miller Jr MD.

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Miller, J., Carson, C.C. Alpha blockers and ejaculatory function: A state of the art review. Curr sex health rep 4, 141–144 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11930-007-0016-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11930-007-0016-z

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