Abstract
Purpose of Review
Contemporary urologists have myriad options to offer patients when discussing treatments for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). While the primary goal of managing BPH is to improve LUTS, many treatments cause adverse effects on sexual function including erectile and ejaculatory function and libido. In the past 5 years, new literature has continued to evaluate the impact that medical, minimally invasive, and surgical BPH therapies have on sexual function.
Recent Findings
Research on medical treatment continues to show high rates of erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction in addition to low libido. Minimally invasive procedures had the lowest risk of developing both ejaculatory and erectile dysfunction. Invasive procedures such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) caused significant ejaculatory dysfunction, while holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) caused significant erectile dysfunction.
Summary
Not all existing studies are comprehensive in their analysis of sexual function with impacts on libido being the least reported. Sexual function remains at a high level of patient concern and can be a significant source of procedural dissatisfaction. Appropriate preoperative counseling and further comparison studies are of paramount importance.
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References
Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major Importance
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Nicole Tuong, Katy Reines, Matthew Mikula, and Ryan Smith each declare no potential conflicts of interest.
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Tuong, N., Reines, K., Mikula, M. et al. Contemporary Review of BPH Medical and Surgical Treatments on Sexual Function. Curr Sex Health Rep 10, 293–304 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11930-018-0172-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11930-018-0172-3