Impacts of histological prostatitis on sexual function and lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia

Objective: To investigate the correlation of histological prostatitis with sexual function (erectile dysfunction [ED]) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients with BPH who received surgical treatment (from May 1, 2012 to November 30, 2012) was conducted, consisting of 80 patients with uncomplicated BPH and 80 patients with BPH plus histological prostatitis. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) symptom score and the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) before surgery were calculated. Preoperative sexual functions were compared between the 2 groups.

Results: Differences between both groups in age (72.56 ± 7.36 vs 71.98 ± 7.33) and IPSS score (18.65 ± 5.72 vs 20.50 ± 7.12) were not statistically significant (P >.05). Meanwhile, comparison in erectile function symptom score (14.80 ± 5.93 vs 7.35 ± 4.38) demonstrated significant differences (P <.001). According to the IIEF-5 score, 52 patients had normal erectile function or mild ED, 16 had moderate ED, and 12 had severe ED in the uncomplicated BPH group, whereas 10 patients had mild ED, 32 had moderate ED, 38 had severe ED, and no patients were found normal in BPH within the histological group. Further analysis using the chi-square test demonstrated significant differences between both groups (P <.001).

Conclusion: BPH combined with histological prostatitis had a serious impact on sexual function of the patients. Histological prostatitis may serve as a major risk factor for sexual dysfunction while having little effects on LUTS in patients with BPH.