Sexual dysfunction and prostatitis.

Despite a large number of reports exploring the links between diseases of the prostate and effects on sexuality, the relationship between prostatitis and sexual dysfunction has not been as thoroughly investigated. A number of reports have focused on the adverse effects of prostatitis on quality of life, with resultant indirect effects on sexuality. More detailed studies are available on the links between ejaculation and the chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome subgroup of prostatitis. Improvement of sexual dysfunction following treatment of prostatitis has been reported in a few studies, most notably in association with alpha-blocker therapy. This review addresses some of the more relevant reported links between prostatitis and sexual function.