Sexual function in patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia.

This study evaluated the sexual function in an unselected population referred to hospital for treatment of clinical BPH. 401 patients filled in the DAN-PSS questionnaire including 3 questions concerning sexuality (erection, ejaculation volume and pain/discomfort during eja culation). The patients were divided into four age groups (< 50; 50-59; 60-69 and > 69 years). The answers were analyzed for severity of symptoms and the related bothersomeness. The proportion of patients with erectile dysfunction increased with increasing age, and the related bother was much higher in the young males. Fiftyfour percent noticed that the amount of semen had decreased, and a correlation between increasing age and smaller ejaculation volume was observed. However, the related botherfactor was low. There was an age independent occurrence of about 15% of patients experiencing pain/discomfort during ejaculation and the bother factor is high. This study shows that the questions concerning sexuality in the DAN-PSS score system are formulated in a way that most patients can understand, and are willing to fill in the form.