Prevalence of sexual dysfunction in Chinese men with chronic prostatitis

OBJECTIVE To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of sexual dysfunction in Chinese men with chronic prostatitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS A questionnaire survey was conducted among 2000 men diagnosed as having chronic prostatitis using the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Index and analysis of expressed prostatic secretions. The survey was designed to elicit information about age, height, weight, occupation and history of disease and treatment. The erectile capacity of the men was assessed using the five-question version of the International Index of Erectile Function. RESULTS Of the 2000 men with chronic prostatitis selected, 1786 completed the survey; the overall prevalence of sexual dysfunction in these patients was 49%. The prevalence of premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction accounted for 26% and 15%, respectively; 7.7% had both premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction. There was a negative correlation between prevalence and age, and with the duration of chronic prostatitis (both P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence rate of sexual dysfunction in Chinese men with chronic prostatitis is high and related to age.