Prostate and sexuality: An overview

Objective: Diseases of the prostate, prostatitis, prostatodynia, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and carcinoma of the prostate interfere with sexual function. Since the American Urological Association have issued their position statement in 1990 that male sexual dysfunction is a recognized disease entity, studies examined the interrelation between sexuality and the prostate. These studies were identified in our review. Method: A computer- and hand-based search of the literature was conducted with the key words health-related quality of life, sexual function and the various disease states of the prostate, the drawback being that validated quality-oflife instruments have just recently and mostly nationally been validated. Results: Sexual function is a dimension of quality-of-life questionnaires with 1 up to 11 questions addressing sexuality. The effect of aging on male sexuality as determined in Sweden serves as an important background information. Whereas prostadynia and sexuai dysfunction aggravate each other, BPH and its treatment influence only certain sexual functions, Carcinoma of the prostate, untreated or under observation, has the greatest impact on sexuality which is tolerated differently from country to country and depends upon the expectation of survival. Conclusion: The impact of treatment of prostatic diseases on sexuality can now be studied easier in utilizing validated questionnaires. This update may serve as a base for these upcoming studies.