The Effect of Transurethral Resection of the Prostate on Erectile Function in Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) on erectile function. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 108 patients treated with TURP were retrospectively evaluated. All patients were evaluated 1, 3, and 6 months after TURP by use of the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), peak urinary flow rate (Qmax), and post-void residual urine (PVR). RESULTS: One and 3 months after TURP, the erectile function domain score of the IIEF was significantly decreased. However, after 6 months, there was no longer a significant decrease in the erectile function domain score. The change in erectile function was compared with the IPSS score. There was no statistically significant correlation, but patients who had better voiding symptoms after TURP had improved erectile function. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that there was a significant decrease in erectile function for 3 months after TURP. However, no significant change in erectile function was observed 6 months after TURP.