AB40. Sexual side effects of medical treatment of BPH

The medical and surgical management of BPH/LUTS can affect erectile function (EF), cause ejaculatory dysfunction (EjD) or affect libido. Five alpha reductase inhibitors, such as finasteride and dutasteride have good efficacy for benign prostatic hyperplasia, however they have also sexual side effects including loss of libido, erectile dysfunction and decreased ejaculatory volume. Also, alpha adrenergic blockers are well known and standard medical treatment options for BPH/LUTS, and in spite of their high efficacy and low adverse effects, retrograde and diminished ejaculation are potential sexual side effects. Although the prevalence of five alpha reductase inhibitors and alpha adrenergic blockers are not high, their impact on the patients’ quality of life must be regarded as important as their efficacy for BPH/LUTS. This lecture will review the effects of these therapies on sexual function.