Ejaculatory Dysfunction in the Treatment of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

The review article examined the link between treatments for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and the risk of ejaculatory dysfunction (EjD). It was found that both medical and surgical treatments for LUTS often increased the risk of EjD. Specifically, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) resulted in EjD in 65% of patients. Medical treatments, such as alpha blockers and 5-α reductase inhibitors, also contributed to EjD, with alpha blockers frequently causing anejaculation. The article stressed the importance of patient counseling about these risks and noted that while less invasive therapies might preserve ejaculatory function, they could be less effective in alleviating LUTS. The pathophysiology of EjD was associated with endothelial dysfunction and autonomic hyperactivity.