Objectives: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are associated with sexual dysfunction; however, these can vary by population. Thus, the prevalence, severity, and predisposing factors for sexual dysfunction in Taiwanese men (> 40 y) who visited a urologic clinic for LUTS was determined.
Methods: During 2005 and 2006, a prospective survey was carried out which included 412 men with LUTS. Demographic data were collected during face-to-face interviews. Sexual dysfunction and LUTS were evaluated using the Danish Prostatic Symptom Score (DAN-PSS) and the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire, respectively.
Results: Mild, moderate, and severe LUTS were observed in 25.61%, 47.80%, and 26.59% of the patients, respectively. Reduced or absence of erection, reduced or no ejaculation, and pain upon ejaculation were found in 78.29%, 76.59%, and 6.11% of the patients, respectively. However, only 26.9%, 22.1%, and 4.4% of patients with erectile dysfunction (ED), ejaculatory dysfunction, and pain upon ejaculation were bothered by the sexual dysfunction, respectively. Age was significantly associated with ED, ejaculatory dysfunction (EjD), and pain with ejaculation (p < 0.001). The prevalence of sexual dysfunction increased with the severity of LUTS but was not significantly different. Patients with diabetes were 5.96 times more likely to have sexual dysfunction (95% CI = 1.39 to 25.60; p = 0.017).
Conclusions: Over 70% of LUTS patients in this study suffered from sexual dysfunction. Although age and diabetes were associated with sexual dysfunction, LUTS severity was not.