OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to estimate the quality of life (QoL) difference between mild and moderate-to-severe erectile dysfunction (ED) in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients, and to explore the impact factors of ED prevalence in BPH patients.

METHODS

During Oct 2018 and Mar 2019, we enrolled 650 patients aged 45 to 65 years and diagnosed as BPH by urologist in 9 cities in China. The assessment of ED and severity of BPH was based on the abbreviated five-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) and the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), respectively. EuroQol questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L) was used as a measurement of health-related QoL. All the aforementioned information as well as demographics, lifestyle, comorbidities and medication use were collected through an electronic questionnaire. Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis were conducted to determine the impact factors of ED prevalence and its severity among BPH patients.

RESULTS

A total of 607 BPH patients (588 comorbid with ED, 382 with mild ED and 206 with moderate-to-severe ED) were included in the analysis. The mean age was 55.9±5.5 and 57.7±5.0 years in mild ED and moderate-to-severe ED group, respectively. The EQ-5D-5L index score was significantly lower in moderate-to-severe ED group compared with mild ED (0.866±0.106 vs. 0.920±0.085, p＜0.001). Age and IPSS were significantly positively associated with ED prevalence (ED vs. no ED) among BPH patients and ED severity (mild vs. moderate-to-severe). Household income and exercise frequency were negatively associated with ED severity.

CONCLUSIONS

Worse QoL was associated with moderate-to-severe ED among BPH patients.In elder and severer BPH patients, it’s essential to pay more attention to the onset and severity of ED.