Correlation between the severity of erectile dysfunction and prostate size in patients with benign prostatic enlargement

Background Erectile dysfunction (ED) is persistent inability to achieve and maintain an erection for sufficient satisfactory intercourse. Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are defined as a constellation of storage, voiding and post-micturition symptoms following bladder outlet obstruction. Preservation of sexual function remains an important component of quality of life and should be considered in the management of patients with benign prostatic enlargement (BPE), and many data report evidence of a link between ED and BPE. This study aimed to evaluate the link between ED, size of the prostate and symptom in patients with BPE. Methods By simple random sampling, patients who presented at the Urology Clinic of the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, with BPE were assessed for the presence of ED. Three questionnaires (a proforma, the IIEF-5 and the IPSS) were administered to all the patients that met the inclusion criteria to objectively assess ED and LUTS due to BPE without bias. Data obtained were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20.0. P value of less than 0.05 shall be considered statistically significant. Results One hundred and seventeen male patients with BPE were enrolled for the study. Ninety patients (76.9%) had ED while twenty-seven patients (23.1%) had no ED. Mean age of patients with severe ED was 64.00 years +/- 7.07 while the mean age of patients with moderate ED was 64.13 years +/- 7.26. Mean age of patients with mild to moderate ED, mild ED and no ED was 64.62 years, 59.90 years and 57.96 years, respectively. Patients with severe ED had the highest mean prostate volume of 122.95 cm(3) +/- 40.16. Mean prostate volume of 85.24 cm(3) +/- 40.23 was noted in patients who had moderate ED while a mean prostate volume of 76.42 cm(3) +/- 26.45 and 60.35 cm(3) +/- 21.39 was noted in patients with mild to moderate ED and mild ED, respectively. Patients with no ED had a mean prostate volume of 49.75 cm(3) +/- 15.55. P value (0.001) was significant. Conclusion This study shows that erectile function has a direct relationship with prostate size. There was a positive correlation between ED and prostate size. Adopting a holistic approach in the management of ED and BPE will have laudable impact on patients' performance.