title: Observational multicentric trial performed with doxazosin: evaluation of sexual effects on patients with diagnosed benign prostatic hyperplasia.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of our study is to verify the effects of doxazosin on sexual function in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
  
  
  METHODS
  We enrolled 102 patients with BPH, selected by nine Italian Urology Departments. Patients were evaluated with the International Prostatic Symptom Score (I-PSS) and divided into two groups: those with intact sexual activity and those with erectile dysfunction. According to the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), the second cohort was divided into three subgroups on the basis of the degree of erectile dysfunction degree (severe, moderate or mild). All patients underwent 3 months of therapy with doxazosin. The effects of doxazosin on sexual activity and on voiding symptoms were monitored at 1, 2 and 3 months with IIEF and I-PSS scales.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eighty-six of the 102 initial patients (84%) were monitored until follow-up was completed. The follow-up at 1 month showed a significant decrease in the I-PSS (p < 0.0001) from 20.2 +/- 2.01 (base visit) to 13.1 +/- 2.21. The mean IIEF was 19.24 +/- 6.59 at baseline and 1 month later the score reached 21.44 +/- 5.40, thus showing a statistically significant increase (p = 0.0177). This is more evident in the group presenting with severe to moderate erectile dysfunction. I-PSS and IIEF do not significantly change at the 2- and 3-month follow-ups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of doxazosin improved sexual function in patients with BPH.
authors.affiliation: Urology Department of University of Genoa, Italy. aldoderose@smartino.ge.it
authors.forename: Aldo Franco
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: De Rose
authors.forename: Giorgio
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Carmignani
authors.forename: Carlo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Corbu
authors.forename: Matteo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Giglio
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Traverso
authors.forename: Angelo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Naselli
authors.forename: Emanuele
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Belgrano
authors.forename: Costanzo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Catuogno
authors.forename: Dario
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Fontana
authors.forename: Armando
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Maver
authors.forename: Vincenzo
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Mirone
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Muzzonigro
authors.forename: Daniele
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Di Trapani
authors.forename: Fabio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bonini
mesh_terms: D000317:Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D017292:Doxazosin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010410:Penile Erection / Q000187:drug effects*; D011470:Prostatic Hyperplasia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000317:Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists; D017292:Doxazosin