Observational multicentric trial performed with doxazosin: evaluation of sexual effects on patients with diagnosed benign prostatic hyperplasia.
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.
De Rose
Aldo Franco
AF
Urology Department of University of Genoa, Italy. aldoderose@smartino.ge.it
Carmignani
Giorgio
G
Corbu
Carlo
C
Giglio
Matteo
M
Traverso
Paolo
P
Naselli
Angelo
A
Belgrano
Emanuele
E
Catuogno
Costanzo
C
Fontana
Dario
D
Maver
Armando
A
Mirone
Vincenzo
V
Muzzonigro
Giovanni
G
Di Trapani
Daniele
D
Bonini
Fabio
F
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
D000317:Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists; D017292:Doxazosin