title: [Evaluation of sexuality and erectile function of candidates for radical prostatectomy].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate sexuality and erectile function of candidates for radical prostatectomy in order to assess the place of nerve-sparing surgery in the preoperative discussion.
  
  
  METHODS
  From June 2004 to January 2005, 75 consecutive patients, candidates for radical prostatectomy, were prospectively evaluated. Their erectile function and sexuality were evaluated after announcing the diagnosis. Patients completed the IIEF (International Index of Erectile Function), EQS (Erection Quality Scale) and the sexual satisfaction score (SSS). The mean age of the patients was 65 years and 50% were younger than 65.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Erectile dysfunction according to the IIEF-5 scale was observed in 64% of cases (43% of patients younger than 65 and 84% of patients over 65). Erectile dysfunction was considered to be severe in 5% of young patients versus 34% of patients over 65. The majority of patients (69%) had a sexual activity more than twice a month. Only 31% of patients under 65 and 8% of older patients considered their erections to be very satisfactory according to the EQS. Despite this high frequency of erectile dysfunction in men over the age of 65, sexual satisfaction was not influenced by erectile dysfunction. In contrast, patients younger than 65, erectile dysfunction clearly altered the SST sexual satisfaction score.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Erectile dysfunction was present in a large proportion of candidates for radical prostatectomy. The presence of erectile dysfunction in patients over the age of 65 did not modify their sexual satisfaction score. A detailed clinical interview concerning sexuality should be conducted to select patients likely to benefit from nerve-sparing surgery. Nerve-sparing surgery would be beneficial in young patients in whom sexual satisfaction is dependent on erectile function. In the older men, erectile dysfunction can be present without affecting sexual satisfaction.
authors.affiliation: Service d'Urologie, Hôpital Foch, Suresnes, France. j.long@libertysurf.fr
authors.forename: Jean-Alexandre
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Long
authors.forename: Thierry
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lebret
authors.forename: François
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Saporta
authors.forename: Jean-Marie
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Hervé
authors.forename: Pierre-Marie
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Lugagne
authors.forename: Jean-Eudes
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Poulain
authors.forename: Laurent
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Yonneau
authors.forename: Guillaume
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Loison
authors.forename: Jean-Luc
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Orsoni
authors.forename: Henry
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Botto
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010410:Penile Erection; D011300:Preoperative Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011468:Prostatectomy; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D019529:Sexuality; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires