title: [Benign prostatic hyperplasia and erectile dysfunction: an update].
abstract: Epidemiological studies have confirmed that benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and erectile dysfunction (ED) are correlated, independent of age or comorbidities as diabetes. Although researchers have not yet established a direct causal relationship between the two problems, several pathophysiological factors may serve to explain it, which include the alteration in nitric oxide bioavailability, increased autonomic activity, a1-adrenergic receptor hyperactivity, imbalance of RhoA/Rho-kinase, and metabolic syndrome X. Men seeking care for BPH should always be screened for sexual function and complaints of ED. PDE5 inhibitors show promise as a future treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to BPH. Further investigation is required for future therapies and possible preventative strategies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Andrology, Mianyang Central Hospital, Mianyang, Sichuan 821000, China. fanyu68@yahoo.com.cn
authors.forename: Yu
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Fan
mesh_terms: D015984:Causality; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011470:Prostatic Hyperplasia