Primary investigation of negative impact on sexual function in patients with chronic prostatitis.

BACKGROUND

Chronic pain conditions can have a pronounced negative impact on sexual function. Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS), in particular, can cause severe pelvic pain, which can interfere with numerous functions such as urination, sexuality, and overall quality of life. This study aims to determine the impact of CP/CPPS on sexual function and its association with the patient's symptom burden, the full version of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and Sexual Function Index (SFI) questionnaires and the UPOINT(S) classification.

METHODS

174 patients with CP/CPPS and predominantly type IIIB prostatitis (87.4%) were prospectively enrolled and received a comprehensive andrological work-up. In addition to laboratory chemical analyses, microbiological processing and semen analysis, a detailed assessment of sexual function and symptom burden was carried out using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI), IIEF and SFI questionnaires.

RESULTS

The NIH-CPSI total score showed a moderate symptom burden with a median of 28 points, while the median IIEF score of 26 points was within the normal range, and the SFI score of 28 points indicated slightly impaired sexual function. In addition, 62.6% of the subjects showed an affected sexual domain in the UPOINT(S) classification. Univariate analysis revealed a significant association (p< 0.05) between IIEF scores and (i) CPSI total score, (ii) the SFI score, (iii) the number of affected UPOINT(S) domains - particularly (iv) the sexual domain (S), and (v) marital status. Multivariate analysis revealed significant associations between IIEF scores and (i) the SFI score, (ii) the UPOINTS total score and (iii) the UPOINTS sexual domain. However, the results of microbiology and inflammatory seminal parameters showed no association with items of sexual function in respective questionnaires.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of sexual problems was high in CP/CPPS patients in our cohort and it was shown a statistically significant association with (i) the IIEF scores, (ii) the SFI score, (iii) and the NIH-CPSI total score, so routine assessment of sexual function in patients with CP/CPPS seems reasonable.