Correlation of Ultrasonically Determined Bladder Wall Thickness and Prostatic Calcification With the Urinary, Psychosocial Dysfunction, Organ Specific, Infection and Neurological/Systemic Symptoms, and Tenderness Scoring System.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate ultrasonically determined bladder wall thickness (BWT) and prostatic calcification presence, in men with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS), and to correlate the findings with patient characteristics and the urinary, psychosocial dysfunction, organ specific, infection and neurological/systemic symptoms, and tenderness (UPOINT) classification system. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between January 2008 and December 2017, data of 1294 patients diagnosed with chronic prostatitis, in a single urology clinic, meeting a number of selective inclusion/exclusion criteria, were retrospectively analyzed. Patients, compliant to fill out all requested questionnaires, between the ages of 21-65 years were included to the study. Exclusion criteria were noncompliance of filling out required questionnaires, acute and/or chronic bacterial prostatitis, history of genitourinary cancer, history of recent prostate surgery, and diagnosis of neurological diseases affecting the bladder. RESULTS: The median patient age and UPOINT subdomain was determined as 37 (IQR = 13, range 21-65) and 2 (IQR = 1, range 0-5), respectively. Median values for BWT, National Institute of Health-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI), and International Index of Erectile Function were 3 (IQR = 1, range 2-6, 7), 4 (IQR = 6, range 1-23), and 25 (IQR = 10, range 1-30), respectively. The presence of calcification demonstrated a significant association with total NIH-CPSI score and BWT, whereas its relation with age and total UPOINT score was insignificant. However in contrast to calcification status, BWT ≥3.3 showed a strong and statistically significant relation to all the described measurements. CONCLUSION: Measurement of BWT can be used as an accessible and objective method for the diagnose of CP/CPPS according to UPOINT scoring system.

The burden of prostatic calculi is more important than the presence.

Prostatic calculi are a common finding on transrectal prostate ultrasound. However, it remains unclear whether they are significantly associated with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Our objective was to evaluate the association between prostatic calculi and LUTS with a focus on "calculi burden" because no studies have investigated prostatic calculi using "calculi burden" as an indicator. A total of 606 participants who received transrectal prostate ultrasound were divided into two groups according to the presence of prostatic calculi. "Calculi burden" was defined as the sum of the transverse diameters of all visible calculi within the prostate. The International Prostatic Symptom Score (IPSS) and a quality of life (QoL) score were collected. Both groups were compared, and a multivariate analysis was performed to predict moderate/severe LUTS. Linear correlation was evaluated between calculi burden and IPSS in the calculi group. No differences in total IPSS, voiding IPSS, or QoL score were detected between the two groups, but storage IPSS was significantly higher in the calculi group than that of controls. The multivariate analysis showed that the presence of prostatic calculi was not an independent predictor of moderate/severe LUTS. A positive linear correlation was detected between calculi burden and storage IPSS in calculi group (r = 0.148). However, no correlation was found between calculi burden and total IPSS, voiding IPSS, or QoL score. Our results showed that the presence of prostatic calculi was not a significant factor predicting moderate/severe LUTS. However, an increased calculi burden may be associated with aggravating storage symptoms.

[Results of a multicenter non-interventional study on the efficacy and safety of NeyroDoz complex for sexual dysfunction in men].

The article presents the results of a multi-center observational study carried out in 2014-2015 comprising 630 male patients from 23 Russian health care institutions. The study aimed to accumulate epidemiological data on sexual dysfunction in men and test the efficacy and safety of biologically active complex NeyroDoz. Data for the study were collected using questionnaires. The study findings showed a high prevalence of premature ejaculation (PE) in 38.2% of patients with chronic prostatitis (CP) and in 33.25% of patients with erectile dysfunction (ED). The data were analyzed for the total study population (n=630) and separately for three groups of patients selected according to the presence of PE (n=582), orgasmic disorders without PE (n=17) and increased anxiety related to urological diseases without PE (n=31). In all patients of the study, NeyroDoz intake produced a statistically significant increase in the intensity of orgasm from 5,0+/-2,2 to 7,6+/-1,8 points, duration of sexual intercourse from 3,3+/-5,4 to 6,5+/-4,8 min, and satisfaction with sexual intercourse from 1,4+/-0,7 to 3,1+/-1,1 points. In 81% of PE patients the duration of penetration phase of sexual intercourse increased by 50% of the baseline values. The intensity of orgasm increased on average by 60% and 75% in men with PE and orgasm disorders without PE, respectively. Reduction of psycho-emotional burden was observed in 90% of patients with anxiety and depression. The dietary supplement NeyroDoz showed clinical efficacy and safety in the combined treatment of sexual dysfunction in men.

The prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms in a Chinese population, and the correlation with uroflowmetry and disease perception.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in a population of Chinese men, and its correlation with uroflowmetry and disease perception. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male volunteers above 40-year old were recruited in the community. Assessment with International Prostatic Symptom Score (IPSS), uroflowmetry, and a quiz on prostatic disease knowledge with 12 true-false-type questions were performed. Correlation of IPSS with uroflowmetry results and prostatic disease knowledge was analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 319 men were recruited for the study, with a mean age of 62 ± 8 years. About 69.3 % of them had moderate-to-severe symptoms on IPSS. A statistically significant correlation was found between IPSS and Q max (r = -0.260, p < 0.001), IPSS and quality of life (r = -0.172, p = 0.002), and IPSS and post-void residuals (r = 0.223, p < 0.001). About 53.0 % of subjects had less than 4 correct answers for the 12 true-false questions. Negative correlation was noted between the number of correct answers and IPSS (r = -0.185, p = 0001). In other words, for the better knowledge on prostatic diseases, the lower IPSS was found. CONCLUSIONS: In a cohort of community-dwelling Chinese men, a significant portion of the population had moderate-to-severe LUTS. While uroflowmetry parameters were found to correlate with IPSS, the degree of knowledge on prostatic diseases also shared a statistically significant correlation with IPSS. This has an implication on the role of urological health education in the future.

Pure bipolar plasma vaporization of the prostate: the Zürich experience.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Bipolar plasma vaporization (BPV) has been introduced as an alternative to transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Promising short-term results, but inferior mid-term results compared to TURP have been reported following first-generation bipolar electrovaporization. Outcome data following second-generation BPV are still scarce. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the intra- and postoperative outcomes of contemporary BPV in a center with long-standing expertise on laser vaporization of the prostate. METHODS: A consecutive series of 83 patients undergoing BPV in a tertiary referral center was prospectively evaluated. The investigated outcome parameters included the maximum flow rate (Qmax), postvoid residual volume, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS)/quality of life (Qol), and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests. Follow-up investigations took place after 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare pre- and post-treatment parameters. RESULTS: The median (range) preoperative prostate volume was 41 mL (17-111 mL). The preoperative IPSS, Qol, Qmax, and residual volume were 16 (2-35), 4 (0-6), 10.1 mL/s (3-29.3 mL/s), and 87 mL (0-1000 mL), respectively. One third of the patients were undergoing platelet aggregation inhibition (PAI). No intraoperative complications occurred. Postoperatively, 13 patients (15.7%) had to be recatheterized. Three patients (3.6%) had clot retention and 28 patients (34%) reported any grade of dysuria. After 6 weeks, all outcome parameters improved significantly and remained improved over the 12-month observation period [IPSS: 3 (0-2); Qol: 1 (0-4); Qmax: 17.2 mL/s (3.2-56 mL/s); residual volume 11 mL (0-190 mL)]. The PSA reduction was 60% at study conclusion. Three patients (3.6%) developed a urethral stricture and four patients (4.8%) bladder neck sclerosis. Re-resections were not necessary. CONCLUSIONS: Contemporary BPV is a safe and efficacious treatment option even for patients undergoing PAI. Early urinary retention and temporary dysuria seem to be specific side effects of the treatment. Bleeding complications are rare. Long-term follow-up is needed to confirm these promising short-term results.

Male reproductive health disorders among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men: a hidden problem?

OBJECTIVE: To better understand help-seeking behaviours and reproductive health disorders among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A cross-sectional mixed-methods study conducted from 1 May 2004 to 30 April 2005 of 293 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men aged 18 years and over from urban, rural and remote communities in the Northern Territory and Queensland. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Subscale of the International Index of Erectile Function, self-reported help-seeking behaviours for erectile dysfunction (ED) and prostate disease, thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews and focus groups. RESULTS: The prevalence of moderate-to-severe ED increased across age groups, from about 10% in younger men (under 35 years) to 28% in men aged 55-74 years. Moderate-to-severe ED was strongly associated with reporting a chronic condition (odds ratio [OR], 3.67) and residing in a remote area (OR, 2.94). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men aged 40-59 years showed similar low levels of help-seeking behaviours compared with non-Indigenous men from a comparable population-based study. About half of the men with ED saw a doctor or received treatment for ED in each population. While prostate cancer rates were low in both studies, testing for prostate problems was less frequent in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men (11.4%) than in non-Indigenous men (34.1%, P < 0.001), despite similar levels of concern about prostate cancer. Barriers to help-seeking included shame, culturally inappropriate services and lack of awareness. CONCLUSION: This study, the first to investigate reproductive health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, found low levels of help-seeking behaviours for reproductive health disorders, with implications for missing a predictor of chronic disease and late diagnosis of prostate disease.

[Comparison of self-estimation of disuric disorders gauged IPSS scale and qualities of lives QoL with self-estimation of sexual life gauged by IIEF-5 scale]. / Porównanie samooceny dolegliwosci dysurycznych mierzonych przy uzyciu skali IPSS i jakosci zycia QoL z samoocena zycia plciowego mierzonego skala IIEF-5.

Evaluation of men with a point scale is a simple method that can be used both in primary care and specialist in-patient treatment. Although its use is not widespread. International scoring system for evaluation of symptoms of the prostate is common in Poland (IPSS). Responses to the questionnaire are the basis of IPSS scale. Quality of life form (QoL) is in addition to the scale of IPSS. It defines subjective assessment of patient well-being in case of symptoms of lower urinary tract at the same level as at the time of the study. 5-point questionnaire IIEF-5 has been used in Poland since 1999 to assess men's sexual life. The aim of the study is to compare the assessment of disuric disorders measured using the International Prostate System Score (IPSS) and Quality of Life scale versus scale of men's sexual self-esteem IIEF-5 in men at the age of 50-70. The study included 1746 randomly selected residents of the district Cracow-Downtown, at the age of 50-70. Medical interview was carried out (including complaints of lower urinary tract symptoms (IPSS), quality of life (QoL) and sexual dysfunction (IIEF-5); physical examination with assessment of individual systems with particular emphasis on genitourinary system, physical examination of the prostate (DRE), PSA level in total and free fractions, a biopsy of the prostate under ultrasound control if necessary. For the analysis qualified 1746 men. The men were divided into groups called groups of disease: a suspicion of prostate cancer, can not rule out prostate cancer, prostate cancer confirmed, probable benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), no lesions. The largest was the group with probable benign prostatic hyperplasia 64.89% of the total respondents, followed by a group of men without lesions, 26.29%, a group of probable prostate cancer was 6.41% of the respondents, a group with whom you can not rule out prostate cancer was 1.89%, the smallest was the group with confirmed prostate cancer, 0.52% of all male respondents. The age groups were: 498 respondents aged 50-54 years and 391 aged 55-59, 397 aged 60-64 and 460 aged 65-70. Mean age was 59.24 years. Ppicked up data were processed and analized by STATA- 5,0. Differences between groups relative to answers for the questions of scales: IPSS, QoL and IIEEF5 questionnaire were analized by Mann-Whitney, Kruskal- Wallis, Scheffe's and chi2 tests. Homogeneity of the IPSS were analised by a Cronbach coefficient test. Accordance of each questions of the scale to whole scale were analised by correlation and line regression tests. Based on the analysis of the total scale score by IPSS and QoL scale and quality of life questionnaire IIEF-5 showed that in the process of aging in the population more frequently in older than in younger men, there are complaints from the urinary tract and deteriorating quality of life of self-esteem and quality of life of sexual self-esteem. After analyzing the result of scale: IPSS, QoL, and IIEF-5 in the disease groups, it was found that the total score of IPSS differentiates men in the group with probable benign prostatic hyperplasia, from a group of men without lesions and men with suspected prostate cancer. Statistically significant reduction in quality of life (QoL) in patients with confirmed prostate cancer and in the group with probable benign prostatic hyperplasia compared with men without lesions. The highest self-esteem sex life (IIEF-5) was found in men without lesions and the lowest in the group with known prostate cancer. The scale of quality of life (QoL) was significantly positively correlated with the results of IPSS scale, as well as with each of its questions. Deterioration in the quality of life occurred as a crescendo pain of lower respiratory tract. With the increase in the incidence and severity of each symptom on a scale IPSS worsening of self-esteem was examined using a scale IIEF-5. U of men with the deterioration of the quality of life measured by the scale of QoL, worsening their sexual self-esteem scale IIEF-5. In the process of aging are growing complaints from the lower urinary tract, self-esteem deteriorates the quality of life, including sexual life, which is especially marked in men with enlarged prostate. The scale of quality of life (QoL) is significantly positively correlated with the results of IPSS scale. With the increase in the incidence and severity of symptoms on a scale IPSS had decreased self-test using the IIEF-5 scale. The deterioration of quality of life measured with QoL was associated with decreased sexual self-esteem scale IIEF-5.

Reliability and validity of the King's Health Questionnaire for lower urinary tract symptoms in both genders.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the reliability and validity of the King's Health Questionnaire (KHQ) in both genders, which was originally developed as a health-related quality of life (HRQoL) questionnaire for female urinary incontinence for general lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Data from the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and KHQ obtained from 179 men and 75 women consulting urologists (Sample A) were analysed. Cronbach's alpha coefficient and inter-domain correlation were calculated for reliability and validity assessment, respectively. Factor analysis was used to explore the underlying factor structure of the KHQ. KHQ scores of sample A were compared with those of 330 men and 418 women consulting general practitioners (Sample B). RESULTS: Internal consistency of KHQ was acceptable with a Crohnbach's alpha of 0.721-0.915 in the total population of sample A. Correlation analysis showed convergent validity among 'Physical Limitations', 'Role Limitation' and 'Social Limitations' and discriminant validity among 'Personal Relationship', 'Emotion's and 'Sleep/Energy'. Factor analysis showed three underlying components to explain convergent and discriminant validity. In both sample A and sample B, HRQoL was impaired in the eight domains according to IPSS severity. KHQ scores of domains other than 'General Health Perception' in sample B were lower than those in sample A. CONCLUSION: The KHQ can be used as a HRQoL questionnaire for LUTS in both genders. In the future, it is expected that the KHQ could be used in clinical studies for benign prostate hyperplasia and other conditions.

Dropout in a longitudinal, cohort study of urologic disease in community men.

BACKGROUND: Reasons for attrition in studies vary, but may be a major concern in long-term studies if those who drop out differ systematically from those who continue to participate. Factors associated with dropout were evaluated in a twelve-year community-based, prospective cohort study of urologic disease in men. METHODS: During 1989-1991, 2,115 randomly selected Caucasian men, ages 40-79 years from Olmsted County, Minnesota were enrolled and followed with questionnaires biennially; 332 men were added in follow-up. A random subset (approximately 25%) received a urologic examination. Baseline characteristics including age, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms, comorbidities, and socioeconomic factors were compared between subjects who did and did not participate after the twelfth year of follow-up. RESULTS: Of the 2,447 men, 195 died and were excluded; 682 did not participate in 2002. Compared with men in the 40-49 year age group, men > or = 70 years of age at baseline had a greater relative odds of dropout, 2.65 (95% CI: 1.93, 3.63). In age-adjusted analyses, relative to men without stroke, men who had suffered a stroke had a higher odds of dropout, age-adjusted OR 3.07 (95% CI: 1.49, 6.33). Presence of at least one BPH symptom was not associated with dropout, (age-adjusted OR 1.12 (95% CI: 0.93, 1.36)). CONCLUSION: These results provide assurance that dropout was not related to primary study outcomes. However, factors associated with dropout should be taken into account in analyses where they may be potential confounders.

Comparison of voiding parameters in men and women with lower urinary tract symptoms.

AIM: The aim of this study was to compare voiding parameters by using urodynamic investigations in men and women with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). METHODS: A total of 164 individuals (76 men and 88 women) completed the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and underwent a detailed urodynamic investigation. Patients were stratified by voiding function, which included bladder voiding efficiency (BVE) of < 80% and of >or= 80%. RESULTS: IPSSs were similar in the men and women except for voiding symptoms for those with a BVE of >or= 80% (12 for men vs. 9 for women, P=0.016). When voiding parameters were compared according to BVE in men and women, respectively, maximum flow rate (Q(max)) (P=0.002), average flow rate (Q(ave)) (P=0.003), voided volume (P=0.037), post-void residual (PVR) (P<0.001), and bladder outlet obstruction index (P=0.016) were different for men with a BVE of < 80% and men with a BVE of >or= 80%. However, for women with a BVE of < 80% or >or= 80%, PVR (P<0.001), detrusor pressure at maximum flow rate (P=0.022), and opening detrusor pressure (P=0.024) were different. CONCLUSIONS: The voiding parameters of women differ from those of men according to voiding function. The present results show that a pressure-flow study may represent a difference according to BVE in women as well as in men. Our findings suggest that opening detrusor pressure in women reflects the urethral and detrusor during voiding phase accurately as detrusor pressure at maximum flow rate does.

[Prophylaxis of prostate diseases]. / Profilaktyka chorób gruczolu krokowego.

According to the WHO, what second man after fortieth year of life, which, suffers on disorder of prostate gland fifth can hear once "my the mister of cancer of prostate". The cancer of prostate gland is this second, after cancer of skin, the most often recognizable tumor at men, and second, after cancer of lungs the most often bringing to death. It is the purpose of article the performance of preventive workings inhibitory the excess of prostate gland, as well as reducing the risk of falling ill on neoplasm disease of prostate gland.

Maori men's perceptions and experiences of health seeking for prostate health problems in New Zealand.

To discover Maori men's perceptions and experiences of health seeking for prostate health problems. A qualitative research design was sued with semi-structured interviews being the primary data source. From January 2000 to February 2002 a total of 357 Maori men were recruited into the Wellington Region Community Prostate Study, Wellington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, New Zealand. 20 men were interviewed in total, including 16 who were symptomatic of prostate disease and four who were non-symptomatic. A number of barriers were described for not seeking prostate health care, and the majority of these were related to the health system not dealing appropriately with cultural issues. Additionally, a lack of prostate knowledge, due to unavailability of appropriate information and societal pressure of being male, were implicated. Solutions offered by participants were also largely culturally related, for example, whanau (family), te reo Maori (Maori language), rongoa (traditional Maori medicine) and more Maori health professionals. Results re-affirm the need for attention to be paid to the establishment of culturally safe health care and access to appropriate prostate health information. Findings could have implications beyond prostate disease and New Zealand, to countries with indigenous populations who share similar health experiences to Maori.

A randomized controlled trial of fluvoxamine in prostatodynia, a male somatoform pain disorder.

BACKGROUND: Prostatodynia is a common and often disabling condition that affects males and has the characteristics of a somatoform pain disorder. It presents with urogenital pain and urinary symptoms. Failure of conventional treatment and a successful uncontrolled pilot study with fluvoxamine in this condition prompted this study. METHOD: In a randomized double-blind trial, 42 patients with prostatodynia were assigned to receive either fluvoxamine (N = 21) or placebo (N = 21) for up to 8 weeks. Doses were adjusted according to therapeutic need. The median dose of fluvoxamine was 150 mg (range, 50-300 mg). Self-rated pain scores, urinary flow rates, and depression and anxiety scores were measured at baseline and several times throughout the study period. RESULTS: The groups were similar at baseline, and the results were examined by intent-to-treat analysis either using the last observation carried forward or, in the case of dichotomous measures, counting treatment dropouts as treatment failures. Fluvoxamine was significantly more likely to reduce pain intensity (p = .01) and normalize urinary flow rates (p = .03) with a clinically significant number needed to treat value of 1.5 (confidence interval = 1.12 to 5.50). This therapeutic effect could not be attributed to change in mood, as the 2 groups did not differ with respect to affective ratings at the end of the study. The fluvoxamine-treated group had significantly lower (p = .02) final scores on the General Health Questionnaire, indicating an overall benefit from pain relief. CONCLUSION: Fluvoxamine is a viable treatment for prostatodynia. Dose-ranging studies and longer trials are needed to evaluate this agent further.

Knowledge and opinion on prostate and prevalence of self-reported BPH and prostate-related events. A cross-sectional survey in Italy.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a very common condition in ageing men and causes considerable morbidity. Although great strides have been made recently, important issues remain under-researched and poorly understood. We have conducted a survey on a representative sample of Italian males to investigate the knowledge and opinion on prostate, to estimate the self-reported prevalence and intensity of BPH and LUTS (low urinary tract symptoms) and to evaluate the performance of the International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS) in a population-based sample. Trained interviewers administered a standardized questionnaire to a representative random sample of 671 Italian men aged 50 years and over, between May and June 2000. Univariate and multivariate statistical techniques were used to estimate the prevalence of relevant events, and the associations with selected variables. Only half of responders were able to identify the reason for prostate enlargement, less than one-third recently had spoken with a doctor, and only 8.6% had had a rectal examination. Further, 13.7% (95% confidence interval (CI) 11.1-16.3%) had ever been told they had BPH, with less than half of them receiving surgery for BPH. About 19% reported moderate-severe I-PSS. Both self-reported BPH and severe-moderate LUTS increased significantly with age ( -value <0.01). As to the I-PSS performance, we documented in a community-based sample that it is reliable and valid. Results of the multivariate analysis suggest that, in addition to age, a person's knowledge that they have BPH and a poor perception of health status are the main variables associated with the probability of moderate-severe LUTS. In conclusion, this community-based survey documents that Italian males have a poor knowledge and perception of prostate-related conditions and do not adequately care about them and, thus, do not seek medical attention. These facts notwithstanding, urological conditions such as BPH are common and may largely affect an individual's life. Our findings might help in the design and implementation of effective interventions to improve people's knowledge and understanding of prostate and change their attitudes towards medical care.

Increased patient satisfaction from transrectal ultrasonography and biopsy under sedation.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the acceptability and patient satisfaction of transrectal biopsy undertaken with the patient under sedation. Patients and methods A retrospective questionnaire was sent to 100 patients who had undergone transrectal biopsy between January and August 1998. Levels of patient acceptability and satisfaction were assessed using visual analogue scales (VAS, with a maximum score of 10 being the least satisfactory or acceptable) and direct questions about the side-effects of the procedure. A subsequent prospective study was undertaken on 130 patients undergoing transrectal biopsy with sedation between January 1999 and January 2000. RESULTS: The mean score for patient discomfort with sedation was 1.5, compared with 3.5 with no sedation. The overall satisfaction score improved from 3.1 to 0.9 with sedation. Complication rates were comparable, although slightly higher overall in the prospective group. Conclusion Sedation can significantly reduce patient discomfort and make the transrectal biopsy a more satisfactory experience for the patient. This is particularly important in the proportion of men who need to be considered for repeat biopsies.

Prostate disease.

This article discusses prostate disease and outlines the role of the nurse in the assessment and treatment of patients with prostate symptoms.

Prostate and sexuality: An overview.

OBJECTIVE: Diseases of the prostate, prostatitis, prostatodynia, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and carcinoma of the prostate interfere with sexual function. Since the American Urological Association have issued their position statement in 1990 that male sexual dysfunction is a recognized disease entity, studies examined the interrelation between sexuality and the prostate. These studies were identified in our review. METHOD: A computer- and hand-based search of the literature was conducted with the key words health-related quality of life, sexual function and the various disease states of the prostate, the drawback being that validated quality-of-life instruments have just recently and mostly nationally been validated. RESULTS: Sexual function is a dimension of quality-of-life questionnaires with 1 up to 11 questions addressing sexuality. The effect of aging on male sexuality as determined in Sweden serves as an important background information. Whereas prostadynia and sexual dysfunction aggravate each other, BPH and its treatment influence only certain sexual functions. Carcinoma of the prostate, untreated or under observation, has the greatest impact on sexuality which is tolerated differently from country to country and depends upon the expectation of survival. CONCLUSION: The impact of treatment of prostatic diseases on sexuality can now be studied easier in utilizing validated questionnaires. This update may serve as a base for these upcoming studies.