A Prospective Study on the Association Between Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) and Erectile Dysfunction: Results from a Large Study in Elderly Chinese in Southern China

Abstract

Although many cross-sectional studies have been conducted on the association between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and erectile dysfunction (ED), no studies were prospective in Asia. Aim. The relationship between LUTS and ED is examined using a prospective cohort of 2000 Chinese men.Baseline and 4-year data from a large prospective cohort study of 2000 Chinese elderly men were analyzed. A total of 1,736 subjects were included in the current analysis after excluding those with history of bladder or prostate cancer, or urological surgery, and those who used alpha blockers or anti-androgen.LUTS were measured at baseline by the International Prostatic Symptom Score and ED was measured using one question on impotence at the end of 4 years.A dose-response relationship was observed for the relationship between baseline severity of LUTS and severity of ED at follow-up with those who had more severe LUTS at baseline with an increased odds of having more severe ED (odd ratio [OR] = 1.86, confidence interval [CI]: 1.16-2.97 for mild LUTS at baseline; OR = 2.95, CI: 1.81-4.81 for moderate LUTS at baseline; and OR = 3.82, CI: 2.00-7.27 for severe LUTS at baseline). Other baseline factors that were statistically significantly associated with ED included body mass index (OR = 1.13, CI: 1.01-1.26), hypertension (OR = 1.30, CI: 1.02-1.65) and diabetes (OR = 1.44, CI: 1.07-1.93).The presence of LUTS is associated with ED with more severe LUTS being associated with higher degree of ED in men.