Researchers at the Keio University School of Medicine in Japan suggest that regular assessments of erectile function (EF) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) should be required before the administration of dutasteride, especially in younger patients and those with greater levels of EF.
Their study, “A prospective longitudinal survey of erectile function status in symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia patients treated with dutasteride,” was published in The Aging Male journal.
BPH, characterized by an increase in prostate size, is often associated with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and a decrease in sexual function, which can have a negative impact on the quality of life. To relieve the symptoms and improve the quality of life, two main classes of medicines are currently available on the market: alpha blockers and 5- alpha reductase inhibitors.