The effect of prostate artery embolization (PAE) on male sexual function is currently the subject of debate in the literature. The main purpose of this study was to define changes in all domains of sexual activity after PAE, using the international index of erectile function score (IIEF-15).
A single-center retrospective study was conducted on 129 patients (mean age of 65.5 ± 7 years), who underwent PAE from February 2014 to January 2017 for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Fifty consecutive patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were evaluated before and after PAE follow-up using the IIEF-15, IPSS, prostate volume (PV) and cardiovascular risk factor and BPH drugs. The IIEF-15 domains analyzed were: erectile function (EF) ejaculation and orgasm (Ej/O), sexual desire (SD), intercourse satisfaction (IS) and overall satisfaction (OS). A paired sample t test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare IIEF-15 between baseline and follow-up.
The study showed nonsignificant change in IIEF-15 total score (58.0 ± 13.8 SD; p = 0.71) and the five domains (EF 24.5 ± 7.0 SD, p = 0.82; EJ/O 8.2 ± 2.3 SD, p = 0.50; SD 7.2 ± 2.7 SD, p = 0.57; IS 10.3 ± 3.0 SD, p = 0.77; OS 8.2 ± 2.7 SD; p = 0.11) after PAE. We also found a significant improvement in IPSS score after PAE.
Based on the IIEF-15 questionnaire, PAE was showed to allow good urinary symptoms results and no deterioration in sexual function.
Cardiovascular and interventional radiology. 2020 Jun 03 [Epub ahead of print]
Ludovica Marzano, Nicolas Thiounn, Helena Pereira, Olivier Pellerin, Charles Dariane, Costantino Del Giudice, Gregory Amouyal, Carol Dean, Marc Sapoval
Vascular and Oncological Interventional Radiology Department Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Paris, France. ., Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris V: René Descartes, Paris, France., Clinical Research Unit Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Paris, France., Urology Department Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Paris, France., Hôpital Saint Louis, Paris, France., Vascular and Oncological Interventional Radiology Department Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Paris, France., Faculté de Médecine, Université Paris V: René Descartes, Paris, France. .