전립선 비대증 환자에서 알파 1 교감신경수용체 차단제 tamsulosin이 성기능에 미치는 영향

Abstract

Purpose: We evaluated the effectiveness of alpha 1 adrenoceptor antagonist tamsulosin on erectile function in the treatment of the patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH). Materials and Methods: We recruited 268 patients who had BPH with lower urinary tract symptoms in the period of June 2003 to September 2003. The study utilized an open-label approach. Patients were evaluated by physical examination, transrectal ultrasonography(TRUS), serum prostate specific antigen(PSA), uroflowmetry, international prostatic symptom score(IPSS), quality of life(QOL) assessment, voiding diary for 3 days, brief international index of erectile function(IIEF)-7 score, and the global efficacy assessment questionnaire(GEAQ)-2. All evaluations were performed before medication, and again at 4 and 12 weeks of treatment. The patients suspected to have prostatic carcinoma based on the digital rectal examination and/or PSA level above 4 ng/ml underwent transrectal ultrasonography guided biopsy of the prostate. The patients found to have prostate cancer were not included in the study. Results: A total of 165 patients completed the study. Total IIEF scores did not change significantly. Question 10 of IIEF was significantly different between 4 and 12 weeks. There was a statistically significant difference in GEAQ-2 between 4 and 12 weeks of medication. Ejaculation volume decreased 14% and 22% at 4 and 12 weeks, respectively. However, orgasmic function significantly improved between 4 and 12 weeks. Conclusions: In patients with BPH, tamsulosin therapy improved sexual and orgasmic function, although it decreased ejaculation volume. We need a longer follow-up period and more patients to establish the effects of tamsulosin on erectile function in the patients with BPH.