The effect of a temporary prostatic stent on sexual function

Introduction. This study was conducted to explore the effects of the bell-shaped Horizon prostatic stent on sexual function in the treatment of patients with LUTS/ BPH. Materials and methods. 108 Patients with LUTS/BPH were prospectively enrolled in the study. All stents were inserted in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia. To assess sexual function, the 15 item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire was used. A comparison was made between the total score of the IIEF and the different domains (erectile function (EF), orgasmic function (OF), sexual desire (SD), intercourse satisfaction (IS), and overall satisfaction (OS)) at baseline, one month, and three months after placement of stents. In addition, patients were given the general assessment question "have you experienced any retrograde or painful ejaculations?". Results. At baseline, one patient complained of painful ejaculations (1%). After one month, four (4%) patients complained of painful and two (2%) complained of retrograde ejaculations. A statistically significant decline in the mean OF and IS scores was found. After three months, the IS score significantly improved and the decrease in the OF was smaller than after one month. However, the number of patients reporting painful and retrograde ejaculation was again higher than at baseline (three (4%) and five (7%) percent respectively). There was no change in the total IIEF score or the other subscores of the IIEF at one and three month(s). Conclusion. The bell-shaped Horizon prostatic stent had a negative influence on OF, which did not improve with time. The first month after stent placement, IS was lower than at baseline. After three months however, IS significantly improved compared to baseline. The stent did not negatively affect the total IIEF score or the other domains of the IIEF.