α-Blocker Use Is Associated With Decreased Risk of Sexual Dysfunction

Rajeev Kumar, Ajay Nehra, Debra J. Jacobson, Michaela E. McGree, Naomi M. Gades, Michael M. Lieber, Steven J. Jacobsen, Jennifer L. St. Sauver

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the association between α-blocker use and sexual dysfunction among men participating in a population-based cohort of men residing in Olmsted County, MN. Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men have previously been associated with sexual dysfunction. The use of α-adrenergic receptor blocking agents results in an improvement in LUTS for many men. If sexual dysfunction and LUTS share a common etiology, α-blocker use might also be associated with a decreased risk of sexual dysfunction. Methods: White men, aged 40-79 years, were randomly selected in 1990 and assessed for α-blocker use and LUTS severity. Sexual function was assessed using the Brief Male Sexual Function Inventory. Men who used α-blockers before any sexual dysfunction were considered "exposed." Hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated separately for each sexual function domain using Cox proportional hazard models. Results: Of the 1724 men with a regular sexual partner included in the present study (mean age 57.74 years), 263 (15.3%) reported α-blocker use. α-Blocker use was associated with a decreased risk of sexual dysfunction across all domains for men ≥50 years old (age-adjusted hazard ratio 0.53-0.69). A decreased risk of erectile dysfunction and low libido remained significant only among those using α-blockers who also experienced an improvement in LUTS (P = .01). Conclusions: The use of α-blockers for LUTS was associated with a decreased risk of sexual dysfunction. Improvement in sexual function correlated with the improvement in LUTS more strongly among those using α-blockers.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)82-87
Number of pages6
JournalUrology
Volume74
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2009

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Urology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'α-Blocker Use Is Associated With Decreased Risk of Sexual Dysfunction'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this