Lower urinary tract symptoms and male sexual function: recommendations from the fifth international consultation on sexual medicine (ICSM 2024)

Sex Med Rev. 2026 Jan 5;14(1):qeaf071. doi: 10.1093/sxmrev/qeaf071.

Abstract

Introduction: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an age-related condition affecting many men. Emerging evidence highlights a strong relationship between BPH, lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction (ED), reduced sexual desire, hormonal imbalances, and ejaculatory dysfunction, warranting a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and management.

Objectives: This report aims to provide recommendations for identifying and managing sexual dysfunction associated with BPH and LUTS.

Methods: Based on guidelines from the International Consultation on Sexual Medicine, a literature review was conducted. Recommendations were graded using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system.

Results: The association between BPH, LUTS, and sexual dysfunction is significant, with ED, ejaculatory dysfunction, and hypogonadism being common complications. Lifestyle modifications, medical therapies, minimally invasive surgical therapies, prostate artery embolization, and surgeries (eg, Transurethral resection of the prostate, HoLEP, Aquablation) are among the recommended treatments. Each intervention carries varying risks of sexual dysfunction, requiring specific tailored treatment plans.

Conclusions: BPH/LUTS significantly affect sexual health, emphasizing the need for a multidisciplinary approach to management. Future research should refine diagnostic criteria and develop treatments that minimize sexual side effects. Enhanced education for patients and their partners could improve quality of life and coping mechanisms.

Keywords: benign prostatic hyperplasia; erectile dysfunction; lower urinary tract symptoms; metabolic syndrome; sexual dysfunction; testosterone.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Erectile Dysfunction / etiology
  • Erectile Dysfunction / therapy
  • Humans
  • Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms* / complications
  • Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms* / therapy
  • Male
  • Prostatic Hyperplasia* / complications
  • Prostatic Hyperplasia* / therapy
  • Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological* / etiology
  • Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological* / therapy
  • Sexual Health