The Impact of Transrectal Prostate Needle Biopsies on Erectile Function

Object: To evaluate the effects of transrectal ultrasound guided biopsies of the prostate on patients' sexual function at different time intervals (before and after the procedure). Material and methods: Eighty prostate cancer free patients were included the study, those were completed the International Prostate Symptom Score and International Index of Erectile Function before, and 1 and 3 mounths after biopsy. We classified erectile function into five categories according to IIEF-5 scores: severe (5–7), moderate (8–11), mild-moderate (12–16), mild (17-21) and no ED (22–25). Results: 45% (36/80) of the patients notified rectal bleeding complaints continuing for over three days. Hematospermia and /or hematuria complaints that prolonged over three days were observed at 78.8% (63/80) of patients . The mean IIEF score before biopsy was 24.29 ± 8.40. The mean IIEF score at the first and third months after biopsy was 20.31 ± 9.6 and 22.36 ± 8.88, respectively (p <0.05). In the previously potent patient group, the rate of ED at 1 month after biopsy was 31.57% (18/57). This rate decreased to 5.26% (3/57) at 3 months after biopsy. In the previously potent patient group, post biopsy ED severity was between 17-21 according to IIEF-5 and was entering the mild ED classification. Conclusion: The biopsy-related sexual dysfunction may be potentially emerged in all patients undergoing prostate biopsy. But based on this study; Post-biopsy sexual dysfunction, especially erectile dysfunction, is often a temporary condition