Transient erectile dysfunction linked to prostate biopsy,finds study

Researchers conducted a systematic literature search in 4 databases: MEDLINE® (via PubMed®), Embase® (via Ovid®), Web of Science™ and the Cochrane Library. They included studies focused on sexual dysfunction in men of all age groups undergoing transrectal or transperineal prostate biopsy for suspicion of prostate cancer;studies with International Index of Erectile Function 5 scores pre-biopsy and post-biopsy at 1, 3 or 6 months. They performed an effect size meta-analysis comparing patient baseline International Index of Erectile Function 5 (IIEF-5) scores with post-biopsy IIEF-5 scores.

Data analysis revealed the following facts.

• We identified 9 studies that met our inclusion criteria, of which 6 examined transrectal prostate biopsy, 2 examined transperineal prostate biopsy and 1 examined both.
• At 1 month after biopsy, the mean IIEF-5 score decreased by approximately 2.2 points as determined by the effect size (−0.43, p=0.002). However, at 3 and 6 months after biopsy, there was no difference compared to baseline (effect data-size=−0.08, p=0.52 and effect data-size=−0.11, p=0.18, respectively).
• An exploratory subgroup analysis examining transrectal prostate biopsy at 3 months showed a statistically significantly lower mean IIEF-5 score compared to baseline (p=0.047), corresponding to an approximately 1.25-point decrease in IIEF-5.

For full article follow the link: https://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000001398

Primary source: Journal of Urology