Introduction
Correction of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with lower urinary tract (LUT) symptoms (LUTS) is treated with drugs of different pharmacological classes having side effects including suppression of sexual function.
Aim
To assess the effect of simultaneous intake of dutasteride and solifenacin on the reversibility of severe LUTS and sexual function in men with BPH.
Methods
Patients from group A took dutasteride 0.5 mg/d, those from group В took dutasteride 0.5 mg/d and solifenacin 10 mg/d, and those from group С took dutasteride 0.5 mg/d and solifenacin 20 mg/d. The duration of the observation was 6 months. The sexual function was rated with the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire and Men’s Sexual Health Questionnaire—ejaculatory dysfunction. The functional status of LUT was rated with International Prostate Symptom Score, overactive bladder questionnaire—awareness tool, diary voiding, and uroflowmetry.
Main Outcome Measure
The state of sexual function and function of the LUT in men improved.
Results
The erectile function in all men, having participated in the study, did not change [group A, 9.8 (1.6)/9.4 (3.8), P ≥ .05; group B, 10.1 (2.1)/10.5 (3.7), P ≥ .05; group C, 9.7 (1.5)/9.5 (2.6), P ≥ .05]. The ejaculator function significantly decreased in all groups. According to International Prostate Symptom Score, obstruction diminished in this group [incomplete emptying, 3.7 (0.7)/1.5 (0.3), P ≤ .05; intermittence, 3.5 (1.0)/3.5 (1.0), P ≤ .05; weak stream, 3.8 (0.6)/1.5 (0.4), P ≤ .05; straining, 3.4 (0.5)/0.7 (0.7), P ≤ .05] as did hyperactivity [urgency, 2.8 (0.7)/0.9 (0.7), P ≤ .05; nocturia, 2.8 (0.6)/1.2 (0.4), P ≤ .05]. All numbers in the manuscript are given in points unless otherwise stated. The values in parentheses are SD (unless otherwise specified).
Clinical Implications
The information that a high dose of solifenacin administered concomitantly with dutasteride may contribute to increase in sexual satisfaction and preservation of erectile function at the baseline level can be useful and used by sexologists, urologists, and family doctors.
Strength & Limitations
The combination of dutasteride 0.5 mg/d and solifenacin 10 mg/d saves erectile function and improves sexual satisfaction. At the same time, the symptoms of obstruction and hyperactivity disappear or are reduced in most patients. Nevertheless, we did not study late results of the combined therapy.
Conclusion
Suggested combination does not impact on erectile function but decreases ejaculator function; however, it does not affect a general high rating of sexual function by patients. Thus, overall sexual function in men with BPH and severe LUTS is not impaired by prolonged intake of double dosage of solifenacin combined with dutasteride. The combination of dutasteride and solifenacin is effective and safe to treat BPH and severe LUTS.
