It is possible that erectile dysfunction (ED) shares a similar pathophysiology with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
In this 12-week, multi-center, double-blind, placebo controlled study, investigators from Chicago and New York investigated the efficacy of sildenafil in men with LUTS and BPH. 369 men aged 45 years or older with ED and LUTS were enrolled in the study.
Patients were given 50 mg sildenafil or matching placebo nightly, or one hour before sexual activity. Dose escalation to 100 mg occurred at two weeks. Patients were evaluated using the International Index of Erectile Function ? Erectile Function (IIEF EF) and International Prostate Symptom scores as well as by measure peak flow rate (Qmax). Research showed that sildenafil improved urinary symptoms but not flow rate. 73 percent of the men in the study improved from severe LUTS to mild or moderate LUTS following treatment, suggesting that sildenafil treatment for LUTS may be comparable to alpha-blocker and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor therapy for the condition.