Mictie- en darmproblemen niet gerelateerd aan veroudering bij mannen, erectieproblemen wel

Ida J. Korfage, Monique J. Roobol, Harry J. de Koning, Wim J. Kirkels, Fritz H. Schröder, Marie-Louise Essink-Bot

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleProfessional

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess if urinary, bowel, and sexual dysfunction and the associated bother, which are seen after treatment for prostate cancer, are part of 'normal' ageing in the general male Dutch population. DESIGN: Questionnaire investigation. METHOD: In 2003 and 2004, randomly selected participants of a study on prostate cancer screening were sent a single questionnaire about urinary, bowel and sexual dysfunction. A Dutch version of the 'Expanded prostate cancer index composite' (EPIC) was used. RESULTS: A total of 3810 men, mean age 67 years (range: 58-78), completed the questionnaire (response 81%). The prevalence of urinary dysfunction was low. The difference between younger versus older men was statistically significant (p < 0.001) but not clinically significant. Bowel dysfunction and the associated bother were not related to age. Erectile dysfunction was reported by 19% of men, ranging from 12% in the youngest to 26% in the oldest group (p < 0.001). The overall use of erectile aids was negatively associated with satisfaction with sex life and positively associated with the importance attached to the sex life (p < 0.001). However, it was not related to age or sexual activity. CONCLUSION: Urinary and bowel dysfunction were not part of 'normal' ageing. Erectile dysfunction was significantly more prevalent in older men than in younger men. Miction and bowel dysfunction observed following treatment for prostate cancer are therefore more likely to be associated with the treatment than with the 'normal' ageing process. Decreasing erectile function, however, may be attributable to other causes as well. Data about the age-related prevalence of urinary, bowel and sexual dysfunction are valuable for the assessment of urological functioning in older men
Original languageDutch
Pages (from-to)1418-1424
JournalNederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde
Volume153
Issue number29
Publication statusPublished - 2009

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