Lower urinary tract symptoms and erectile dysfunction in men from the Republic of Moldova

Abstract

Abstract. A transversal study based on 1,186 respondents’ group questioning was realized in order to study lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and erectile dysfunction (ED) prevalence in men from the Republic of Moldova. The basic tools used included IPSS (International Prostate Symptom Score) and IIEF-5 (International Index of Erectile Function) questionnaires as well as general questions to assess the presence of risk factors. ED total prevalence in the studied population was 47.1%, inclusively mild form - 22%, slightly moderate - 12.4%, moderate - 7.6% and severe - 51%. The overall prevalence of LUTS symptoms, according to the IPSS score, was 42.9% with significant variations in males up to 40 years - 15.7% and over this age - 62.6% (p <0.05). LUTS presence correlates directly with erectile dysfunction prevalence, especially in men over the age of 40, where 82% of those with LUTS will also have ED. LUTS and ED symptomatologies have an increased prevalence among men from the Republic of Moldova, especially over the age of 40. Statistically significant correlations between these two pathologies were demonstrated. These correlations need to be taken into account both in diagnosis establishment and in concomitant treatment.