Primary investigation of negative impact on sexual function in patients with chronic prostatitis.

Cohort studyArchivio italiano di urologia, andrologia : organo ufficiale [di] Societa italiana di ecografia urologica e nefrologica· Jun 2026

Primary investigation of negative impact on sexual function in patients with chronic prostatitis.

Jens Rosellen, Hans-Christian Schuppe, Undraga Schagdarsurengin … Adrian Pilatz

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Andrology & Sexual MedicineCohort studyDiagnosis

Most men with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome had impaired sexual function.

Primary investigation of negative impact on sexual function in patients with chronic prostatitis.

Jens Rosellen … Adrian Pilatz

Archivio italiano di urologia, andrologia · Jun 2026

Background

Chronic pain conditions can have a pronounced negative impact on sexual function.

Purpose

This study aims to determine the impact of CP/CPPS on sexual function and its association with the patient's symptom burden, the full version of the International Index of Erectile Function (International Index of Erectile Function) and Sexual Function Index (Sexual Function Index) questionnaires and the UPOINT(S) classification.

Methods

174 patients with CP/CPPS and predominantly type IIIB prostatitis (87.4%) were prospectively enrolled and received a comprehensive andrological work-up.

n = 174 patients

Results

62.6%

most had reduced sexual function on domain screening, worse than typical

n = 174 patients

More results

The National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index total score showed a moderate symptom burden with a median of 28 points, while the median International Index of Erectile Function score of 26 points was within the normal range, and the Sexual Function Index score of 28 points indicated slightly impaired sexual function.

More results

Univariate analysis revealed a significant association (p< 0.05) between International Index of Erectile Function scores and (i) CPSI total score, (ii) the Sexual Function Index score, (iii) the number of affected UPOINT(S) domains - particularly (iv) the sexual domain (S), and (v) marital status.

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Conclusion

The prevalence of sexual problems was high in CP/CPPS patients in our cohort and it was shown a statistically significant association with (i) the International Index of Erectile Function scores, (ii) the Sexual Function Index score, (iii) and the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index total score, so routine assessment of sexual function in patients with CP/CPPS seems reasonable.

Primary investigation of negative impact on sexual function in patients with chronic prostatitis.

Primary investigation of negative impact on sexual function in patients with chronic prostatitis.

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