Is there a relationship between alcohol/drug abuse and LUTS/ED?

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of the study was to assess the presence and severity of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and erectile dysfunction (ED) in the drug and alcohol addicted population. Materials and methods: Alcohol and drug abuse groups constituted of male abusers who presented to a local Alcohol and Drug Abuse Research Center. Control groups were composed of age-matched healthy men who denied any drug/alcohol abuse. Each group was composed of 30 men. Beck Depression and Anxiety Scales, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OAB-V8), International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) and sexual satisfaction scale were the tools applied to the subjects and controls. Additionally, maximum (Qmax) and average urinary flow rates (Qave) were recorded for statistical assessment in all groups. Results: The mean age, number of children, number of siblings, were comparable between the subjects and controls (p> 0.05). LUTS and ED were more prevalent in drug and alcohol abusers when compared with their controls. Higher mean depression and anxiety scores of the drug and alcohol abusers highlighted their worse psychological status. The quality of life and sexual satisfaction assessment of the drug abusers yielded significantly lower results when compared with their controls. Regarding the comparison between alcohol addicts and their controls; quality of life scores were significantly higher whereas sexual satisfaction assessment results were comparable. The Qave values were similar between drug abusers and their controls while mean Qave was significantly higher in the alcohol addicts than their controls. Conclusion: ED and LUTS are more prevalent in alcohol and drug abusers when compared to healthy controls. It can be proposed that alcohol and drug addiction should be considered in the etiology of ED and LUTS especially in young adult population.