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

Objective

To assess if urinary, bowel, and sexual dysfunction and the associated bother, which are seen after treatment for prostrate 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

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.