An investigation into the relationship between prostate size, peak urinary flow rate and male erectile dysfunction

Abstract
This study sought to identify whether a true relationship exists between benign prostatatic hyperplasia (BPH) and erectile dysfunction (ED). In a community-based study, 427 men underwent transrectal ultrasound (TRUS), uroflow studies and a questionnaire concerning erectile function. ED had a significant correlation to age (r=0.19, Pr=0.26, Pr=−0.13, P=0.02). Prostate size and uroflow studies show no correlation with ED, but ED and BPH had a significant correlation with ageing. This makes a direct association between male ED and BPH unlikely but supports the theory that the association between the two pathologies could be due instead to the common link of ageing.