Long-Term Testosterone Therapy Improves Urinary and Sexual Function, and Quality of Life in Men with Hypogonadism: Results from a Propensity Matched Subgroup of a Controlled Registry Study.

PURPOSE: We investigated the effects of long-term testosterone therapy on urinary and sexual function, and quality of life in hypogonadal men.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed an observational, prospective, cumulative registry study in 656 men with a mean ± SD age of 60.7 ± 7.2 years who had total testosterone 12.1 nmol/l or less and symptoms of hypogonadism. In the testosterone treated group 360 men received parenteral testosterone undecanoate 1,000 mg/12 weeks for up to 10 years. The 296 men who elected against testosterone therapy served as controls. From each group 82 patients were propensity matched by age, waist circumference and body mass index, resulting in 82 matched pairs of 164 men. Data were analyzed and estimated differences between the groups were adjusted for components of metabolic syndrome and quality of life.

RESULTS: We found significant decreases in I-PSS (International Prostate Symptom Score) and post-void bladder volume (each p <0.0001) in patients receiving testosterone therapy but not in the untreated group. We recorded a decrease in AMS (Aging Males' Symptoms Scale) in the testosterone treated group but not in the untreated group (p <0.0001). We also recorded significant improvement in the IIEF-EF (International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function) domain in the testosterone treated group but not in the untreated group (p <0.0001). The improvement was maintained throughout followup.

CONCLUSIONS: Long-term testosterone therapy in hypogonadal men resulted in significant improvements in urinary and sexual function, and in quality of life. In untreated hypogonadal men voiding and erectile function deteriorated with continued followup.