The Optilume benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) catheter system is a novel minimally invasive paclitaxel-coated dilation system that has demonstrated substantial and durable results in urinary flow and symptoms.
We now assess the impact of Optilume BPH procedure on sexual function.
Prior published results have described the methods of data collection during the PINNACLE study, which demonstrated durable improvement in urinary symptoms. Follow-up assessments for the current study included IIEF-EF and Male Sexual Health Questionnaire for Ejaculatory Dysfunction (MSHQ-EjD). Semen quality was also examined.
IIEF-EF and MSHQ-EjD scores in the Optilume BPH group were not different from the sham group at 3 months, 6 months, or 12 months.
A total of 148 men were randomized to receive the procedure (100) or a sham surgical procedure (48). Subjects in both groups had similar rates of erectile dysfunction (ED) previously diagnosed at baseline (56% vs 54.2%, P = .83) and those men who were sexually active. IIEF-EF and MSHQ-EjD scores in the Optilume BPH group were not different from the sham group at 3, 6, or 12 months. Change in IIEF-EF scores remained consistent across all levels of baseline ED severity after Optilume BPH procedure. No clear trend was seen after treatment with Optilume BPH for semen volume, sperm motility, progressive motility, or sperm morphology.
The Optilume BPH catheter system provides patients with a durable improvement in lower urinary tract symptoms while preserving sexual function.
This study uses validated questionnaires to assess patients' sexual function at baseline and regularly for 1 year after the procedure. Given exclusion criteria regarding patient age and prostate size, the results may not be applicable to all BPH phenotypes.
Optilume appears to provide clinical benefit with a high degree of patient satisfaction and minimal impact on sexual function.
The journal of sexual medicine. 2025 Jan 19 [Epub ahead of print]
Olivia Copelan, Jared Moss, Sheldon Freedman, Karl Coutinho, Dean Elterman, Jeffrey Marotte, Osvaldo Padron, Neal Shore, Jeffrey Spier, Jed Kaminetsky, Brian Mazzarella, Alexis Te, Steven A Kaplan, Kevin T McVary
The Center for Men's Health Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL 60153, United States., Oschner LSU Health, Shreveport, LA 60153, United States., Sheldon Freedman Urology, Las Vegas, NV 60153, United States., New Jersey Urology LLC, Millburn, NJ 60153, United States., University of Toronto, Toronto, ON 60153, Canada., Arkansas Urology, Little Rock, AR 60153, United States., Florida Urology Partners, Tampa, FL 60153, United States., Carolina Urologic Research Center, Myrtle Beach, SC 60153, United States., Rio Grande Urology, El Paso, TX 60153, United States., Manhattan Medical Research Center, New York, NY 60153, United States., Urology Austin, Austin, TX 60153, United States., Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 60153, United States., Mount Sinai Health System, New York, NY 60153, United States.