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Marijuana, Alcohol, and ED: Correlations with LUTS/BPH

  • Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (K McVary, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Urology Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is a disease complex with enormous societal burden and yet the pathogenesis of LUTS/BPH is poorly understood. We set out to review the literature on the relationship between depression, marijuana usage, and erectile dysfunction (ED) to LUTS/BPH.

Recent Findings

LUTS/BPH has independent associations with depression as well as with ED. In each case, the causality and mechanistic relationship is unknown. The impact of marijuana, as it increasingly pervades the general population, on the disease complex of LUTS/BPH is not well studied but recent results support short-term benefit and long-term caution.

Summary

Depression, a form of central nervous dysfunction, and ED, which is likely mediated via endothelial dysfunction, are independently associated with LUTS/BPH. The presence of cannabinoid receptors in urologic organs, coupled with recent population studies, supports a modulatory effect of marijuana on voiding although an enormous knowledge gap remains.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Hospital, Aurora, CO, USA

    Granville L. Lloyd

  2. Department of Surgery/Urology, University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA

    Granville L. Lloyd

  3. University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA

    Brett Wiesen

  4. Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA

    Mike Atwell

  5. Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA

    Anna Malykhina

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  1. Granville L. Lloyd
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Correspondence to Granville L. Lloyd.

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Lloyd, G.L., Wiesen, B., Atwell, M. et al. Marijuana, Alcohol, and ED: Correlations with LUTS/BPH. Curr Urol Rep 22, 21 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11934-020-01031-9

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