Purpose: We evaluated the therapeutic effects on overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms and sexual function of behavioral therapy with or without mirabegron in sexually active male patients with OAB. Mirabegron, a selective β3 adrenoceptor agonist for the treatment of OAB, has been shown to induce corpus cavernosum relaxation.
Methods: In this 4-site, randomized controlled trial, 150 sexually active men with OAB were enrolled between June 2020 and May 2022. Participants were randomly allocated (1:2) into 2 treatment groups: (1) behavioral therapy alone (n = 50) and (2) a combination of mirabegron 50 mg daily and behavioral therapy (n = 100). The evaluation was based on the overactive bladder symptoms score (OABSS), the International Index of Erectile Function, the ejaculatory domain short form, the International Prostate Symptom Score, patient perception of bladder condition, quality of life, and urodynamic parameters. The therapeutic outcomes were assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks.
Results: There were 65 patients (65%) in the combination subgroup and 36 patients in the behavioral therapy who completed all 12 weeks of treatment. Both groups had a statistically significant improvement in OABSS after 12 weeks of treatment. The combination therapy group achieved a statistically significant improvement in all 4 subscores of OABSS, however, the urinary frequency (P = 0.120) and urinary incontinence (P = 0.234) subscores in the behavioral therapy only group did not show a significant change. Additionally, the combination group had a significant improvement in functional bladder capacity, which was not seen in the behavioral therapy group. However, both groups did not have a significant change in erectile or ejaculatory function.
Conclusion: Behavioral therapy combined with mirabegron had more significant impact on the improvement of OAB than behavior therapy alone. However, both groups did not have significant changes in erectile or ejaculatory function.
Keywords: Behavioral therapy; Erectile function; Lower urinary tract symptoms; Mirabegron; Urinary bladder, Overactive.