Assessment of postbrachytherapy sexual function: A comparison of the IIEF-5 and the MSEFS

Purpose This study is to compare the Mount Sinai Erectile Function Score (MSEFS), our brachytherapy programʹs physician-assigned scale, with patientsʹ independently completed International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5). Methods and materials A total of 1202 patients with T1–T3 prostate cancer were treated with ultrasound-guided radioactive seed implantation ± EBRT with at least one visit where both MSEFS and IIEF-5 were completed. Spearman rho correlations were performed. Results The MSEFS significantly correlated with the total IIEF-5 scores on all comparisons. The coefficient was 0.65 for comparisons at initial consultation and 0.76 for all visits. The correlations remained strong, averaging to 0.76 for visits 1 through 10. Conclusions In assessing erectile dysfunction after radiation, the MSEFS correlates well with, but cannot be replaced by, the IIEF-5, which is weighted toward oneʹs degree of sexual desire. More insight into patientsʹ erectile function after brachytherapy may be gotten if the IIEF-15 is used instead of the IIEF-5 with our MSEFS.