Objective To study the effect of retaining the urethral mucosa of the prostate apex in transurethral holmium laser enucleation of prostate (HoLEP) on erectile function of the patients. Methods A total of 50 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) underwent conventional HoLEP or improved HoELP with retaining of urethral mucosa of the proximal part of verumontanum area in Yancheng First People’s Hospital from June 2016 to June 2017. The incidences of erectile dysfunction (ED) before and after surgery were measured. Results Compared to the conventional HoLEP, the improved HoLEP significantly reduced the ED rate after surgery (P < 0.05). Conclusions The improved HoLEP can reduce the ED rate after surgery. It is safe and easy to learn, and can be propagated in the future.