Prostate enlargement and some associated treatment options can affect male sexual function. Potential effects include an increased risk of erectile dysfunction, loss of libido, and ejaculation issues.
The most common cause of prostate enlargement is benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). This occurs due to changes in a person’s hormone levels as they age, particularly the balance between testosterone and Dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
BPH is not cancerous and does not increase a person’s risk of developing prostate cancer.
In this article, we discuss the potential effects of prostate enlargement on sexual function.
BPH primarily affects the urinary system and
The frequency and severity of symptoms vary among individuals. It is essential that anyone experiencing symptoms of BPH contact a doctor for a full diagnosis. While BPH is benign and treatable, the above symptoms can also occur due to more serious conditions, such as:
Prostate enlargement and sexual function
The root of changes in sexual function can be multifactorial, involving factors such as age, hormone balance, stress levels, and others. Common symptoms include:
- erectile dysfunction (ED)
- reduced sexual satisfaction
- decreased libido
Sexual dysfunction is not a hallmark symptom of BPH. However, both are more common in older men, leading to an increased risk of co-occurrence.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the persistent or recurrent inability to reach or maintain an erection.
It can result from a variety of health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, low testosterone levels, or psychological issues. BPH does not directly cause ED, but some BPH treatments may increase a person’s risk of experiencing it.
Medications
To treat BPH, doctors may recommend various medications as a first-line treatment, including:
- Alpha blockers: Alpha blockers relax the muscles in the bladder neck and prostate, making it easier to urinate
- 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs): This type of medication helps stop the growth of or help shrink the prostate, improving your urine flow
- Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors: These medications relax the muscles around the bladder, bladder neck, and prostate and can relieve some symptoms of BPH
However, both alpha blockers and 5-ARIs can increase a person’s risk of ED, ejaculation problems, and a loss of sexual desire.
Find a medical specialist in your area today
A healthcare team can comprise many different specialists. You can find the following medical specialists in your area today
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- those over 50 with an average risk of developing prostate cancer
- those over 45 with a moderate risk
- those over 40 with a high risk
A prostate screening can help rule out cancer as the cause of a person’s symptoms. In general, a man should seek medical attention if he experiences any symptoms of an enlarged prostate.
Several treatment options may help reduce the severity of enlarged prostate symptoms. A person experiencing symptoms should discuss the available options with their doctor. Treatments may include medications, surgical options, home remedies, or lifestyle changes.
Some medications available to treat an enlarged prostate include:
- doxazosin
- terazosin finasteride
- dutasteride
- tamsulosin
- dutasteride-tamsulosin
However, these medications can lead to side effects, including:
- reduced sex drive
- problems maintaining an erection
- problems achieving an erection
If medication does not alleviate the symptoms, a doctor may recommend surgery. Surgical options include:
- TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate), where some prostate tissue is removed
- TUIP (transurethral incision of the prostate), where grooves are made in the prostate
- TUMT (transurethral microwave thermotherapy), where microwaves destroy excess prostate tissue
- prostatic urethral lift, where prostate tissue is moved away from the urethra
The TURP procedure is the most common treatment for an enlarged prostate, but it is the most invasive option. Compared with the other procedures, TURP also results in more sexual side effects, such as ED and ejaculation problems.
Men who have undergone TURP have also reported dry ejaculation, which means that the semen enters the bladder rather than coming out of the penis during an orgasm.
When the prostate is very enlarged, it pushes against the bladder and urethra (the tube that urine leaves the body through). As a result of this pressure, the urge to urinate occurs more frequently, which is more noticeable to a person at nighttime when they are trying to rest.
Yes, symptoms of prostatitis include the need to urinate more frequently – especially at night time.
According to Prostate Cancer UK, certain lifestyle changes, some of which can be done before bedtime, can alleviate symptoms of an enlarged prostate. These include:
- reducing the intake of alcohol, sweeteners, and fizzy soda
- avoiding drinking in the evening and before bed
- checking whether medicines are contributing to symptoms
- maintaining a healthy weight
- exercising regularly, specifically Kegel exercises which can improve symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate
Many men will develop an enlarged prostate as they age, because the gland does not stop growing throughout their lifetime. As men age they should get regular prostate screenings to check for prostate cancer.
Several medications, lifestyle changes, and surgical options are available to help reduce the effects of living with an enlarged prostate. With proper treatment, men can usually maintain a regular sex life.