Enlarged Prostate and Sex: What Every Man Needs to Know
If you’re dealing with an enlarged prostate and sex is becoming more difficult, you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll explore how benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and its symptoms can impact your sexual health, including concerns around erectile dysfunction, ejaculation, and overall sexual function.
At Urology of Greater Atlanta, our board-certified doctors provide expert care at multiple locations throughout Georgia. If you’re experiencing any of the issues mentioned here, contact us today to discuss your options and improve your quality of life.
Understanding BPH Symptoms and the Prostate Gland
BPH, or benign prostatic hyperplasia, is a common prostate disease that causes the prostate gland to enlarge. As men age, the gland, which sits just below the bladder and surrounds the urethra—the tube that carries urine—can grow in size, leading to a range of urinary symptoms. These include:
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Urgency or difficulty starting urination
- Weak stream or dribbling
- Incomplete bladder emptying
While BPH is not prostate cancer, it can significantly affect a man’s day-to-day life and confidence. Understanding the full picture is key to maintaining both urinary health and sexual activity.
How Does an Enlarged Prostate Affect Sex Life?
You might wonder, “Does an enlarged prostate affect your ability to have satisfying sexual intercourse?” Research suggests that it can. Men with BPH often experience sexual problems that range from performance anxiety to actual changes in sexual function.
This may be due to a combination of factors:
- Side effects of BPH medicines, such as alpha blockers
- Emotional strain, stress, or pain during intimacy
- Interactions with other medications for diabetes, heart disease, or infections
In some cases, an associated condition called prostatitis can also contribute to discomfort or painful ejaculation.
Can an Enlarged Prostate Cause ED?
Yes, an enlarged prostate can sometimes contribute to erectile dysfunction (ED). While BPH itself doesn’t directly cause ED, the treatment options, especially surgical procedures, like transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), may lead to sexual side effects.
Additionally, BPH symptoms can contribute to anxiety, which affects testosterone levels, blood flow, and the ability to get or maintain an erection. Over time, this can damage a man’s sexual confidence, emotional well-being, and relationship health.
Treatments That Support Both Prostate and Sexual Health
Thankfully, several BPH treatment options are available that can help restore your sexual health and improve urination:
1. Medications
Alpha blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors are common first-line treatments for BPH. While they can reduce urinary issues, they may also impact ejaculation or libido in a small percentage of men. On the other hand, several ED medications have shown some success in treating enlarged prostates. These include:
- Vardenafil (Levitra)
- Sildenafil (Viagra)
- Tadalafil (Cialis)
2. Minimally Invasive Treatments
Newer minimally invasive treatments like prostate artery embolization can shrink the prostate without harming the nearby nerves involved in sexual function. Many of these options are done on an outpatient basis, improving your quality of life with fewer risks.
3. Surgical Options
When medications fail, procedures like transurethral resection may be recommended. While effective for relieving symptoms, there may be sexual side effects, so it’s important to discuss your medical history with a doctor you trust.
4. Lifestyle and Therapy
Simple changes like reducing caffeine, managing stress, and therapy for performance anxiety can also help. Some men benefit from counseling focused on overcoming erectile dysfunction, especially when emotional factors are at play.
Reclaim Your Confidence Today
Sexual wellness is an important part of a man’s overall health and well-being. If BPH or related prostate enlargement is affecting your ability to enjoy sexual intercourse, don’t wait. Whether you’re dealing with urination issues, struggling with erection difficulties, or concerned about side effects from taking medications, there’s hope.
Urology of Greater Atlanta offers expert, compassionate care tailored to your needs. Our board-certified team can help you find the right BPH treatment, manage your sexual health, and get back to living life fully. Schedule a consultation today and take control of your prostate health and sexual function—on your terms.
