Does an Enlarged Prostate Affect a Man Sexually?

It is usual to see variations in body function as men age, including in the bedroom. An enlarged prostate, often known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is one problem becoming more prevalent with age. Although it is not life-threatening, it can generate aggravating symptoms, and many guys wonder if it could disturb their sex life.

Yes, it can—but not always directly and not for all. So let’s examine how BPH might impact sexual function, what signs to be on the lookout for, and what you can do about it.

The Prostate Gland Serves What Purpose?

A component of the male reproductive system, the gland prostate It resides inside your body close to the base of your penis. Making fluid for semen (cum), your prostate gland’s primary role is that of

What Symptoms Does BPH Cause?

Understanding what BPH actually feels like can help us to have a sex talk. The prostate is located just below the bladder and wraps around the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the body. As the prostate gland grows, it can squeeze or block the urethra, which leads to all kinds of urinary issues.

Common signs of an enlarged prostate include:

• A feeble or sluggish urine stream
• Difficulty starting urination
• Feeling like you lack ability to entirely empty your bladder
• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Powerful, abrupt impulses to pee
• Dribbling at the conclusion of urinating
• Pain or discomfort during urination (less often, but conceivable)

Daily activities might be seriously hampered by these symptoms. One can become annoyed and even embarrassed when one constantly needs the restroom, wakes up at night, or doesn’t feel “relieved” following urination. It is hardly surprising that these bodily symptoms might damage a man’s confidence, which in turn could influence his sex life.

ED and swollen prostates

Then how does an enlarged prostate relate to erectile dysfunction (ED)?

First, let us be clear: BPH does not directly cause ED. But it can support it in a number of several ways—both mentally and physically.

Here’s How BPH Can Affect Sexual Performance:

Treatment adverse effects: Some of the drugs taken to treat BPH can cause erection issues or lower sex drive. Some men’s testosterone levels can be reduced by drugs like finasteride or dutasteride (5-alpha reductase inhibitors), hence lowering libido and resulting in ED.

Though BPH does not directly block blood flow to the penis, any discomfort or inflammation in the pelvic region will make it more difficult to relax and achieve an erection.

Living with BPH symptoms such as constantly needing to pee or feeling embarrassed or uncomfortable can impair a man’s mood and mental condition. Well-known contributors to ED are stress, anxiety, and low self-esteem.

In certain instances, surgical treatments for BPH can cause alterations in ejaculation (such as “dry orgasms,” when sperm does not come out) and, less often, impact erection.

Is ED Caused By An Enlarged Prostate?

Not exactly again; yet the two often link since they typically present at the same age and can feed into each other. You most likely are not sleeping well if you are waking three or four times per night to urinate. You are less likely to feel at ease or confident during sex if you are always apprehensive about reaching a restroom or feel uneasy.

For those who do, however, the prostate gland may be part of the larger picture; it does not follow that every guy with BPH will have erectile problems.

It should also be kept in mind that the risk elements for BPH symptoms and ED are sometimes the same, namely:

• Age, especially above 50
• Low testosterone
• Weight or bad general health
• Inactive life
• either diabetes or heart disease
• Smoked

Thus, although one is not always the cause of the other, they often go hand in hand, and bettering one could help the other.

What Options Are Available?

The excellent news is that you are not imprisoned to the symptoms of BPH or their impact on your sex life. There are many things you can do to feel better both physically and emotionally.

1. Speak With Your Doctor.

Though it might feel uncomfortable, the first-best approach is to be honest with your doctor. Millions of men experience it; you are not alone. Based on your health and lifestyle, your doctor can conduct some tests, inquire about your symptoms, and recommend treatment possibilities.

2. Go Over Your Prescriptions.

Ask about other choices if you are presently on BPH medication and see any changes in your performance or sex drive. BPH drugs come in many kinds, and some have fewer sexual side effects than others. Changing prescriptions can sometimes make a significant impact.

3. Investigate Recent Therapies

which uses steam to reduce prostate gland tissue, and UroLift, which keeps the prostate open without eliminating tissue, are among the more recent, minimally invasive treatments. These choices aim to ease BPH symptoms without interfering with sexual function.

4. Focus On General Health

Your prostate and sex life benefit from the same thing that helps your heart. Items of the following kind:

• Frequent exercise
• A balanced diet
• Stopping smoking
• Reducing alcohol consumption
• Cutting back on stress
• good sleeping

These can all increase energy, improve blood flow, and alleviate symptoms.

5. Speak With Your Spouse.

You should not undervalue the degree of assistance and understanding your spouse can provide. Open communication about your situation can relieve pressure and invite closeness beyond physical ability.

6. Do Not Dismiss Mental Health.

Talking to a therapist can help you process the emotional component of things if you are depressed, anxious, or humiliated—especially one who specializes in men’s health. Good mental health is very important for a happy sexual life.

Read Also Like This, 

Bottom Line

Though not a sure thing, an expanded prostate can surely impact a man’s sex life and is not permanent. BPH can affect things in the bedroom in several ways, whether it’s the symptoms themselves or the adverse effects of treatment. There are just as many ways, though, to get control of it.

The most crucial measure is not remaining silent. Opening up can result in answers whether you bring it up with your doctor or have a heart-to-heart with your spouse. You are not alone in this, and there is nothing “less manly” about seeking assistance. So, eat good, healthy food and say bye-bye to any prostate problems.

Though BPH might be rather prevalent, you do not need to simply tolerate it. With the proper attitude, you may feel better and yet have a long, healthy, fulfilling sex life well into the future.