Enlarged Prostate This Treatment Can Help You Avoid Sexual Side Effects
Benign prostatic hyperplasia , or enlarged prostate, is a common condition in men older than age 50. BPH occurs when the prostate gland becomes enlarged and begins to press on the urethra the tube that carries urine out of the body.
When the prostate continues to grow, it can lead to urinary symptoms that include:
- Leaking or dribbling of urine
- Frequent nighttime awakenings to urinate
- Urinary retention or urgency
- A weak urine stream
BPH is not prostate cancer and it doesnt lead to cancer. However, the two conditions may have similar symptoms in the early stages
So its important that men who experience these symptoms be evaluated by a mens health specialist to rule out cancer and determine the best treatment options to relieve their symptoms.
Without treatment, BPH can lead to serious complications in some men, including incontinence, kidney or bladder damage, urinary tract infections and bladder stones. In some extreme cases, BPH can cause a total inability to urinate and require emergency catheterization.
What Are Bph Symptoms
The prostate surrounds part of the urethra the tube through which urine leaves the body. BPH, or an enlarged prostate, can result in this tube getting blocked. The block can cause problems with peeing, such as:1
- Needing to wake up at night to pee
BPH symptoms can get in the way of life. For example, you might become worried with finding a bathroom when you are away from home. Or you may become scared of leaving an embarrassing wet mark on your clothes if you cannot get to a bathroom in time.
Enlarged Prostate And Sexual Function
In the process of aging, many will develop a condition called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia , AKA enlarged prostate, which can cause uncomfortable urinary symptoms and affect erectile function
Prostate enlargement and erectile dysfunction are two health problems which are common in men. However, although both are strongly associated with older age, one causes problems in the bedroom while the other in the bathroom.
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Is There Sex After Prostate Cancer Surgery
The surgical procedures that are needed in order to cure prostate cancer are invasive and may lead to long-term side effects. One of these side effects is impotence.
Nevertheless, even in the most severe cases of prostate cancer surgery, the affliction to ones sexual life can be reversible. Through extensive efforts over a period of around 12 months, a man who previously had a normal sexual function can regain potency. This is called penile rehabilitation which usually resorts to drugs or devices in order to accelerate the recovery of erectile function.
What Are Some Sexual Problems Of Men With Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
BPH medication is also known to cause sexual problems.
The relationship between sexual problems and BPH is complicated, and experts dont know exactly how it works. The links between BPH and sexual difficulties could be physical, psychological, or both.
Sometimes, men have to have medications¹ or surgeries¹¹ for BPH, which can cause ED and other sexual issues.
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Does Enlarged Prostate Cause Ed
Of the many symptoms caused by BPH, one of the most common complaints men have when visiting a urologist is Erectile Dysfunction or ED. This is defined as the inability of a man to attain or maintain an erection sufficient for vaginal penetration and satisfactory sexual performance.
BPH does not directly cause ED, but many men with BPH seek medical attention to relieve ED.
What Is Benign Prostate Hyperplasia
As men age, their prostate gland usually goes through a growth period as part of the natural aging process. From the age of 60, about 60% of the men have an enlarged prostate, while about half of them have lower urinary tract symptoms as a result. In most cases around the age of 50, the enlarged prostate starts causing problems in the urinary system, which not only undermine the quality of life but occasionally affect sexual function as well. It happens as the enlarged prostate presses against and narrows the urethra, causing problems with urine flow and other urinary problems. Consequently, the bladder wall becomes thicker and the bladder may weaken and lose its elasticity and the ability to empty completely. And if the bladder cannot void completely, remaining residual urine could lead to urinary tract infections and other complications.
Common symptoms of BPH include:
- A weak urine stream
- Needing to get up multiple times at night to urinate
- Terminal dribbling
These symptoms usually produce serious effects on life quality and routine of many men. Furthermore, numerous men feel that their masculinity is being undermined and this often gives rise to problems with relationships.
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When Should You Seek Medical Advice
Ideally, you should seek medical attention as soon as you notice somethings off before the symptoms get worse and start disrupting your peace.
Currently, we have no conclusive studies to show ED drugs are safe and completely effective at treating urinary symptoms of an enlarged prostate. Do not start any prescription medications without the help of a doctor. Your doctor might also be able to help you in making the right lifestyle changes and exercises needed to treat an Enlarged prostate and the resulting symptoms.
If you have anymore concerns related to mens health, comment with them below and well be sure to take it up soon. For more such blogs, keep checking this space!
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Why Is There Increasing Concern At This Time Regarding Erectile Dysfunction Issues Following Radical Prostatectomy
The reality of the recovery process after radical prostatectomy today is that erectile function recovery lags behind functional recovery in other areas. Patients are understandably concerned about this issue and, following months of erectile dysfunction, become skeptical of reassurances that their potency will return.
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Which Bph Symptoms Are Associated With Ed
In a study which examined at this issue, the researchers studied 2,115 men between the ages of 40 and 79. The study participants completed questionnaires related to their sexual function and urinary tract symptoms every two years.
The results showed that each of the indicators of sexual function was inversely related to the severity of urinary tract symptoms reported by the participants .
Urinary tract symptoms resulting from BPH which were most strongly associated with sexual dysfunction were:
- A feeling of urgency
- Weak urine stream
- Straining to start urinating
The results show that there may be a common cause for BPH and ED and therefore future medical treatments which may focus on it could prove effective for treating both conditions according to researcher Steven Jacobsen, of the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine 8.
In conclusion, most of the men with lower urinary tract symptoms resulting from BPH also suffer from erectile dysfunction problems, and the two disorders have common mechanisms and risk factors. Therefore, if you have erectile or urinary problems it is recommended to seek medical advice and treatment as soon as possible, in order to prevent symptoms exacerbation.
Elliott SP, Gulati M, Pasta DJ, Spitalny GM, Kane CJ, Yee R et al. Obstructive lower urinary tract symptoms correlate with erectile dysfunction. Urology 2004 63: 1148-1152.
Andersson KE, Wagner G. Physiology of penile erection. Physiol Rev 1995 75: 191-236.
The Basics: How An Erection Occurs
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Image: Hank Grebe/Getty Images |
Its usually difficult for a man to get another erection right away. The length of the interval between erections varies, depending on a mans age, his health, and whether he is sexually active on a regular basis. A young, sexually active man in good health may be able to get an erection after just a few minutes, whereas a man in his 50s or older may have to wait 24 hours. One reason may be that nerve function slows with age.
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How Long After Prostate Surgery Can You Have Sex
Regardless of the outcome of prostate cancer surgery at the level of the genital organ, surgeons recommend abstinence for a period of a few weeks. This is due to the fact that the body requires time for healing itself after an invasive procedure.
Considering those cases where patients led a healthy sex life before the diagnosis, they may be looking at a period of 6 weeks to 12 months before they can resume their sex life once the surgery is successful.
This estimation shrinks in case the patients opt for robotic prostate cancer surgery. This procedure relies on the assistance of a computer interface and mechanical arms. Together, they remove the tissue and organs affected by the tumor leaving the damaging repercussions to a minimum.
Compared to open surgery, the robotic approach ensures faster recovery, less blood loss, and a smaller risk for transfusion. Regarding sex life, this procedure may be a shortcut to more satisfactory performance after surgery.
Enlarged Prostate And Erections
Can an enlarged prostate cause erectile dysfunction? We dont know for certain that enlarged prostates cause ED but there is some data linking the two, and some BPH treatments, such as alpha blockers, can cause ED. Conversely, some erectile dysfunction treatments can in fact relieve the symptoms of an enlarged prostate.
So, can a swollen prostate cause erectile dysfunction? There simply havent been enough studies to confirm a link between erectile dysfunction and enlarged prostates. If you are experiencing erectile dysfunction alongside symptoms of BPH, the best thing to do is talk to your doctor.
You can find out more about erectile dysfunction causes here.
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Enlarged Prostate And Urination
Outside of sexual dysfunction, difficulty urinating is the most common symptom of an enlarged prostate. This is because when the prostate becomes enlarged, it can press on the bladder and make it difficult to start urinating. You might also find that you have a very weak flow due to the pressure on your urethra, or even that you wake up regularly during the night to use the bathroom.
You should talk to your doctor if you have suddenly developed problems urinating. They might ask you to answer a series of questions to give you an International Prostate Symptom Score . This helps the clinician understand what treatment might be best for you and the general health of your water works.
How Can A Swollen Prostate Cause Erectile Dysfunction
If you know anything about prostatic diseases, then you may be aware of how strongly they can affect the quality of life.
A condition like benign prostatic hyperplasia may cause lower urinary tract symptoms .
Urinary tract infections , bladder damage, blood in the urine, as well as urinary retention are often complications that result from BPH.
In understanding how BPH may lead to ED, let’s get familiar with a little something called the alpha 1-adrenergic receptor.
In BPH, there is an imbalance in the autonomic control of smooth muscles, their contraction and relaxation.
This leads to increased smooth muscle tone in the prostate. Increased smooth muscle tone is caused by the a1-adrenergic receptor.
When this receptor is activated by noradrenaline , the penile tissues are contracted.
Erectile dysfunction favors the contraction of smooth muscles which encourages detumescence, and complicates the relaxation of these muscles, which is responsible for erections.
It is believed that 70 percent of men with BPH have an associated erectile dysfunction.
With prostatitis, erectile dysfunction may be induced by the pain caused from the condition.
If you suffer from chronic bacterial prostatitis for example, it isnt uncommon to experience pain in the genital area and groin.
This pain can last for three months and above.
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What Are Some Treatment Options For Prostate Cancer And Their Effects For Erectile Dysfunction
Today, there are multiple treatment options when it comes to prostate cancer including GAINSWaves innovative shockwave therapy treatment. It is important to know treatment options and the possible risks affiliated with surgery or radiation treatment. Therefore, it is important to consult with your physician.
How Long Does Erectile Dysfunction Last After Prostate Surgery
Prostate surgery doesnt always result in ED. This depends on the type of operation and other personal factors like pre-existing sexual dysfunction. Studies have found that some procedures, like prostatic urethral LIFT,¹ largely preserve sexual function.
In most surgeries, sexual activity tends to return to normal within a year¹¹ if the surgery affects it. This is provided that no rare complications like nerve damage occur.
Its important to note that ED is very common in those with BPH, and many find that their erectile function is recovered after surgery for BPH.
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What Are The Available Treatments For Bph
As men get older, their prostates tend to become enlarged. This is usually from a lifetime of bad habits. However, prostate enlargement does not equate to prostate cancer. Having an enlarged prostate does not inevitably mean you will get cancer.
Once diagnosed, doctors usually recommend medication. It is essential you know that some of the drugs used to treat BPH have side-effects. Some of these include erectile dysfunction and a diminished sex drive.
Men who take alpha-blockers and alpha-reductase are prone to develop erectile dysfunction.
Studies show that approximately 3% of men who took Dutasteride and 6.4% of men who took Finasteride experienced a loss of libido.
Therefore, it is not uncommon for men to experience flagging sexual desire and compromised erectile after initiation of treatment.
Recent scientific research has pointed out that medicine such as blue pills will also have a relaxing effect on the prostate.
30% of men facing BPH will encounter compromised sexual function. One-third of men suffering ED have troubling symptoms related to the prostate.
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What Current Options Exist To Treat Erectile Dysfunction After Radical Prostatectomy
Options include pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions. Pharmacotherapies include the oral PDE-5 inhibitors , intraurethral suppositories , and intracavernous injections . Non-pharmacologic therapies, which do not rely on the biochemical reactivity of the erectile tissue, include vacuum constriction devices and penile implants .
Men who have undergone nerve-sparing technique should be offered therapies that are not expected to interfere with the potential recovery of spontaneous, natural erectile function. In this light, penile prosthesis surgery would not be considered an option in this select group, at least in the initial 2 year post-operative period, until it becomes evident in some individuals that such recovery is unlikely.
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Causes Of An Enlarged Prostate
We dont actually know what causes prostate enlargement. Potential factors include:
We do know that men who have their testicles removed – for example, due to testicular cancer – do not experience prostate enlargement.
If the testicles are removed after prostate enlargement occurs, the prostate begins to shrink
What we do know is that:
- Your chances of developing an enlarged prostate increase with age
- Enlarged prostates are so common that its believed all males will eventually experience an enlarged prostate if they live long enough. In fact, over 90% of males over 80 have BPH.
- There are no specific risk factors for prostate enlargement, other than having testicles.
Assessing Your Cardiovascular Health
Your GP may assess your cardiovascular health. Narrowed blood vessels are a common cause of erectile dysfunction and linked with cardiovascular disease .
Your GP may:
- reducing stress
As well as helping to improve your erectile dysfunction, these changes can also improve your general health and may help to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease .
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What Are The Current Expectations With Regard To Outcomes After Radical Prostatectomy
Following a series of anatomical discoveries of the prostate and its surrounding structures about 2 decades ago, changes in the surgical approach permitted the procedure to be performed with significantly improved outcomes. Now after the surgery, expectations are that physical capacity is fully recovered in most patients within several weeks, return of urinary continence is achieved by more than 95% of patients within a few months, and erection recovery with ability to engage in sexual intercourse is regained by most patients with or without oral phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors within 2 years.
Can An Enlarged Prostate Keep You From Ejaculating
Enlarged prostate, or BPH, is one of the most common urological conditions that a man can encounter as he gets older. It can cause uncomfortable urinary symptoms, such as blocking the flow of urine out of the bladder and other urinary tract, bladder, or kidney problems. Statistics show that 50% of men over the age of 50 will have BPH, then 60% over 60, and so forth, increasing by 10% with every decade of life. Accordingly, as men get older, theyre also more prone to have sexual dysfunction.
There is no evidence that having BPH leads immediately to erectile dysfunction, yet there are relationships between BPH and erectile dysfunction. In general, these relationships are due to patients with BPH who may have other numerous medical conditions that are also associated with erectile dysfunction like hypertension, lipid abnormalities, diabetes, heart disease, etc.
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What Is The Importance Of Preserved Erectile Function
In considering the impact of the various treatment approaches for prostate cancer on their quality of life, many patients place paramount importance on the possibility of retaining natural erectile function. This matter is frequently important to young men who by age status are more likely to have intact erectile function than older men however, for all men having normal preoperative erectile function irrespective of age, preservation of this function is understandably important postoperatively.
Surgical Treatments For Bph
While many doctors claim to treat prostate enlargement with surgery, such claims are almost always related to improving urinary function. Since the prostate surrounds the urethra, symptoms of BPH almost always involve urinary function. If a man has severe urinary issues or blockage, surgery may help.
Some doctors recommend removing the prostate to resolve the urinary issues in severe cases. The prostatectomy will likely resolve the urinary issues, but the surgerys side effects will surely deteriorate the mans quality of life.
Surgery should never be the first choice to relieve problems associated with BPH. Any urologist recommending surgery as a first-line treatment for BPH is not providing patients with the best advice. Every surgery has side effects. Some can be minor and others life-altering. Many solutions can make BPH more tolerable without destroying a mans quality of life.
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