u003cstrongu003eCan an enlarged prostate affect my sexual function?u003c/strongu003e

Whether or not an enlarged prostate affects sexual function u003cstrongu003edepends on the underlying cause.u003c/strongu003eu003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cstrongu003eProstatitisu003c/strongu003e can cause u003ca href=u0022https://adoctor.org/conditions/erectile-dysfunction/u0022u003eerectile dysfunctionu003c/au003e because of pain.u003csupu003eu003ca href=u0022https://adoctor.org/wp-admin/post.php?post=4818u0026amp;action=edit#fn22u0022u003e[22]u003c/au003eu003c/supu003e It can also result in painful ejaculation, which can lead to problems with sexual pleasure and indirectly cause problems with sexual function.u003csupu003eu003ca href=u0022https://adoctor.org/wp-admin/post.php?post=4818u0026amp;action=edit#fn23u0022u003e[23]u003c/au003eu003c/supu003e This is likely to be temporary, and matters will improve along with the condition.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cstrongu003eBenign prostatic hyperplasiau003c/strongu003e itself does not cause erectile dysfunction, but some treatments for it, for example, the drug finasteride, can. However, there are other drugs available, such as terazosin, tamsulosin, and doxazosin, that are less likely to cause this side effect. Likewise, Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) can cause erectile dysfunction in some men.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cstrongu003eProstate canceru003c/strongu003e can cause problems such as erectile dysfunction, and if there is a sudden onset of such problems where no problems have existed before, a physician should be consulted. Some treatments for prostate cancer can affect sexual performance, e.g. by causing erectile dysfunction, due to the side-effects of hormone therapy, damage to erectile tissue resulting from radiation or brachytherapy or severed nerves and muscles after prostate surgery.

u003cstrongu003eCan an enlarged prostate affect my fertility?u003c/strongu003e

Prostate problems, such as those resulting from pain and prostate cancer treatments, can lead to problems with getting and maintaining an erection and with ejaculation, which then affects successful conception.u003cbru003eu003cbru003eHowever, any very enlarged prostate may also cause problems with sperm transport. If the prostate is enlarged, it can press on the ejaculatory ducts and prevent the adequate formulation of semen.u003csupu003eu003ca href=u0022#fn24u0022u003e[24]u003c/au003eu003c/supu003eu003cbru003eTreatments for prostate cancer, especially radiation treatment and hormone treatment, can affect male fertility, owing to their effects on sperm production. Prostatectomy, when it involves the removal of the entire prostate and seminal vesicles, can render men unable to ejaculate. Radiation treatment causes a decline in sperm production and/or sperm quality, and the same is true of many chemotherapy treatments.u003cbru003eInflammation of the prostate (prostatitis) can affect sperm motility, i.e. the way sperms move around, and fertility problems might result. Inflammation of the prostate can also cause bladder problems that lead to retrograde ejaculation, which is when semen enters the bladder rather than leaving the body.u003csupu003eu003ca href=u0022#fn25u0022u003e[25]u003c/au003eu003c/supu003e

What Is Enlarged Prostate?

**What is Enlarged Prostate?**

**Q: What is an enlarged prostate?**

**A:** An enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH),⁤ is a‌ condition in which the prostate gland, a small organ located below the bladder in men, enlarges. This enlargement can cause urinary⁣ problems, such as difficulty ⁤urinating, ‌frequent urination, and ‌a weak urine stream.

**Q:⁢ What causes an enlarged prostate?**

**A:** The exact cause of BPH is unknown, ‌but it is thought to be related⁢ to hormonal changes that occur as men age. As men get older, the ⁣levels of the male hormone testosterone decrease, which can lead to an increase ‌in the production of another hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). ⁤DHT is believed to stimulate ⁤the growth of the prostate gland.

**Q: What are‍ the symptoms of an enlarged prostate?**

**A:** The ⁢symptoms of BPH can vary depending on the size of the prostate and how much it is pressing on the urethra. Common symptoms include:

* ⁢Difficulty starting to urinate

* Hesitancy when urinating

* ‌Weak urine stream

*‍ Frequent urination, especially at night

* Feeling like you can’t‍ empty your bladder completely

* Dribbling after‌ urinating

**Q: How is ‍an enlarged prostate⁣ diagnosed?**

**A:**⁤ An enlarged prostate can be diagnosed with a physical exam and a blood test called a prostate-specific antigen⁢ (PSA) test. The ⁢PSA test measures the ⁤level of PSA in the ⁣blood, which can be elevated ‌in men with an enlarged prostate. Other tests that may be used to diagnose BPH⁣ include:

* Digital rectal exam (DRE)

* Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)

* Uroflowmetry

**Q: How is an enlarged prostate treated?**

**A:** The treatment for an enlarged prostate depends on the severity of‌ the symptoms. In some cases, lifestyle changes, such ⁤as avoiding caffeine and alcohol and drinking⁢ plenty of fluids,⁢ may be enough ‍to improve symptoms. ‍Other treatments for BPH include:

*⁢ Medications

* Surgery

* Minimally invasive procedures

**Q: What are the complications of an enlarged prostate?**

**A:** ‍If left untreated, an enlarged prostate⁢ can lead ‍to a number of complications, including:

* Urinary retention

* Urinary⁣ tract infections (UTIs)

* Kidney stones

* Bladder damage

**Q: How⁢ can I prevent ‌an enlarged⁣ prostate?**

**A:** There is⁢ no sure way to prevent an enlarged prostate, but there are some things that men can ⁢do to reduce their risk,⁢ including:

* Eating a healthy diet

* Exercising ⁣regularly

* Avoiding obesity

* Limiting alcohol intake

* Quitting⁢ smoking

**Additional Resources:**

* [American Urological Association: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia](https://www.auanet.org/conditions/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia-bph)

* [National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Enlarged Prostate](https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/enlarged-prostate)