What impact does an enlarged prostate have on sexual health?
January 19, 2022 | 80,00 EUR | answered by Otto Wolf
Dear Doctor,
My name is Sebastian Evers and I am reaching out to you because I am very concerned about my sexual health. For some time now, I have been having problems with urination and I feel that my prostate is enlarged. I have already found some information about the effects of an enlarged prostate on bladder function, but unfortunately, I could not find clear information about the effects on sexual health.
I was recently examined by my primary care physician and he confirmed that my prostate is indeed enlarged. He prescribed me some medication to alleviate the symptoms, but I am still concerned about how this could affect my sexual life. I feel that my libido has decreased and I have difficulty getting an erection. I wonder if this could be related to my enlarged prostate and if there are possible solutions to improve my sexual health.
Could you please explain to me what specific effects an enlarged prostate can have on sexual health? Are there specific treatment options that could increase my libido or improve my erection problems? I would be very grateful for your help and advice on this matter.
Thank you in advance.
Sincerely,
Sebastian Evers
Dear Sebastian Evers,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as a urologist. It is important that you take care of your sexual health and openly discuss your concerns. It is understandable that you are worried, especially if you have already noticed that your prostate is enlarged and are experiencing symptoms such as difficulties with urination.
An enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), can indeed have effects on sexual health. An enlarged prostate can affect urine flow and lead to issues such as frequent urination, nighttime urination, difficulty starting urination, and a weak urine stream. These symptoms can have a negative impact on sexual health, causing discomfort or pain and potentially affecting sexual desire.
Furthermore, an enlarged prostate can also impact sexual function. Some men report a decrease in libido, difficulties in achieving or maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction), and issues with ejaculation. This can have both physical and psychological causes and can vary from case to case.
In terms of treatment options, there are various choices available to alleviate the symptoms of an enlarged prostate while improving sexual health. Your primary care physician has already prescribed medications that can help control the symptoms. These medications can reduce muscle tension in the prostate and bladder neck, thus improving urine flow.
There are also other treatment options such as minimally invasive procedures or, in some cases, surgery to reduce the size of the enlarged prostate. However, these options should be discussed with a urologist to find the best treatment for your specific situation.
In addition to medication or surgical treatment, making lifestyle changes that promote sexual health can be helpful. This may include regular physical activity, a healthy diet, stress management, and adequate sleep.
I strongly recommend discussing your concerns about sexual health with your urologist. A urologist can conduct a thorough examination, evaluate your symptoms, and recommend the best possible treatment. It is important to openly discuss your sexual health in order to receive the best care and support.
I hope that my response helps you and encourages you to take care of your sexual health. Please do not hesitate to ask further questions or request additional information. I am here to help and wish you all the best on your journey to recovery and improving your sexual health.
Best regards,
Dr. Otto Wolf
