As men age, many may find themselves facing the uncomfortable reality of an enlarged prostate. But how does an enlarged prostate affect a man sexually? If you’ve been diagnosed with Prostatitis, also called BPH, you know that enlarged prostate symptoms include not only urinary incontinence but also erectile dysfunction.
Shockwave is a new treatment for enlarged prostate has been helping men in Boca Raton to effectively reverse urinary incontinence and restore sexual function without medication or surgery.
In this blog post, we delve into the impact that an enlarged prostate can have on a man's sexual health and discuss potential solutions to keep things running smoothly from the bathroom to the bedroom.
Keep reading to learn more about how this common age related condition can affect your sex life and what you can do about it.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly referred to as an enlarged prostate, is a condition that affects millions of men worldwide. It is estimated that by the age of 60, about half of all men will have some degree of BPH, and this number increases to 90% by the age of 85 (Harvard Health).
Prostatitis is a reason for millions of doctor visits each year, with around 2 million visits annually having prostatitis as a diagnosis (AUA Journal).
While BPH can cause bothersome urinary symptoms such as frequent urination, weak urine flow, and difficulty starting or stopping urination, it can also have a significant impact on sexual function.
In order to understand how an enlarged prostate affects sexual function, it is important to first understand what the prostate gland does.
The prostate is a small gland located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. Its main function is to produce fluid that nourishes and protects sperm. As men age, their prostate naturally becomes larger due to hormonal changes.
For men with BPH, this inflammation becomes excessive and causes compression of the urethra. This leads to men’s health issues such as:
But how does BPH affect sexual function? Firstly, because BPH can cause discomfort or pain during urination and ejaculation, it may lead to decreased sexual desire or avoidance of sexual activity altogether. Men with severe cases of BPH may also experience erectile dysfunction due to nerve damage caused by prolonged pressure on surrounding tissues.
Aside from physical effects on sexual function, BPH can also have psychological impacts. Men may feel embarrassed or self-conscious about their urinary symptoms or sexual difficulties, leading to decreased self-esteem and confidence in intimate relationships. Contact us online to get help today.
So what are the causes and symptoms of BPH? Let’s take a quick look.
The exact cause of BPH is not fully understood, but it is believed to be caused by changes in hormone levels as men age. As men get older, their testosterone levels decrease while their levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) increase. DHT is thought to contribute to prostate growth. Other risk factors for developing BPH include:
Certain medications such as antihistamines and decongestants also contribute to an increased risk of developing BPH; which we’ll discuss in just a minute.
One of the most common symptoms of BPH is difficulty with urination. As the prostate gland grows larger, it can put pressure on the urethra which carries urine from the bladder out of the body. This can lead to a weak or interrupted urine stream, difficulty starting or stopping urination, and feeling like you need to urinate more frequently or urgently.
Another symptom that may affect sexual function is erectile dysfunction (ED). The pressure on the urethra caused by an enlarged prostate can also impact blood flow to the penis and make it difficult to achieve or maintain an erection.
In addition to urinary and sexual symptoms, some men with BPH may experience discomfort or pain in their pelvic area or lower back. This may be due to inflammation caused by an enlarged prostate pressing against surrounding tissues.
It’s important to note that not all men with BPH will experience these symptoms. In fact, some men may have only mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. But it’s important to pay attention to any changes in urinary or sexual function and discuss them with a healthcare provider. Contact us online to get help today.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition that affects men as they age. It occurs when the prostate gland, which surrounds the urethra, becomes enlarged. This can lead to symptoms such as frequent urination, difficulty starting or stopping urination, and a weak urine stream. But what many men don't realize is that BPH can also have a significant impact on their sexual health.
One of the main ways in which an enlarged prostate can affect a man sexually is through erectile dysfunction (ED). The prostate gland plays an important role in the production of semen, and when it becomes enlarged, it puts pressure on the surrounding structures, including the nerves and blood vessels necessary for achieving and maintaining an erection. This can lead to difficulties with arousal and performance in the bedroom.
Fortunately, there are several treatment options available for both BPH and ED. One emerging treatment that has shown promising results for both conditions is shockwave therapy.
Shockwave therapy uses high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate blood flow and promote tissue repair in targeted areas of the body. In terms of BPH, studies have found that shockwave therapy can help reduce inflammation in the prostate gland and improve urinary symptoms associated with BPH. This can provide relief for men who are experiencing discomfort or inconvenience due to their enlarged prostate.
But perhaps even more exciting is the potential of shockwave therapy for treating ED caused by BPH. Research has shown that this non-invasive treatment can improve penile blood flow, leading to improved erectile function without any negative side effects reported.
One study published in Urology found that after just six sessions of shockwave therapy over three weeks, patients experienced significant improvements in their International Index of Erectile Function scores compared to those who received placebo treatments. This indicates not only initial success but also long-term benefits from this type of treatment.
It's important to note that shockwave therapy is still a relatively new treatment option for both BPH and ED, and more research needs to be done to fully understand its effectiveness. However, the early results are more than promising, and many men have already reported great results.
Don't let an enlarged prostate continue to affect your quality of life – explore the possibilities of this cutting-edge treatment today.
To learn more and find out if shockwave therapy is right for you, contact Simply Men’s Health in Boca Raton:
https://www.simplymenshealth.com/contact-us/
As mentioned earlier, an enlarged prostate can cause various urinary symptoms and affect a man's quality of life. To alleviate these symptoms, there are several traditional treatment options available for BPH. However, it is essential to understand that these treatments have their limitations and may not be suitable for every man. In this section, we will discuss the commonly used traditional treatment options for BPH and their limitations.
These medications work by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate. They are usually prescribed as a first-line treatment for mild to moderate BPH symptoms. While they can provide relief from urinary symptoms, alpha-blockers do not shrink the size of the prostate or prevent its further growth. Also, they may cause side effects such as dizziness, headache, and low blood pressure.
These drugs reduce the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone responsible for prostate enlargement. They can help shrink the size of the prostate gland over time and improve urinary symptoms. However, 5-ARIs take several months to show significant results and may cause sexual side effects such as decreased libido and erectile dysfunction.
This surgical procedure involves removing excess tissue from the inside of the prostate using a thin tube inserted through the urethra. TURP is considered a gold standard treatment option for BPH but carries risks such as bleeding, infection, and incontinence.
Similar to TURP, this surgery also aims at widening the urethra by making small cuts in the bladder neck or prostatic tissue obstructing urine flow. However, it is less effective than TURP in relieving urinary symptoms and may need to be repeated in the future.
These are small mesh-like devices that are inserted into the urethra to keep it open and improve urine flow. While they can provide immediate relief from urinary symptoms, prostatic stents have a high risk of complications such as infection, migration, and blockage of the urethra.
It is important to note that these traditional treatment options do not address the root cause of BPH and may only provide temporary relief. Moreover, they all carry potential side effects and risks that need to be carefully considered before opting for them. Contact us online to get help today.
Shockwave therapy is gaining popularity as a new treatment option for men with chronic non-bacterial prostatitis. This non-invasive and painless procedure uses high-energy sound waves to target and break down excess tissue in the prostate gland.
The shockwave therapy process involves using a specialized device that delivers sound waves directly to the prostate. These sound waves create mechanical stress on the targeted tissues, causing microtrauma and triggering the body's natural healing response. This results in the reduction of inflammation and shrinkage of the enlarged prostate.
The treatment typically involves several sessions, usually once a week for 4-6 weeks. Each session lasts approximately 20 minutes and is performed in-office by a trained healthcare professional.
By reducing inflammation and shrinking the enlarged prostate, this treatment can alleviate urinary symptoms commonly associated with BPH such as frequent urination, weak urine stream, difficulty starting or stopping urination, and feeling like you cannot completely empty your bladder. In addition to improving these bothersome symptoms, shockwave therapy has been shown to improve overall quality of life for men with BPH.
One concern that many men have when considering any form of prostate treatment is whether it will have a negative impact on their sexual function. The good news is that shockwave therapy does not cause erectile dysfunction or other sexual side effects commonly seen with surgical treatments for BPH. In fact, some studies have even shown improvements in erectile function after undergoing this treatment.
Shockwave therapy is an effective and safe option for men with BPH who want to avoid or delay surgical procedures. It works by using sound waves to reduce pain and inflammation and shrink the enlarged prostate, leading to improved urinary symptoms and potentially even improvements in sexual function. If you are suffering from BPH, talk to your doctor about whether shockwave therapy may be a suitable treatment option for you.
To learn more and find out if shockwave therapy is right for you, contact Simply Men’s Health in Boca Raton:
https://www.simplymenshealth.com/contact-us/
Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), has been gaining popularity as a non-invasive treatment for various health conditions, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and sexual dysfunction. In this section, we will discuss the benefits of shockwave therapy for BPH and sexual function.
Shockwave therapy offers many benefits for both BPH and sexual function. It is a low-risk treatment option that has shown promising results in relieving symptoms of BPH and improving sexual function in men. Consult with your doctor to see if this treatment is suitable for you or your loved one's condition. Contact us online to get help today.
An enlarged prostate can greatly impact a man's sexual health and function. As discussed in this article, the prostate plays a vital role in male sexual function by producing semen and controlling the flow of urine. When it becomes enlarged due to various factors such as age or underlying medical conditions, it can lead to several problems that affect a man's sexual life.
One of the most common ways an enlarged prostate affects sexual health is through erectile dysfunction. As the prostate becomes inflamed, it presses on the surrounding nerves and blood vessels that are responsible for getting and maintaining an erection. This can result in difficulty getting or keeping an erection, thus affecting a man's ability to have satisfying sexual intercourse.
Aside from physical symptoms, having an enlarged prostate can also lead to psychological effects on a man's sex life. The constant worry about urinary problems or changes in libido due to medication can create anxiety and stress that negatively impact one's sexual desire and performance.
In conclusion, yes, an enlarged prostate can affect a man sexually. But with proper management you can maintain and even improve your sex life.
To learn more and find out if shockwave therapy is right for you, contact Simply Men’s Health in Boca Raton:
https://www.simplymenshealth.com/contact-us/
It should be noted that every individual responds differently to shockwave therapy depending on their unique health factors and severity of their condition. Some men may experience temporary side effects such as mild discomfort during urination or ejaculation, but these typically resolve within a few days after the treatment.
Birowo P, Rangganata E, Rasyid N, Atmoko W. Efficacy and safety of extracorporeal shockwave therapy for the treatment of chronic non-bacterial prostatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2020;15(12):e0244295. Published 2020 Dec 28. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0244295
Collins MM, Stafford RS, O'Leary MP, Barry MJ. How common is prostatitis? A national survey of physician visits. J Urol. 1998;159(4):1224-1228.
Does an enlarged prostate affect a man sexually, Prostatitis, BPH, incontinence, enlarged prostate, enlarged prostate symptoms, urinary incontinence, Erectile Dysfunction
Last reviewed and updated 5/28/24 by Simply Men’s Health
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