The Impact of An Enlarged Prostate (and BPH) on Erectile Dysfunction

It is
easy to see a symptom while misunderstanding the underlying cause.

Erectile dysfunction is a common medical condition that impacts more than a third of men at some point in
their lives.  As men get older, they tend to struggle more commonly with erectile dysfunction (ED).
There are many other health issues for men as they get older. Some of these health risks may have an impact on
their ED as well.

One common area with troubling conditions for aging men is their prostate. Their prostates can be a source of
cancer, but even when they are cancer-free, they may have an enlarged prostate called Benign Prostatic
Hyperplasia (BPH). In this article, we will focus on how BPH impacts men’s health and how that may
contribute to erectile dysfunction.

What is BPH and Its Effects

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) happens in many men as they get older. The enlarged prostate for these men
can cause problems while urinating. Some of the specific issues with urinating include:

• Constant urge to urinate
• Difficulty beginning or stopping urination
• Weak urine stream
• Feeling like your bladder is not empty
• Higher frequency of urinating

If trouble urinating were a one-time thing, it would be bad enough, but as an on-going condition, BPH can
impact the quality of a man’s life.

Issues with your prostate can also lead to sexual problems. Some sexual problems of men with BPH include:

• ED
• Decreased drive or libido
• Reduced sexual satisfaction

BPH and Erectile Dysfunction

Both BPH and ED are medical conditions that impact men’s lives. Though they are separate and often
distinct, these conditions do have connections. ED typically means a man has difficulty achieving or
maintaining an erection. There are many factors that can worsen ED, one of those being BPH.

There are some medications that treat BPH that can bring on symptoms of ED. It is best to work with a medical
professional to better understand your health needs, especially if you have on-going symptoms.

When Should You Seek Medical Advice?

Men over 40 are at risk of developing prostate cancer. According to the American
Cancer Society, it is best to get screened once per year. Additionally, men with an enlarged prostate
should seek medical advice promptly.

The medical professionals at Prime Men’s Medical Center specialize in treating conditions that impact
men’s health. Our concierge approach positions your unique case at the centerpoint of our focus. We
don’t just give you a pill for ED and send you on your way. We treat the underlying issues that led to
conditions such as ED, Low Testosterone, and more. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.