The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that surrounds the urethra and takes part in the production of semen. Once the prostate gland increases and is becoming enlarged, it may exert pressure on the urethra, which, in turn, may complicate obtaining and supporting an erection.

Prostate enlargement may promote the emergence of erectile dysfunction in certain men. However, it is considered the direct reason not always.

Enlarged Prostate

As mentioned above, the prostate is a small gland in men. It may be found below the bladder and in front of the rectum. This gland is responsible for the production of seminal fluid which nourishes and conveys sperm during ejaculation.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia, likewise known as an enlarged prostate or prostate enlargement, is a condition in which the prostate gland becomes bigger in size. An enlarged prostate is a widespread condition that touches on a lot of men as they age.

Causes

The accurate reason for prostate enlargement is not completely studied. However, it is considered to be connected with changes in hormone levels as men age. Since the balance of hormones in men’s bodies may shift as they get older, this may lead to an increase in their prostate gland.

Moreover, there are other factors that may promote the development of an enlarged prostate. Some of them are the family history of a man, his age, lifestyle factors, medical conditions (diabetes and heart disease), medications, etc.

Symptoms

The symptoms of prostate enlargement may vary from person to person. Likewise, these symptoms may be either mild or severe. Complexity with starting urination, weak urine stream, rush urges to urinate, failure to urinate, presence of feeling that the bladder is not fully empty after urination, etc. are regarded as the most widespread symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence, is a condition in which it becomes difficult or impossible for men to achieve or maintain a strong erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. Impotence can be a constant or occasional problem. Moreover, this problem can have a significant impact on men’s sexual well-being and overall quality of life.

Causes

Erectile dysfunction or impotence may be caused by physical, psychological, and lifestyle factors. Various physical conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and prostate issues) are considered physical factors of impotence emergence.

Constant stress, anxiety, issues in relationships, and depression may be referred to as psychological factors. Finally, regular smoking, alcohol consumption in large amounts, and excessive drug use are regarded as lifestyle factors that may promote erectile dysfunction.

Symptoms

The most common and obvious symptom of impotence is the inability to reach and support an erection. However, there may be other symptoms and signs of erectile dysfunction. Some of them are decreased libido (sexual desire), complexity obtaining an erection, premature ejaculation, complexity supporting an erection during sexual activity, reduction or absence of sperm, etc.

Enlarged Prostate and Erectile Dysfunction

There is a link between prostate enlargement and erectile dysfunction. As a rule, an enlarged prostate may result in impotence. Still, not all men with prostate enlargement may face erectile dysfunction. If you experience symptoms of either erectile dysfunction or prostate enlargement, hasten to book an appointment with your doctor to make sure you don’t have these conditions.

How an enlarged prostate can lead to erectile dysfunction

Once the prostate becomes enlarged, it may exert pressure on the urethra, which, in turn, may affect urinary and sexual function. The pressure on the urethra may result in complexities with reaching and supporting an erection which are common symptoms of erectile dysfunction. What’s more, the compression of the urethra may likewise affect the normal blood flow to the penis, which, in turn, is important for reaching and supporting an erection.

Treatments for both conditions

If you face symptoms of erectile dysfunction or prostate enlargement, don’t hasten to worry. If you see a doctor timely, you have a higher chance to treat these conditions. The treatment for impotence and enlarged prostate may depend on the severity of the conditions and experienced symptoms. The most widespread means of treating erectile dysfunction and enlarged prostate are medications, surgery, and lifestyle changes.

Lifestyle Changes

As a rule, simple changes in men’s lifestyles may assist with treating prostate enlargement and erectile dysfunction. For instance, it is recommended to restrict fluid intake before bedtime, avoid the consumption of alcoholic and caffeine drinks in large amounts, practice pelvic floor exercises, quit smoking, etc. These methods will be useful for reducing symptoms of an enlarged prostate and impotence conditions.

Natural Remedies

Certain natural remedies may contribute to improving symptoms of prostate enlargement and erectile dysfunction. Examples of natural remedies that may assist you are: saw palmetto, pygeum, lycopene, and zinc. Also, you may allocate time to pelvic floor exercises and aerobic exercises to relieve symptoms of an enlarged prostate and impotence conditions. Don’t forget to consult your doctor before starting to take any supplement or use a new treatment.

Summary

Prostate enlargement and erectile dysfunction are widespread conditions that affect a lot of men. What’s more, it is possible to find a link between these serious conditions. An enlarged prostate may cause erectile dysfunction in some men.

Luckily, there are many methods of treating these conditions if you don’t postpone your visit to a doctor. Follow your health and if you start to notice the first symptoms of erectile dysfunction or prostate enlargement, see your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

FAQ

Can I prevent ED after prostate surgery?

Fortunately, it is possible to reduce the risk of the emergence of erectile dysfunction after performing prostate surgery. For this, you may consider options with your doctor, regard post-operative treatments, and stick to a healthy lifestyle.

Can an Enlarged Prostate Cause ED?

Yes, prostate enlargement may result in erectile dysfunction by breaking the normal flow of blood to the penis during sexual arousal.