Can Swollen Prostate impact erectile dysfunction?

The inability in men where they are unable to achieve or maintain an erection is called erectile dysfunction. It is one of the most prevailing sexual disorders in men today. By 2025, around 322 million men will be affected by this problem.

The causes of ED are not one or two. It can be several. All psychological and physical factors may contribute to erection problems. Other than this, it has been noticed that a swollen prostate is a major cause.

Do you think a swollen prostate may cause erectile dysfunction? A swollen prostate is mainly caused due to benign prostatic hyperplasia and Prostatitis. To know about the question in brief, go through this article.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia and Prostatitis

Benign prostate hyperplasia is a well-known problem related to prostate in men. BPH enlarges the prostate, but it doesn't get cancerous. The prostate, when enlarged, creates several problems that include kidney problems, bladder, and urinary tract problems.

Also, it creates problems while ejaculating and urinating. On the other hand, Prostatitis is a condition that affects prostate glands. Prostatis mainly causes infection or pain. Due to Prostatitis, men may feel pain while urinating.

Also, it causes pain in different regions, including the pelvic area, genitals, and groin. Benign prostate hyperplasia thus increases the prostate size. Hence, the prostate gets inflamed.

The function of the prostate gland

The prostate is a male reproductive system present in the base of the penis. Its function is to produce fluid for semen. When you ejaculate, the prostate gland helps in the contraction of muscles. This also helps semen to exit from the body.

How does a swollen prostate cause ED?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia and ED in men increase with increasing age. From this, it is clear that BPH and ED are interconnected. But before understanding that, first let us know the role of Alpha-1 adrenergic receptors in our body.

Alpha-1 adrenergic receptors are responsible for proper muscle functioning. The smooth muscle is entirely responsible for erection. The erection process ultimately depends on the contraction and relaxation of muscles.

When our muscles are relaxed, they fill the area with blood, which causes erection. When a person suffers from BPH, the problems persist in the autonomic control of the smooth muscle.

Hence, this problem affects the functioning of Alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. It becomes active in response to neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters, thus, increase the smooth muscle tone, which contributes to penile tissue contraction.

When penile tissue contracts, it reduces the blood flow, which further leads to erection problems. The enlarged prostate even causes enormous pain, which leads to stress. Stress is a significant cause of erectile dysfunction.

Do swollen prostate treatments cause ED?

A swollen prostate is often treated with either medication or surgery. The swollen prostate treatments can be done on a pocket-friendly budget. However, the treatment may cause specific side effects, among which is erectile dysfunction.

Often, alpha-blockers and five alpha-reductase inhibitors are used for treating BPH. Other than this, Prostate cancer treatments contribute to erectile dysfunction. Hormonal therapy may also cause ED.

However, the ED causes due to such medications and therapies can be treated with ED treatments. Ed treatments include medicine, surgery, exercise, and more. Also, a healthy lifestyle may help you overcome the erection problems.

Although the chances of interactions are high with ED medicines, it is recommended that you consult a doctor before trying any.

Does a swollen prostate reduce sexual desire?

The prostate itself is not responsible for reducing your sex desire. However, the medicine used to treat BPH and Prostatitis contains five alpha-reductase inhibitors, which reduce the sex drive. Some 5 Alpha reductase inhibitors are Proscar, Avodart, and more.

These inhibitors block the testosterone in the body. Hence, it contributed to erectile dysfunction.

Frequently asked questions

Q1. Do ED medications such as Viagra work if I am suffering from an enlarged prostate?

Ans- Yes, ED pills are used to treat enlarged prostate. In some cases, it even works to treat BPH. It is best to consult a doctor before using any.

Q2. Can I achieve an erection if my prostate is removed?

Ans- The surgery for removing the prostate has a complication called erectile dysfunction. But the nerve-sparing prostatectomy technique newly introduced can allow you to achieve an erection.

Q3. What can I do to treat ED if I am getting problems after prostate surgery?

Ans- If your erection problems happen due to prostate surgery, it is treatable with medicines. Some medicines that work are Cialis, Viagra, Levitra, and more.

Final words

So, from the above scenario, it's clear that BPH and Prostatitis are common in men. It may directly result in erectile dysfunction. So, the answer to the question "Can a swollen prostate cause ED?" is Yes.

Other than ED, there are other problems also associated with a swollen prostate. Some common problems you face are urinary problems, bladder problems, and more. However, medicines can be used to treat such ED.