BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA AND SEXUALITY

A prostate too big, or benign prostatic hyperplasia , can cause sexual dysfunction. Certainly today ...

Benign prostate has a negative effect on sexuality.

Doctors have long known that cancer of the prostate can cause sexual dysfunction in men, in particular problems of erection and ejaculation. These disorders are linked to the disease as well as treatments. These doctors thought, however, that benign prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia , a disease more benign, in no way impeded sexual function. Is false. It seems that 50% of men with an abnormal benign prostate have sexual problems .

Too big a prostate that causes urinary problems as causes of sexual disorders

A study of more than 14,000 men shows that sexual dysfunction and discomfort they cause are strongly related to age and severity of lower urinary tract disorders (LUTS) including the prostate adenoma . (2)

What sexual problems in case of benign prostatic hyperplasia and why?

Loss of ejaculation, painful ejaculation or erectile dysfunction, are the disorders that can be observed in case of hypertrophy Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
The sexual dysfunction associated with hypertrophy benign prostate may have several explanations. The prostate , enlarged, compressing nerves and blood vessels necessary for the erection and / or ejaculation.
The bladder neck was partly obstructed by the enlarged prostate react by increased neural tone, which may result in this region of abnormal sexual responses. It could be added psychological factors since a man who has trouble urinating sees his penis malfunction. He may be worried when his sexual function and this anxiety may play a role in her sexuality.

Drugs of the prostate adenoma sometimes have a negative impact on sexuality

Some medications prescribed by doctors to reduce urinary problems associated with BPH are potentially harmful to the sexuality. Finasteride, for example, alters the sex in about 9% of cases, 3.5% of erectile dysfunction, 2.5% of disorders of sexual desire and 2.5% decrease in volume of ejaculate ( 1). Alpha-blockers can result in approximately 5% of cases, retrograde ejaculation (1). During ejaculation, sperm then rises into the bladder instead of being expelled outside the body.

There are solutions to sexual difficulties

In total, when one suffers from enlarged benign prostate , we must talk to his doctor. The problem is not just in the head!
This means that these men should not feel compelled to draw a line under their sex lives, and happily. Indeed, 50% of French people still sexually active at age 80!
In addition, we have very active drugs on erection, it would be a shame not to benefit. These oral medications (Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, or intracavernous injections (Edex, Caverject) or intra-urethral (Muse). There are also more mechanical solutions such as vacuum or penile implants.

Even in cases of prostate cancer, these solutions can be implemented

Take the opportunity to stress that even in cases of prostate cancer, there are many treatments to get an erection possible to maintain a sex life. It is useful to take care not to let settle a problem.

(1): source: "The Prostate" by Prof. Dr. Marc Zerbe and Sophie Conquy Editions Doin. 
Article 8593
(2): Osen R. and neck, lower urinary tract disorders and male sexual dysfunction: Survey MSAM-7 or Multinational Survey of the elderly man. Prog Urol, 2004, 14, 332-344.