Sex and Prostate Health: Does an Enlarged Prostate Affect a Man Sexually or Cause ED?

If you’re one of the many men who have questions like “does an enlarged prostate affect me sexually?”, “can an enlarged prostate cause ED?”, or “can BPH cause ED?”, read on to learn everything you need to know about sex and prostate health.

In our Ultimate Guide to Men’s Prostate Health (LINK), we discussed some of the most common problems that can affect a man’s prostate, with BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) and prostatitis ranking as the most often seen prostate conditions. If you haven’t already, make sure to give that article a quick read for all of the foundational knowledge you need about prostate health.

Today, we’re going to be taking a closer look at the specific link between sex and prostate health, and answering important questions like “can an enlarged prostate cause ED?”. If you or someone you know is experiencing prostate and/or sexual health issues, these are some the most important facts to know!

Can BPH Cause ED?

Many men who are experiencing issues with their prostate and sexual health are concerned about erectile dysfunction (ED). While factors related to blood flow, nerve condition, and anxiety are often responsible for trouble getting and maintaining erections, prostate problems can be to blame, as well.

BPH is a condition in which a man’s prostate becomes enlarged due to continued growth as he ages. So does an enlarged prostate affect a man sexually? In the case of BPH, many men report feeling a loss of sex drive, erectile problems, and problems with ejaculation.

While BPH is not thought to directly cause problems like ED, common treatment options used to treat BPH can be responsible:

• Anti Testosterone Drugs prescribed for BPH can result in reduced sex drive as well as ED.
• 5-alpha-reductase-inhibitors are another BPH drug that may cause problems with ejaculation.
• Alpha Blockers prescribed for BPH can lead to trouble with ejaculation, as well.
• Surgical Treatments, such as the TURP procedure, are linked to instances of ED in some men.

Unlike BPH, prostatitis can be a more direct cause of erectile dysfunction.

Can Prostatitis Cause ED?

Prostatitis is similar to BPH in that it results in an enlarged prostate, but the cause for that enlargement is different. Prostatitis involves swelling that may be caused by a bacterial infection (bacterial prostatitis) or not (chronic pelvic pain syndrome).

As the second piece of the answer to the larger question “can an enlarged prostate cause ED?”, prostatitis and sex have an important connection, due to the fact that it can be directly responsible for sexual problems like ED.

According to an article from the Harvard Medical School, severe cases of prostatitis can be a direct cause of erectile dysfunction. Less severe cases can have an impact on sex and prostate health as well, as they may lead to pain during ejaculation. The impact of that symptom can then carry over into symptoms of erectile dysfunction.

Can Sex Help Prostate Health?

Now that we’ve answered the questions about whether an enlarged prostate affects a man sexually, and if an enlarged prostate can cause ED, it’s worth quickly mentioning an interesting insight about how sex can actually positively affect prostate health.

A long-running study by Harvard that’s been collecting data since 1986 found that men with a higher frequency of ejaculation are actually at a lower risk for developing prostate cancer.¹ Men with a frequency of ejaculation greater than 21 times per month were 31% less likely to develop prostate cancer than men whose frequency was 4-7 times per month.

What Treatments Are There For Prostate Erectile Problems?

With a greater understanding of how an enlarged prostate may cause ED and other sexual problems, it’s easier to understand how and why various treatments are used:

• ED Drugs: In many cases, ED caused by prostate problems such as BPH is treated similarly to ED caused by other factors. Commonly prescribed pills for ED include Viagra and Cialis.
• Changing Medications: We saw that certain prostate problems cause ED because of the way they’re treated. Your doctor may choose to substitute the type of medicine you’re currently taking for something like BPH for an option with a lower risk of sexual side effects.
• Antibiotics: Specific to bacterial prostatitis, antibiotics are commonly used to treat the underlying infection causing a swelling of the prostate. Once the prostatitis has been cleared up, sexual function can return to normal.
• Lifestyle Changes: Another common recommendation for improving ED symptoms in general is shifting to a healthier diet and engaging in exercise.
• Natural Supplements: It’s extremely important to talk to your doctor about treatments for prostate problems, sexual problems, and ED. However, it is worth noting that some men choose to use certain herbal supplements containing key ingredients such as rye pollen extract, pygeum africanum, saw palmetto, stinging nettle, and maca root to assist with the prostate and sex.

With a greater knowledge of how sex and prostate health relate to each other, you’re now better equipped with an understanding of how it may be affecting your own sexual wellness. Don’t hesitate to consult your doctor when you have concerns, even if you feel embarrassed about the topic - it’s nothing they haven’t heard!

Be sure to connect with us on social media for more great content like this, and feel free to check out some of our other articles for even more information about prostate and sexual health.

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1. Publishing, Harvard Health. “Ejaculation Frequency and Prostate Cancer.” Harvard Health, www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/ejaculation_frequency_and_prostate_cancer.

The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. They are not intended to treat, diagnose, prevent or cure any disease.