Can a Swollen Prostate Cause Erectile Dysfunction in Men?

Several underlying factors can cause erectile dysfunction (ED). So if anyone asks, ‘Can a swollen prostate cause erectile dysfunction?’ it becomes tricky to answer. This blog answers this complex question and outlines the effects of a swollen prostate on your penile health. Besides highlighting the problems, this blog also talks about the remedies.

What is Erectile Dysfunction?

You have erectile dysfunction if you fail to get a natural erection. It is an alarming symptom if you fail to maintain a natural erection that is prolonged and firm enough to perform sexual activities satisfactorily. Therefore, erectile dysfunction is a condition that marks the inability to get an erection or keep it firm for sexual intercourse.

Though it should not be a common condition, erectile dysfunction is pretty common in men above 40. 70% of men above 70 have this problem. One of every ten men experiences erectile dysfunction at least once in their lifetime. As you grow old and pass 40, the symptoms start becoming prominent. Also, ED in young men is becoming more typical because of lifestyle and environment.

What Does a Swollen Prostate Indicate?

Before you learn about the swollen prostate, it is crucial to know about the prostate. The prostate is a small gland having a walnut shape. It is located just below the bladder. The urethra passes through the prostate. The prostate is an accessory reproductive organ in males. It releases the necessary fluid, a part of semen, to transfer the sperm during ejaculation.

Now, your prostate may grow in size. It is a prevalent medical condition older males suffer from. A swollen prostate indicates a typical case of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH. Benign Prostatic hyperplasia is non-cancerous, but it leads to other complications.

Can A Swollen Prostate Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and erectile dysfunction are somewhat linked with each other. It will not be wrong if you consider BPH responsible for your erectile dysfunction. Nearly 70% of men suffering from BPH have experienced difficulty in natural erection.

Experts have confirmed that some factors in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia can cause erectile dysfunction. You may experience painful ejaculation and erection because of BPH. Naturally, fear of pain may result in temporary erectile dysfunction.

It has also been reported that certain medications to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia can cause erectile dysfunction. Doctors often prescribe medicines with anti-testosterone drugs to treat BPH. Therefore, it is true that a swollen prostate can cause erectile dysfunction.

How Does a Swollen Prostate Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

Besides the adverse effects of BPH medications, BPH alone can also lead to erectile problems. It is equally crucial to get a clear idea of how a swollen prostate can cause erectile dysfunction.

Smooth muscles like the corpus cavernosum heavily regulate the erection and flaccid condition of the penis. Alpha receptors are neural receptors that enable the contraction of smooth muscles. Hence, the role of alpha is inevitable in getting a natural erection.

If you are a patient of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, these corpus cavernosum smooth muscles cannot perform their functions of erection and relaxation automatically and smoothly. At the same time, the imbalance of their functions will activate these receptors. The alpha receptors will be activated and increase the tone of smooth muscles in the prostate, making it hard to get an erection.

That is to say, with these receptors being activated, the contraction of smooth muscles will also increase.

How to Treat a Swollen Prostate?

Since medications may lead to erectile dysfunction, choosing surgical procedures to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia is better. Surgeons often use the traditional surgical procedure to treat BPH, where they remove the enlarged part. However, modern techniques have made the surgery more accessible and less invasive. Penile implant surgery also allows for the cure of erectile dysfunction. In addition, the AMS 700 LGX-3 piece penile implant is useful and preferred by physicians. Some of the popular surgical methods for the treatment of BPH are as follows:

Traditional Method

Traditional surgical methods are the most effective solutions for severely enlarged prostate glands.

1. Open Prostatectomy

This is the ultimate solution to the end stage of BPH. If your prostate is significantly swollen or enlarged, it will affect the urinary bladder. To treat the damage, your surgeon will cut the enlarged part of the prostate and take it out. It is an open surgery performed under general anesthesia.

2. Laparoscopic Prostatectomy

It is the process of cutting and taking out. But laparoscopic prostatectomy is slightly different from traditional open surgery. In this method, your surgeon will make multiple smaller incisions, mainly four, instead of one big incision.

Modern Method

1. Transurethral Resection of the Prostate or TURP

An enlarged prostate blocks the urethra and hampers the regular flow of urine. TURP is the most common surgical procedure, where a surgeon removes the enlarged portion of the prostate and clears the blockage of the urethra. This is an advanced surgical procedure where a surgeon does not cut your body. They insert a scope through the urethra and remove the excess portion of the prostate. Hence, you cannot see any scar after the surgery.

2. Transurethral Incision of the Prostate or TUIP

This is a safe surgical procedure to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. In this surgery, the surgeon makes multiple minor cuts to reduce the increased pressure of the prostate gland on the urethra. Therefore, they do not cut or remove the enlarged portion of the prostate glands. If your prostate gland has not enlarged to a considerable size, this type of surgery will be the best option. However, talk to the surgeon about the procedure in detail.

3. Laser Surgery

If the size of your prostate glands increases, then laser surgery might be the most effective procedure. In this surgical process, your surgeon will shrink the size of your enlarged prostate back to normal using laser energy. The energy destroys the tissues of the prostate and makes it shrink. Laser surgeries are extremely safe and do not cause any bleeding. The results of laser surgery are as effective as the transurethral resection of the prostate or TURP.

However, modern inventions have helped surgeons to treat BPH more effectively. The latest surgical techniques ensure fewer incisions. These are mainly outpatient surgical procedures. Therefore, you can go home after a few hours of the surgery. Some of the common and highly-effective methods are as follows:

1. Resume Water Vapor Therapy

In this process, your surgeon will place a device inside your urethra. Your urine tube and a thin needle will pass water vapor. This vapor or steam will affect the enlarged part of the prostate. It is a safe procedure with a high success rate.

2. UroLift System

It is the permanent solution of BPH. Your surgeon will place a lifting device inside to hold and lift the enlarged prostate. As a result, the blockage in the path of the urethra is removed. This procedure is not only highly effective but also a safer option. It does not pose any threat to your sexual health. Hence, you can brush off the fear or erectile dysfunction after the surgery.

3. Transurethral Microwave Therapy(TUMT)

Your surgeon will place a microwave antenna inside your bladder. The antenna will be attached to a flexible tube. The microwave antenna will then destroy the excess process tissue that blocks ejaculation. It is a non-invasive procedure. They will release you after the surgery.

Conclusion

In most cases, a swollen prostate is responsible for erectile dysfunction. If you notice any symptoms of urinary bleeding, visit a urologist immediately. Generally a swollen prostate not causes prostate cancer, it can cause harm to your penile health. CureIndia enables affordable erectile dysfunction surgery cost with advanced and quality services. Lastly, your doctor will guide you to proper treatment.