Just because you have an enlarged prostate doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy sex. Even if you develop erectile dysfunction, there are things you can do to alleviate the symptoms of an enlarged prostate to help you get back to a healthy sex life.
Symptoms of an enlarged prostate
The symptoms of an enlarged prostate vary by age, genetics, and cause (e.g., medications), but some of the more common effects include:
• needing to urinate frequently
• having difficulty starting or stopping urination
• feeling as though you haven’t emptied your bladder
• experiencing intense urges to urinate
Some men do experience sexual problems with an enlarged prostate. The more common sexual side effects include:
• decreased desire to have sex
• difficulty maintaining an erection
• erectile dysfunction
• reduced satisfaction from sex
Alleviating the symptoms of an enlarged prostate
If you’re experiencing sexual problems due to an enlarged prostate, here are some things you can try:
1. Ask your doctor to put you on an erectile dysfunction drug. Drugs like Cialis, Viagra and Levitra have been shown to help treat enlarged prostates in some men. Don’t take an erectile dysfunction drug without talking to your doctor first, as they can be unsafe for men who have had a stroke or heart attack, uncontrolled high blood pressure or other conditions.
2. Ask your doctor about medications that treat enlarged prostates. In addition to erectile dysfunction drugs, there are other drugs that may help. Again, you need to talk to your doctor before trying a new drug.
3. Maintain a healthy weight.
4. Decrease the amount of alcohol, soda and sweeteners you consume.
5. Exercise regularly to improve blood flow.
6. Do Kegel exercises, which can improve issues related to an enlarged prostate.
