Urinary complaints that we observe in benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostate cancer, or prostate inflammations affect men physiologically, psychologically, and socially. The most prominent point that catches our attention in applications related to prostate issues made to the Aile Sağlığı Araştırma Derneği Phone Information Line is the question “does the prostate affect sexuality.”
What is important here is for you to know which sexual problem the prostate issue you are experiencing or the treatment you are receiving leads to. This way, together with Prof. Dr. Halim Hattat, a treatment protocol suitable for your needs and desires can be established, and you can take your precautions as soon as possible.
Does the Prostate Prevent Erection?
“Does the prostate prevent erection?” is the most frequently asked question. Urinary problems are the most common complaint in prostate diseases.
Urinary problems primarily create great stress even in daily activities. This tension can also be experienced during sexual intercourse. Men fear experiencing urinary distress during sexual intercourse, thus avoidance of sexuality and even low libido are observed. A man who develops performance anxiety during sexual intercourse can experience erectile dysfunction. So when we ask “does the prostate prevent erection,” the answer is yes. Premature ejaculation can also be seen in advanced cases.
When we ask “Does Prostate Enlargement Affect Sexual Potency?”, it must be stated that prostate treatments can also lead to sexual problems. For example, Alpha-blocker medications used in benign prostatic hyperplasia can cause retrograde ejaculation in patients, creating a major problem for men who want to have children. 5-alpha reductase inhibitor medications, on the other hand, cause erectile dysfunction, reduce sexual desire, and decrease semen volume. Similar problems can also arise in surgical procedures. Frequently performed surgeries and procedures in prostate cancer can also damage the nerve and vascular structures in that region. This causes erectile dysfunction; when asking “does prostate cause erectile dysfunction,” these factors must be taken into account. When asking “does the prostate prevent erection?”, the healthy nerve structure required for an erection can also be damaged in prostate cancer, and erectile dysfunction can occur. Finally, looking at it from the perspective of decreased sexual desire, we must also mention hormone therapy or “orchidectomy” surgery, in which the testicles are surgically removed, in prostate cancer. Since male hormone production ceases in these treatments, no desire for sexual activity remains.
Treatment of Prostate Diseases
Particularly when determining the treatment approach in prostate diseases, Prof. Dr. Halim Hattat prefers treatments that do not lead to sexual function problems. You may experience sexual problems due to your prostate-related urinary complaints or during their treatment. In this case, Prof. Dr. Halim Hattat will evaluate your condition and, when necessary, organize your treatment plan accordingly. The important thing is that you do not brush off your problem and know that there is a solution.