There is no way to stop the aging process, at least yet, and part of that process, for men, is quite possibly developing an enlarged prostate.  The obstruction of the urethra and the loss over time of bladder control and function can result in the bladder being unable to completely empty.  The common symptoms of BPH include:  changes or problems with urination, such as a hesitant, interrupted or weak stream; an urgency to go; frequent urination, especially at night.  Often times, erectile dysfunction can be a symptom.

Emotional issues such as stress, worry, depression, guilt and anxiety can lead to the loss of a man’s libido and ED.  It becomes an endless cycle because if a man experiences the loss of an erection, he may fear that it will happen again at which point his performance may be affected and could lead to impotence.

Although it is important for the success of a relationship to address the causes of ED, it is more important to determine if the symptoms are medically based around an enlarged prostate.  Once that has been ruled out, then sex therapy could be a viable option to improve one’s sex life.

If enlarged prostate is diagnosed and surgery is required, there may be a worry about sexual function following surgery.  Some sources state that sexual function is rarely affected, while others claim that 30% of cases experience problems.  Prostate surgery can affect erections, ejaculations, orgasms and are discussed in more detail below.  Although it does take a while for sexual function to fully return, most men are able to enjoy sex again and complete recovery may occur within one year.

If you were able to maintain an erection shortly before undergoing prostate surgery, chances are you will be able to have erections following the surgery.  Erectile function is rarely a side affect of surgery and surgery cannot restore function if it was affected prior to an operation.

Despite the fact that men can still have erections after prostate surgery, often times the procedure will make them sterile.  This is caused by a condition called retrograde ejaculation or dry climax.  Normally, during sexual activity, the sperm from the testes enters the urethra near the opening of the bladder.  A muscle will block off the entrance to the bladder, and the semen is expelled through the penis. However, the coring action of prostate surgery cuts this muscle as it widens the neck of the bladder. Following surgery, the semen will enter the wider opening to the bladder rather than being expelled through the penis.  Sometimes this condition can be treated with pseudoephedrine, which is a drug found in many cold medicines.  Imipramine can also be prescribed.  These improve the bladder neck’s muscle tone and keep semen from entering the bladder.

For most men, there is little or no difference in their orgasms post surgery.  If they are experiencing retrograde ejaculation, this may take some time to get used to; however, sex should become as pleasurable as it was prior to surgery.