Prostate Health » urination

Enlarged Prostate and Erectile Dysfunction: Is there a connection?

admin — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 10:49:30 +0000

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.

Enlarged Prostate and Lower Back Pain

admin — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:28:49 +0000

Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland, often resulting in swelling or pain and can result in four significant symptoms: pain, urination problems, sexual dysfunction, and general health problems, such as feeling tired and depressed.

The prostate is the reproductive gland located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum, wrapping around the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder. This gland produces most of a male’s semen.

A physician will diagnose prostatitis by collecting a patient’s urine and thoroughly examining his prostate gland.

The tests include a digital rectal examination, which involves inserting a well lubricated gloved finger into the rectum to check for any abnormalities of the gland. The physician also may collect a sample of prostate fluid so that it can be analyzed. Some physicians also perform a prostate specific antigen test to measure the amount of this chemical in a person’s blood. The presence of both prostatitis and prostate cancer can increase a patient’s PSA level.

As many as 50 percent of men in the United States will experience prostatitis during their lifetime. Prostatitis is divided into three main categories, nonbacterial, acute, and chronic, and the most common type is nonbacterial prostatitis. Symptoms may include frequent urination and pain in the lower abdomen or lower back area. Causes may be stress and irregular sexual activity.

Treatments for nonbacterial prostatitis may include anti-inflammatory medications or muscle relaxants, taking hot baths, drinking extra fluids, learning to relax when urinating, and ejaculating frequently. Also recommended changes in one’s diet may also be suggested.

Acute bacterial prostatitis can be the result of bacteria, a virus, or a sexually transmitted disease. Symptoms may include fever and chills, low back pain, frequent and painful urination, weak stream when urinating, and infrequent urination.

These type of infections are treated with antibiotics, bed rest, stool softener, and increased fluid intake.

Chronic prostatitis may be bacterial or the result of an inflammation of the prostate. Symptoms may include frequent bladder infections, frequent urination, and persistent pain in the lower abdomen or back.

This form of prostatitis often is treated with medications (often antibiotics), changes in the diet, biofeedback, and nonprescription supplements.

Screening is key to detecting prostatitis in its early stages and it involves looking for signs of the disease in people who have no symptoms, thus looking for early-stage disease at a point when treatment may be more effective.

How is Prostatitis Diagnosed?

admin — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 01:13:47 +0000

Prostatitis is a disease of the prostate gland. It can cause pain in the groin, pain with urination, difficulty with urination and other related problems. So what exactly does the prostate do? The prostate gland produces components of semen. It is about the size and shape of a walnut and sits directly below the bladder and surrounds the urethra, the tube that transports both semen and urine to the penis.

Prostatitis is a group of disorders with related symptoms.

To diagnose prostatitis, you must rule out other conditions that may be causing your symptoms and determining what kind of prostatitis you have. You will undergo an evaluation which may include a general physical exam and a series of diagnostic tests. Some of the diagnostic tests are:

First, a symptom questionnaire which will give you a score of various factors such as pain, discomfort, urination, frequency and the impact of these symptoms on your body. Your doctor will determine your total score in making a diagnosis and devising a treatment.

Second, you may have to undergo a digital rectal exam, in which your doctor manually examines your prostate gland. To do this, your doctor will place a lubricated, gloved finger into your rectum. He will be able to feel the surface of your prostate to determine if it is enlarged, tender or inflamed.

Another test could be a urine and semen test. Your doctor may want to evaluate samples of urine and semen for bacteria and to determine your white blood cell count. Your white blood cells are important to your immune system and can help establish a diagnosis of prostatitis. You may have three samples taken, before, during and after massaging your prostate with a lubricated, gloved finger.

For a more extensive examination, the doctor may perform a cystoscopy, in which a cystoscope is used to examine your bladder and urethra. This cystoscope is a small tube that in inserted through the urethra and into the bladder. It contains a magnifying lens or camera and allows the doctor to view any problems and rule out conditions.

Finally, your doctor may order an urodynamic test, which is used to check your bladder and its ability to empty. Again, this can help your doctor identify other disorders or understand how prostatitis is affecting your ability to urinate.

In performing these various exams, your doctor can rule out any conditions and narrow down your symptoms of prostatitis. After a diagnosis is made, a treatment will be determined.

What Increases the Risk of Having an Enlarged Prostate

admin — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 01:05:13 +0000

Many times, symptoms of an enlarged prostate are not apparent on younger men; however, there are symptoms that can signal a problem. They include: (1) a weak urine stream or starting or stopping while urinating; (2) difficulty in attempting to urinate; (3) post-urination dribbling; (4) the sensation of not being finished after urinating; (5) incontinence or leakage of urine from bladder; and (6) frequent or urgent need to urinate, especially at night.

Although not necessarily a symptom, obesity can signal a greater problem and if left unattended, can progress into prostate cancer.

In a study published in the journal, Cancer, stated that the higher a body mass index and weight gain in adulthood, the greater the risk of death from prostate cancer. This study did not reveal any conclusions that obesity was linked to enlarged prostate. We are becoming a fat society. The study went on to state that there was a 20% increase in obesity in the United States since 1985.

In addition to contributing to the increased incidence of an enlarged prostate, obesity can lead to heart disease, gallbladder disease, diabetes and stroke.

Not only are there factors that can lead to the risk of an enlarged prostate, an enlarged prostate can lead to urinary tract infections. Other risk factors include an uncircumcised penis, engaging in anal intercourse; unprotected sex with a woman who has been diagnosed with a vaginal infection and anyone who has been diagnosed with HIV. Another factor to be mindful of is not getting the requisite number of fluids. When we drink more fluid, namely water, we tend to have to urinate more frequently, thereby reducing the bacteria found in the urinary tract and bladder. When a catheter has been put in place for any reason, bacteria can enter the tube and start an infection. Kidney stones and diabetes can also develop from an enlarged prostate.

Our bodies are well-oiled machines and will start to “sputter” when it needs to be given a checkup. When we choose to ignore these maintenance signs, the attendant problems can turn into something that may have significant health consequences.

Prostate Health » urination

Enlarged Prostate and Erectile Dysfunction: Is there a connection?

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Enlarged Prostate and Lower Back Pain

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How is Prostatitis Diagnosed?

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What Increases the Risk of Having an Enlarged Prostate

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