Some years ago, it was believed that majority cases of ED in men resulted from metal causes like stress and performance anxiety. Even though these factors are among the major reasons of ED, studies have found that 70 percent ED cases result from physical problems that decrease or stop blood flow to the penis and/or encumber the nerve function. Prostate disease and the treatments are among the major factors that can decrease or stop sex drive in men. There is a close association between prostate disease and ED.
Prostate Cancer
An unexpected and rapid beginning of ED may be a symptom of prostate cancer. It is the linkage between prostate disease and ED that many doctors recommend a prostate-specific antigen test and rectal exam. If a prostate cancer is diagnosed, the patient may need surgery. The operation may split some nerves and arteries that are essential for an erection.
If a radical prostatectomy is performed, the chance of regaining your ability to have erections is between 25 to 80 percent. The surgeon’s skills, your age, and location of the tumor will determine whether you will retain your ability to have erections after the procedure.
If you’re thinking about radiotherapy for prostate cancer, that too can damage the tissues responsible for erection. Half of the men who underwent radiation treatments for prostate cancer suffered from ED. Also, ED can be a side effect of hormone therapies used to treat men with prostate cancer.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous swelling of the prostate. It is yet another example that establishes a link between prostate disease and ED. Men with BPH are prone to experience ED. While the disease itself does not cause ED, the treatments used for BPH have been associated with ED.
According to one study, a drug named finasteride (used to treat BHP) caused ED in 3.7 percent of men and reduced the libido in 3.3 percent men. The good news is that alpha-blockers can effectively manage BHP with low risk of side effects like ED.
Prostatitis
Another case that indicates a linkage between prostate disease and ED is prostatitis. Prostatitis is a swelling of the prostate gland. The swelling can be severe or mild. Bacterial infections cause severe prostatitis whereas infectious agents cause mild prostatitis.
The symptoms of prostatitis include discomforts when urinating, increase in the frequency of urination, a rise in temperature, and discharge from the penis. If the prostatitis is severe, it may cause ED. If it is mild, you may experience lower sexual pleasure and pain during ejaculation. The condition can be treated with antibiotics. Be sure to consult with a doctor to diagnose and treat the condition.
