Tag: Enlarged Prostate

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Enlarged Prostate

Weighing the Pros and Cons of Each Procedure

When it comes to seeking treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia, it's important to consider the pros and cons of each treatment approach, as well as the benefits and risks.

When it comes to seeking treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of each treatment approach, as well as the benefits and risks.

Being aware of the benefits, as well as the potential risks and complications of each treatment or procedure, can be of great help when working with your doctor to determine which is best for you. Taking into account not only the benefits and risks but also looking at how each procedure fits with your individual lifestyle and prostate condition.

Today we will start by looking at the treatment method that for most of the 20th century, roughly from 1909 until the late 1990s, has been the premier treatment for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia. That treatment method is transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).

TURP became famous among the treatment methods for BPH when it became the first successful, minimally invasive surgical procedure of the modern era. And, to this day, it remains a standard therapy for obstructive prostatic hypertrophy and is often the surgical treatment of choice when other methods fail.

However, as more medications and non-invasive non-surgical procedures have become available, such as prostate artery embolization, the need for a surgical intervention like TURP has been reduced substantially.

That being said, TURP continues to be performed due to its effectiveness in treating and relieving the symptoms of an enlarged prostate. But as with all surgeries, it does come with its own set of possible risks and unwanted side effects that should be taken into consideration.

So let’s take a look at what those are.

A successful TURP procedure involves removing prostate tissue through the urethra, thus allowing urine and other bodily fluids to pass through more easily.

TURP is a serious surgery that involved anesthesia and the use of a catheter during and post-operation, as well as a recovery that includes a hospital stay.

The most common side effects experienced by men after the TURP procedures are:

Swelling in the urethra, penis, and lower abdominal area.

This swelling can cause these areas to be tender, red, and swollen for several weeks after the surgery, and can cause problems with urination.

Another common side effect is feeling weak and tired easily. This side effect can last for several weeks as the body recovers from the operation.

Other common side effects of TURP surgeries include but are not limited to:

  • bleeding after the operation – this usually reduces over time and should stop after four weeks
  • difficulty completely emptying the bladder
  • urinary incontinence or leakage
  • urinary urgency or the sudden urge to urinate
  • discomfort during urination
  • small dribbles or clots of blood in the urine, for up to 6 weeks

Another potential side effect of the TURP procedure is something called retrograde ejaculation, which is the result of semen flowing backward into the bladder during ejaculation.

Though retrograde ejaculation isn’t necessarily harmful, it can cause potential complications such as male infertility and can make the male orgasm less pleasurable.

In our next article, we will take a look at some of the rare, but possible risks associated with the TURP procedure, and then we will move on to looking at the benefits and risks of other popular procedures to treat a symptomatic enlarged prostate.

In the meantime, if you are interested in learning more about a state-of-the-art non-invasive treatment that could be an option for you, please contact our office today to set up a consultation and learn more about Prostate Artery Embolization.

 

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Enlarged Prostate

Treating BPH with Prostate Artery Embolization

From minimally invasive to more extensive surgeries, there are several procedures that can treat benign prostate hyperplasia.

From minimally invasive to more extensive surgeries, there are several procedures that can treat benign prostate hyperplasia.

In recent years many men suffering from the uncomfortable and disruptive symptoms of an enlarged prostate, have been finding relief through a non-invasive procedure called Prostate Artery Embolization.

Prostate Artery Embolization is a procedure performed here at MidAtlantic Vascular and Interventional by our Interventional Radiologist.

The procedure begins with a small incision in the wrist or groin, followed by the insertion of a tiny catheter.

Using advanced X-Ray technology, the doctor will then guide the catheter through the blood vessels until it reaches the arteries that are feeding blood to the prostate gland.

Once the catheter has reached the proper location, it releases tiny microscopic beads. These beads then travel to the prostatic arteries, where they create a blockage, which blocks the blood flow that is causing the prostate gland’s enlargement.

Maybe this sounds a little like science fiction, or even too good to be true- but rest assured, it’s not.

Though Prostate Artery Embolization is a relatively new outpatient procedure, it’s nothing to be afraid of.

In fact, PAE has one of the highest rates of success. Not only do over 90% of men treated with PAE experience relief from their symptoms in the first year, but relief can continue on for years after that.

This means relief from BPH symptoms like:

  • Dribbling when you finish
  • A hard time getting started
  • A weak stream or you pee in stops and starts
  • Feeling like you still have to pee even after you just went
  • Having to go too often — eight or more times a day
  • Incontinence (when you don’t have control over when you pee)
  • An urgent need to pee, all of a sudden
  • You wake up several times a night to pee
  • Urinary tract infections, bleeding, bladder damage, and bladder stones

It is estimated that about 8 out of 10 men will eventually experience some or all of the above symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate.

Unfortunately, it is also estimated that only around 30% will actually seek medical treatment for BPH. This is highly problematic, especially for men over 40 because although BPH is quite common and usually not life-threatening, if left untreated it can get worse.

Untreated BPH can cause a slew of health problems such as frequent urinary tract infections, bleeding, bladder stones, and potential bladder and/or kidney damage.

The good news is, you can avoid experiencing these more severe issues that can come from untreated BPH by making an appointment with your doctor, or calling us here at MidAtlantic Vascular and Interventional.

Together, we can determine the right course of action, which could be taking medicine, PAE, making lifestyle changes, or a combination of these.

Treatment is available, so please call us and set up a consultation today.

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Enlarged Prostate

An Enlarged Prostate: Signs and Symptoms

Getting up several times to urinate throughout the night, could be a symptom of benign prostate hyperplasia.

Getting up several times to urinate throughout the night, could be a symptom of benign prostate hyperplasia. Which is also known as an enlarged prostate.

An enlarged prostate? What does that mean?

Well, before we get into that, let’s take a look at exactly what the prostate is.

The prostate is a small gland that is part of the male reproductive system.

It is responsible for aiding in the production of fluid that carries sperm from the testicles and helps to push semen through the urethra during ejaculation.

The prostate is located below the bladder, in front of the rectum,  and surrounds part of the urethra.

Typically the prostate is about the size and shape of a walnut, however, as a man ages, the prostate can become larger.

Though it is normal for the prostate to grow, sometimes this growth can be problematic and become Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate.

BPH occurs when the prostate grows large enough that it begins to pinch the urethra, causing troubling symptoms such as:

  • a weak flow when you urinate
  • a feeling that your bladder hasn’t emptied properly
  • difficulty starting to urinate
  • dribbling urine after you finish urinating
  • needing to urinate more often, especially at night
  • a sudden urge to urinate

The prostate’s squeezing of the urethra also causes the bladder to have to work even harder to pass urine. This over time, can cause the bladder muscles to become weak, making it harder for it to be emptied. This can also lead to:

  • Feeling like you still have to pee even after you just went
  • Having to go too often — eight or more times a day
  • Incontinence (when you don’t have control over when you pee)
  • An urgent need to pee, all of a sudden
  • You wake up several times a night to pee
  • Urinary tract infections, bleeding, bladder damage, and bladder stones

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may be dealing with the effects of an enlarged prostate and, you are not alone.

The urinary issues related to prostate size are so common, that on average about 8 out of 10 men will eventually experience it.

Though men with an enlarged prostate might not experience every one of the symptoms listed above, and the severity may vary, it’s still important to make an appointment with your doctor to identify or rule out any underlying causes.

If left untreated, urinary problems, especially those caused by an enlarged prostate, could lead to more serious problems such as frequent UTIs, an obstruction of the urinary tract, and serious bladder or kidney damage.

If you are experiencing the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, it’s important to schedule a visit with your doctor.

If treatment is necessary, your doctor will work with you to find the best treatment for you. This could mean taking prescribed medication, or it could mean making some lifestyle changes to help control BPH symptoms.

If the symptoms are particularly bothersome, your doctor may recommend that the prostate be treated directly through surgery or a non-invasive procedure such as Prostatic Artery Embolization– which we specialize in here at MidAtlantic Vascular and Interventional.

In the meantime, if you’d like to learn more about Prostate Artery Embolization, or schedule a visit to find out if this treatment could benefit you, please do not hesitate to call us at 301-622-5360 to set up a consultation.

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Enlarged Prostate

Alpha Blockers Types, Benefits, and Side Effects

Alpha-Blockers can reduce urinary symptoms by relaxing the muscles in specific areas of the urinary tract, such as the bladder and neck. This makes them a useful medication for treating urinary issues caused by an enlarged prostate.

The alpha-blocker that is most commonly used for bph urinary issues is Tamsulosin. Which is also known by its brand name Flomax.

Tamsulosin, as well as the alpha-blockers alfuzosin (Uroxatral), and silodosin (Rapaflo), are known as selective alpha-blockers that focus primarily on relaxing the tissues of the urinary tract. Whereas doxazosin (Cardura), and terazosin (Hytrin), are non-selective alpha-blockers that can affect both the urinary tract and other tissues located elsewhere in the body.

One of the benefits of using alpha-blockers such as tamsulosin (Flomax) is that they work quickly.

In fact, some patients taking tamsulosin may notice a difference within days of starting the medication. However, for those that are prescribed non-selective alpha-blockers like doxazosin and terazosin, their effectiveness can take time, as these medications have to be started at a very low dose and slowly titrate up so as to avoid causing low blood pressure.

Like all medications, alpha-blockers do come with their share of side effects.

The most common side effect reported is dizziness, however, this usually passes once the body adjusts to the medicine. That being said, it is wise to refrain from driving or using any heavy machinery while first adjusting to alpha-blockers due to this common side effect.

  • Other common side effects may include:
  • feeling dizzy or sick (nausea)
  • having a headache when you stand up
  • tiredness or fatigue
  • reduced libido
  • pounding heartbeat
  • a blocked nose
  • problems getting or keeping an erection (erectile dysfunction)
  • dry orgasm (where little or no semen is released during orgasm)

Because alpha-blockers lower blood pressure, there is also the risk of experiencing the side effects associated with this, especially if the dosage is too high.

  • Symptoms of low blood pressure from alpha-blockers include:
  • Nausea
  • Dehydration
  • Unusual thirst
  • Poor concentration
  • Blurry vision
  • Shallow breathing
  • Rapid breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Pale skin

Patients taking alpha-blockers to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate also risk experiencing sexual side effects from the medication. Though sometimes alpha-blockers can improve erectile function if the dose is too high and as a result blood pressure is too low, erectile dysfunction can occur.

Alpha-blockers can have dangerous interactions with many other medications. Alpha-blockers should not be taken with beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, medications for erectile dysfunction, and more.

It’s also important to note that while alpha-blockers lower blood pressure and have been shown to improve total cholesterol- some research has found that these medications can actually increase the risk of heart failure. So be sure to talk to your doctor about any of these concerns.

When it comes to taking medication to reduce the symptoms of an enlarged prostate it’s important to make sure the benefits outweigh the potential side effects and risks involved.

Some men find medication to be very beneficial, while for others, a more permanent solution is preferred- such as surgery or a non-invasive procedure such as Prostate Artery Embolization, which we specialize in here at MidAtlantic Vascular and Interventional.

For those men that do choose to take medication, alpha-blockers are not the only option. In our next article, we will take a look at another class of medications used to treat an enlarged prostate, 5–alpha-reductase inhibitors.

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Enlarged Prostate

Treating BPH Symptoms with Alpha-Blockers

Today we will begin our series exploring all of the treatment options available for men with benign prostate hyperplasia, also known as an enlarged prostate.

Here at MidAtlantic Vascular and Interventional, we specialize in treating an enlarged prostate through a procedure called Prostate Artery Embolization. Using state-of-the-art technology, this non-invasive outpatient procedure is done by our highly skilled expert radiologist, Dr. Rishi Sood.

Though we highly recommend a consultation to see if PAE would be best for your prostate condition, we also believe that it’s important to be informed as to all of the treatment options available. This way you can have an informed conversation with your doctor, and our team here at MidAtlantic Vascular and Interventional, in order to determine which treatment would be best for you.

Today we will begin by looking at medications used to treat an enlarged prostate, starting with the commonly used class of medications called Alpha-Blockers.

Alpha-Blockers are a type of blood pressure medication, that has been found to be useful in treating some of the symptoms of benign prostate hyperplasia. These medications work by “blocking” the hormone norepinephrine (also known as noradrenaline) and thereby prevent the muscles in the walls of veins and smaller arteries from constricting. In doing so, this allows these vessels to remain open and relaxed, and as a result, blood flow is improved and blood pressure is lowered.

Alpha-blockers can also be an effective medicine to treat some of the symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate. Due to their ability to relax the muscles in the prostate and around the bladder, men taking this medication may have an easier time urinating.  In fact, according to some studies, it is estimated that around 3 out of 5 men that take alpha-blockers find that their urinary symptoms improve within the first month of treatment.  Even better, for men that are responding well to the medication, alpha-blockers may continue to work for several years thereafter.

Alpha-Blockers typically work best for men experiencing moderate to severe benign prostate hyperplasia, and men who are experiencing the irregular flow of urine. By improving the flow of urine, alpha-blockers can also reduce the risk of bladder infections, urinary tract infections, and bacterial prostatitis.

Though alpha-blockers can help increase urine flow and relieve tension in the bladder neck and prostate, they do not cure an enlarged prostate. And, like all medicines, alpha-blockers do come with their side effects and risks.

In our next article, we will take a look at the most commonly prescribed alpha-blockers. And, we’ll look at the side effects and risks associated with alpha-blockers as well.

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Enlarged Prostate

Prostate Artery Embolization: What the Research Says

In our last article, we took a look at a non-invasive outpatient procedure to treat an enlarged prostate called Prostate Artery Embolization, which we specialize in here at MidAtlantic Vascular and Interventional. Today let’s take a look at what some of the research says about the efficacy of this procedure. 

A recent study published in the medical journal Interventional Radiology looked at 1,000 men treated with Prostate Artery Embolization between 2006 and 2017. The particpants of the study were followed up with for several years after the procedure, where they were evaluated for enlarged prostate symptoms. Specifically, the researchers measured the size of the prostate and evaluated the partipants regarding erectile dysfunction, and urinary issues.

Given that one of the primary symptoms of an enlarged prostate is its impact on urination, the study involved measuring not only the amount of urine retained in the bladder after urination, but researchers also measured the urinary flow rate.

Lastly, each participant’s prostate-specific antigen levels ( PSA) were checked, which is a test that is used to screen for prostate cancer.

Now the big question- What did they find?

The data from these measurements found that at the short-term mark, the Prostate Artery Embolization treatment had a cumulative success rate (measuring all of the variables listed above), of over 90%.

The cumulative success rate of the Prostate Artery Embolization treatment was then measured at the 3-year mark, at which point the researchers found there was an 82% success rate, and again every year after that, resulting in a cumulateive long term success rate of 79%.

The study also discovered that, unlike medication and surgeries which can have unwanted sexual side effects, men treated with Prostate Artery Embolization did not report any adverse effects on their sexual function.

This is just one of the research studies conducted on the effect of Prostate Artery Embolization on men experiencing adverse symptoms from an enlarged prostate. However, there are many more out there, and they all tell us one thing: Prostate Artery Embolization is an excellent option for men with BPH, because it works.

Here at MidAtlantic Vascular and Interventional, we are proud to offer Prostate Artery Embolization and would love to schedule a consultation to see if this procedure can benefit you. That being said, PAE is one of many treatment options that are available for an enlarged prostate, so it’s important to speak with your doctor to determine which treatment is best for your particular case.

In our next article, we will take a look at some of the other treatment options available, starting with medications that are used to treat an enlarged prostate. We will look at the pros and cons of each treatment, to help you to be as informed as possible when making these important decisions for your health.

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Enlarged Prostate

Prostate Artery Embolization for an Enlarged Prostate

Here at MidAtlantic Vascular and Interventional, we are proud to offer a non-invasive state-of-the-art treatment for men that are experiencing symptoms due to an enlarged prostate. The treatment is Prostate Artery Embolization, and it is an outpatient procedure that has over a 90% success rate for patients with a symptomatic enlarged prostate.

Though it is normal for the prostate to continue to grow as a man ages, for some it can develop into Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). BPH, also known as an enlarged prostate, occurs when the prostate grows large enough that it begins to pinch the urethra, causing troubling symptoms that affect the ability to urinate, such as:

  • Dribbling when you finish
  • A hard time getting started
  • A weak stream or you pee in stops and starts

The prostate’s squeezing of the urethra also causes the bladder to have to work even harder to pass urine. This over time, can cause the bladder muscles to become weak, making it harder for it to be emptied. This can lead to:

  • Feeling like you still have to pee even after you just went
  • Having to go too often — eight or more times a day
  • Incontinence (when you don’t have control over when you pee)
  • An urgent need to pee, all of a sudden
  • You wake up several times a night to pee

  • Urinary tract infections, bleeding, bladder damage, and bladder stones

Fortunately, many patients are finding relief from these symptoms through the work of our Interventional Radiologist Dr. Rishi R. Sood, who is an expert in performing Prostate Artery Embolization.

The procedure begins with a small incision in the wrist or groin, followed by the insertion of a tiny catheter. Using advanced X-Ray technology, the doctor will then guide the catheter through the blood vessels until it reaches the arteries that are feeding blood to the prostate gland. Once the catheter has reached the proper location, it releases tiny microscopic beads. These beads then travel to the prostatic arteries, where they create a blockage, which blocks the blood flow that is causing the prostate gland’s enlargement.

Maybe this sounds a little like science fiction, or even too good to be true- but rest assured, it’s not.

Though Prostate Artery Embolization is a relatively new outpatient procedure, it’s nothing to be afraid of. In fact, PAE has one of the highest rates of success. Not only do over 90% of men treated with PAE experience relief from their symptoms in the first year, but relief can continue on for years after that.

In our next article, we will take a look at some of the research backing the use of Prostate Artery Embolization as an effective treatment for BPH. In the meantime, please feel free to call us with any questions about PAE, or to set up a consultation to see if PAE is right for you.

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Enlarged Prostate

Prostatitis and BPH

When it comes to experiencing prostate symptoms sometimes it’s hard to tell if the symptoms point to prostatitis or an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia. Though both conditions can share similar symptoms, there are certain differentiating factors including the cause and the treatment.

First of all, BPH is a normal part of aging for men. In fact, between the ages of 20 and 50 years old, it is estimated that the prostate nearly doubles in size. And by age 80, it is not uncommon for the prostate to double in size again.

Sometimes men with an enlarged prostate have very few symptoms and do not require treatment. While others with an enlarged prostate will experience pressure on the urethra causing a slew of urinary issues.

If the enlarged prostate is particularly troublesome, an excellent treatment option is Prostate Artery Embolization, which we perform regularly here at MidAtlantic Vascular and Interventional.

However, if you are experiencing an enlarged prostate under the age of 50, chances are this is actually inflammation caused by prostatitis.

Prostatitis, which we covered more in-depth in a previous article, is usually caused by a bacterial infection. This infection causes the prostate to become tender, swollen, and enlarged. Unlike benign prostate hyperplasia, prostatitis is usually treated with antibiotics. Sometimes medications to relax the muscle in the upper part of the urethra are also administered to help relieve any pain associated with the infection.

Enlarged prostate and prostatitis are different diagnoses, however, when it comes to chronic bacterial prostatitis, there can be a connection between the two.

Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis is defined as an ongoing or recurring prostate infection, and one common culprit- an enlarged prostate.

Why is this?

The most common reason for this is that having benign prostatic hyperplasia can cause urinary problems which inhibit the ability to completely empty the bladder. As a result, the stagnant urine acts as a growth medium for bacteria.

Though the symptoms of an enlarged prostate and prostatitis can be similar, there are differences. First, let’s take a look at the symptoms of each.

Symptoms of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia:

  • An urgent, at times uncontrollable, need to urinate, which may lead to incontinence if the person can’t make it to the bathroom in time
  • Trouble urinating
  • Frequent urination
  • Urinary hesitancy, i.e. slow start till urine streams out
  • Weak flow of urine
  • Frequent need to urinate at night, known as nocturia
  • Intermittent flow, i.e. stopping and starting
  • Leaking or dribbling urine
  • Urinary retention

Symptoms of Prostatitis

  • Hematuria (blood in the urine) or blood in semen
  • Pain in the penis and testicles
  • Burning or painful sensation during urination
  • Painful or difficult ejaculation
  • Urethral discharge
  • Pain and/or pressure in the rectum
  • Painful defecation (painful bowel movements)
  • Discomfort and/or pain in the genitals, groin, lower back and/or lower abdomen
  • Recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Sexual problems and loss of sex drive
  • Postcoital pain (pain after having sex)

As you can see, both an enlarged prostate and prostatitis are associated with similar urinary problems, however, prostatitis may also be associated with pain during ejaculation,  general abdominal pain, and the other symptoms listed above.

Another key difference is that since prostatitis is usually caused by a bacterial infection, it can cause symptoms such as fever, chills, and a pus-like discharge. These symptoms are rarely associated with an enlarged prostate.

If you think you may have a case of prostatitis or an enlarged prostate, it is important that you reach out to your doctor right away, as ignoring the symptoms, will only make it worse. And by getting the proper diagnosis, you and your doctor can develop a treatment plan, and work to reduce your symptoms and potentially resolve the issue.

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Enlarged Prostate

Hot Baths, Hot Tubs, and Prostate Conditions

Sometimes there’s nothing better than the soothing relaxation of submerging in a hot tub. Whether it’s after a particularly grueling workout, or a stressful workday- spending time relaxing the body and mind in a hot tub can be very beneficial. But what effect if any, does it have on prostate health?

Studies have found evidence that soaking in a hot tub or hot bath can help decrease inflammation. This can be particularly helpful for men dealing with the uncomfortable symptoms of an enlarged prostate.

According to a study in the Scandinavian Journal of Urology and Nephrology, regular use of a hot tub or a hot bath increases blood circulation in the pelvic area and can ease the constriction of the urethra, thus providing some relief. They also found clear indications that these benefits are due to the heat of the water, and not necessarily what’s in it.

For example, some claim that the only way to get the benefits of heat therapy is to add Epsom salts or other bath salts into the water to help calm symptoms. However, there isn’t much evidence to back this claim. In fact, research primarily shows that the heat of the hot tub or bath relaxes the tightened pelvic muscles. Not only is a hot tub or bath a fast reducer of muscle tension in the pelvis, it can also reduce levels of stress and anxiety, which can aid in recovery.

Though hot water submersion can help relieve symptoms, it is not a cure for prostate enlargement or prostatitis. Men that use hydrotherapy to reduce symptoms, often report that they feel better when they are in the hot water but the effects tend to fade soon after they get out. Nevertheless, the relief of time spent in a hot bath or hot tub can be a true gift to those suffering from pain in the pelvis-  as more often than not, any reduction of symptoms for any length of time is welcomed by those suffering from prostate conditions.

When it comes to using a hot tub, whether it’s your own or one that belongs to a gym or a spa- it’s important to check to make sure the tub is clean and properly maintained. It’s also important to avoid water that is too hot. Most studies recommend that the water isn’t any hotter than 104°F (40°C).

Another important factor is to drink plenty of water and limit your time in the tub. Hot tubs make you sweat, and can leave you dehydrated, which will only exacerbate prostate symptoms.

Therefore to get the benefits of relaxation and a reduction in inflammation, most research recommends spending 10 to 15 minutes, or longer if the temperature is lower or you are comfortable.=

Lastly, this may seem obvious- but a critical aspect of using a hot tub as opposed to a bath at home is to make sure to shower after and thoroughly wash your body with soap. And, as tempting as it might be to make the shower cold- it’s best to avoid doing that, as this can spike your blood pressure and potentially lead to headaches, dizziness, chest pain, and other issues.

The bottom line, there is evidence to show to submerging in a hot tub or a hot bath regularly, can help provide temporary relief from the symptoms associated with prostate conditions. However, it’s important to check with your doctor to make sure this form of therapy is safe for you and your recovery. It’s also important to refrain from using any public hot tub if you are experiencing a UTI, an infection, or are recovering from a prostate procedure or surgery.

So check with your doctor, and if you get the green light, try relaxing in a hot bath or a hot tub. You might feel better physically better, and, as a bonus, mentally better as well.

 

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Enlarged Prostate

Erectile Dysfunction and an Enlarged Prostate- What’s the Connection?

We’ve all seen the commercials, and heard the jokes. Or maybe you are someone or know someone who’s used it. We’re talking about viagra, and more specifically Erectile Dysfunction. Fortunately, erectile dysfunction, commonly referred to as ED,  is no longer something that’s only whispered about within a relationship, or embarrassingly disclosed to a doctor. It’s an accepted issue, with accepted solutions. However, for those with an enlarged prostate, the solution might not be as easy as a prescription and a pill.

We already know that a man’s prostate continues to grow as he ages, making an enlarged prostate, or BPH, quite commonplace. However, sometimes, without proper treatment, an enlarged prostate can be problematic. An enlarged prostate can lead to many urinary symptoms and increased urinary infections, and yes, it can affect a man’s sex life.

A study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings looked at the link between common BPH urinary symptoms and sexual dysfunction. Researchers studied 2,115 men between the ages of 40 and 79, by having them complete a questionnaire about their sexual function and urinary tract symptoms every two years. What they found was that sexual function and severy of urinary tract symptoms had a definite inverse relationship. The more urinary problems, the less sexual function.

The study also found that the urinary tract symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate that were most associated with sexual dysfunction were:

  • A feeling of urgency
  • Needing to get up multiple times at night to urinate
  • A weak urine stream
  • Straining to start urinating

These urinary symptoms were all associated with:

  • Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection
  • The way men felt about problems with sexual drive, erection, and ejaculation
  • Sexual satisfaction problems

So the solution is to treat the BPH that is causing the urinary issues that are then leading to ED, right?

Yes, but it’s complicated.

Treating the enlarged prostate can be helpful when it comes to urinary issues and ED, however, not all treatments are created equal. In fact, some drugs that are used to treat BPH can actually cause ED and reduce sperm count. Proscar, for example, which is an anti-testosterone drug used to treat BPH has been linked to ED. In fact, studies have found that 3.7% of men using Proscar struggle with ED, and 3.3% report having diminished libido.

That being said, research has also discovered that there is a  positive correlation between drugs used to treat ED, like Viagra and Cialis, which can actually improve BPH and reduce urinary symptoms. It has also been shown that the drug Flomax, an alpha-blocker that relaxes the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate- can improve the symptoms of BPH with a lower risk of sexual side effects.

Another treatment option that can help solve problems with ED by reducing or even eliminating the symptoms of BPH, is Prostate Artery Embolization ( PAE).

This minimally invasive procedure, which we offer here at MidAtlantic Vascular and Interventional,  has a high rate of success, with over 90% of men experiencing relief in the first year. And unlike some of the other treatment options, PAE does not affect sexual performance.

If you are one of the many men that struggle with prostate conditions that are causing or contributing to ED, there is a solution.

Please call us today to talk about your treatment options.