Prostate Treatments and Sexual Function: What Men Need to Know
I had a patient come in last week, feeling nervous and a bit embarrassed. He’d been dealing with BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) for a while and was finally ready to consider treatment, but he had one big question on his mind: “Will this affect my sex life?”
It’s a concern I hear all the time. For men considering prostate treatments, understanding how they might impact sexual function is just as important as knowing the benefits of the procedure itself.
Let’s break down the main treatments for prostate health issues like BPH and what you need to know about their impact on sexual function.
How Prostate Treatments Can Affect Sexual Function
Each prostate treatment option has different effects on sexual health, so it’s essential to choose the one that aligns best with your priorities. Here’s an overview of how common BPH treatments affect sexual function:
Medications for BPH
The first step for many men with BPH is medication, typically alpha-blockers or 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors. While these medications can help relieve symptoms, they may cause side effects related to sexual function.
Some men experience lower libido, difficulty with erections, or even a reduced volume of ejaculate. These side effects vary and may not affect everyone, but it’s good to know they’re a possibility.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
HoLEP (Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate): HoLEP is a highly effective, minimally invasive treatment for prostate enlargement that involves removing the obstructive tissue in the prostate. Since it’s a precision laser-based procedure, HoLEP tends to have fewer side effects compared to traditional surgery, and many men report minimal impact on sexual function after recovery.
GreenLight Laser: Another minimally invasive option, GreenLight Laser vaporizes the obstructive tissue in the prostate. While it’s generally safe for sexual function, some men may notice temporary issues with ejaculation.
Rezum and UroLift: These are other popular minimally invasive treatments for BPH. Rezum uses steam to destroy tissue, and UroLift repositions the prostate tissue. Both are often easier on sexual function, though ejaculation changes can occur with any procedure.
Traditional Surgery (TURP)
TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate): TURP is one of the older and more invasive BPH treatments. It’s highly effective for symptom relief but comes with a higher likelihood of impacting sexual function. Some men experience retrograde ejaculation, where semen goes back into the bladder instead of out through the urethra, which doesn’t affect sexual pleasure but can be a concern for some men.
What to Expect with HoLEP and Other Minimally Invasive Options
Many men today prefer minimally invasive procedures like HoLEP because they offer significant symptom relief with a lower risk of sexual side effects compared to traditional surgery.
1. Faster Recovery with Fewer Sexual Side Effects
Because HoLEP uses a laser to remove prostate tissue without damaging surrounding nerves, the risk of issues like erectile dysfunction is lower. Most men recover quickly and report either no change or a slight improvement in sexual function as they experience relief from BPH symptoms.
2. Ejaculation Changes Are Possible
While the risk of erectile dysfunction is low with HoLEP, some men notice a difference in ejaculation. Retrograde ejaculation, where semen enters the bladder instead of exiting the body, is a possible side effect with HoLEP. It’s harmless, but it’s something to be aware of if it’s a concern.
3. Improved Quality of Life
Ultimately, men who undergo HoLEP report a better quality of life with fewer bathroom trips, less discomfort, and more freedom in their day-to-day activities. With reduced symptoms, sexual satisfaction often improves as men feel more confident and comfortable.
Deciding on the Right Treatment for Your Needs
When it comes to prostate health and sexual function, each man’s situation is unique. Prostate health treatments offer effective options for reducing symptoms, but they also come with their own considerations. If preserving sexual function is a high priority, discuss your options with a urologist specializing in prostate health to weigh the pros and cons of each approach.
If you’re experiencing symptoms and considering treatment options, take the time to discuss your concerns openly. A personalized approach can help you find the best fit for both symptom relief and maintaining a satisfying sex life.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re ready to explore treatments for BPH or other prostate issues, book a consultation with Mr. Campbell to discuss options that fit your lifestyle and priorities.
Additional Resources on Prostate Health and Sexual Function:
These links provide reliable information on how BPH treatments affect sexual function and help guide patients in making informed decisions. Let me know if you need any other adjustments!
