What Is An Enlarged Prostate
The prostate is a small gland, usually about the size of a walnut, that is situated just below the bladder and above the penis. The urethra passes through the prostate, which produces fluid that is mixed with sperm to create semen. When the prostate enlarges, it places pressure on the bladder and the urethra, which can cause urinary problems.
The prostate is made up of four zones:
- Peripheral zone. The area most easily felt during the standard digital rectal exam and the zone from which prostate cancer tends to develop.
- Transition zone. This surrounds the part of the urethra that passes through the prostate. It enlarges as men age, causing benign prostatic hyperplasia and consequent urinary symptoms.
- Central zone
- Anterior fibromuscular stroma
The prostate can become enlarged for a variety of reasons. The most common are:
Diagnosing Benign Prostate Enlargement
To find out whether your prostate gland is enlarged, you’ll need to have a few tests.
Some tests will be carried out by your GP and others will be carried out by a urologist .
First, your GP will ask about your symptoms. If it seems that you have symptoms of benign prostate enlargement, the next stage is to calculate your;International Prostate Symptom Score .
Does Sexual Activity Improve Prostate Health
Regular ejaculation enhances the immune systems response to the presence of cancer cells.
According to a report published in JAMA, men who reported having more than 20 ejaculations per month were 33% less likely to develop prostate cancer.
These measured ejaculations included sexual intercourse, nocturnal emissions, and masturbation. Researchers evaluated nearly 30,000 patients, of whom 1,449 developed prostate cancer.
Assuming the men answered the survey questions honestly, the results indicated that active sex life is not associated with higher cancer risk in most men.
An Australian study of 2,338 men also came to a similar conclusion. This study found that men who averaged 4.6 to seven ejaculations a week were 36% less likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer before the age of 70 compared to men who ejaculated less than 2.3 times a week on average.
The study found no connection between prostate cancer and the number of sex partners.
Read Also: How Long Does A Prostate Biopsy Take
With A Massager Strap
If youre playing with sex toys, you can really mix it up by playing with the different vibration settings, as well as pressure and depth.
- Pressure. Controlling pressure when using a toy is easier, especially when youre playing solo. Try pressing the toy against the prostate using more or less pressure till you find your sweet spot.
- Depth. Depth is another area where toys win out since reaching can make it hard to go deep, if thats what you crave. Try different sized anal toys or get a longer one that you can insert as deep as your bottom desires.
- Vibrations. You can buy prostate massagers that offer up multiple speed and pulse settings. Play with the different settings to find your preference. Up the vibes as you get closer to orgasm.
- Sensation. Some prostate massagers have an attached external stimulator to give your perineum some sweet lovin while the other end penetrates. Who doesnt love a hard worker?
Want a little more?
If your partner has a penis, you can kick things up a notch with penis-in-anus penetration. Prostate stimulation for you, penile stimulation for them and a happy ending for you both.
Different positions can make reaching and pleasuring the prostate easier. These positions work for external and internal prostate stimulation, alone and with a partner.
Prostate Size And Blockage Of The Urethra
If the inner part of the prostate gland obstructs the urethra during urination, this will irritate the bladder and cause urinary symptoms.Urinary symptoms may include:
- frequent urination, particularly at night
- urgency and possible urgency incontinence
- passing drops of urine involuntarily after you think you’ve finished
- blood in the urine although this can never be assumed to be due to the prostate until other causes have been excluded.
The actual size of the prostate does not appear to determine whether or not there is a blockage. Some men with large prostates never develop obstruction, but some men with small prostates can have severe bladder obstruction, which causes difficulty with urinating.Around one in three Victorian men over the age of 50 years have some urinary symptoms. In most cases, these symptoms are due to a blockage caused by an enlarged prostate, but they may be due to other causes.;
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What Causes An Enlarged Prostate
Growth of the prostate is a relatively common condition that can have a variety of causes. This condition, referred to as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia often occurs naturally as part of the aging process. Typically, once men turn 40, their prostates gradually enlarge.
Scientists are not entirely certain what causes the growth of prostatic tissue as men age or why the condition impacts some men more severely than others. Aside from age, however, some medical professionals believe that BPH may also emerge as the result of an imbalance of sexual and reproductive hormones, a family history of the malady, affliction with certain illnesses like heart disease and diabetes, the use of specific medications, obesity and lifestyle factors.
See Your Doctor If You Have Symptoms
If you cant urinate at all, you should get medical help right away. Sometimes this problem happens suddenly to men after they take certain cold or allergy medicines.
You should see your doctor if you have one or more of these symptoms:
- a weak urine stream
- unable to empty your bladder completely
- urinating eight or more times a day
- urine that has an unusual color or smell
- waking often to urinate when you sleep
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Reduced Semen Enlarged Prostate
The amount of semen I produce has reduced to nothing in just under a year. I previously would have produced a healthy tablespoon amount. I believe I also have an enlarged prostate according to my doctor which is also causing me to visit the bathroom far more often than normal. What can I do to not only reduce me prostate. But to also increase my semen amount? It’ causing me great consternation and anxiety. Can I get corrective surgery for either ailment? I’m 63 years old. Don’t drink or smoke. Work out 3 times a week. Though I’m overweight. But carry it mainly on my thighs and ass.
Have you commenced any medication for your enlarged prostate? Do you think that might be the reason for the change you have noticed?
No, I’ve not rec’d any medication for my prostate. Doctor, says it happens to many men of a certain age. But there’s no doubt about it restricting my urinal flow.
Have you had a PSA test as prostate cancer is also a possibility.
I’ve not had any tests other than a couple of blood tests and a rectal exam during which the doctor probed my prostate with his fingers.
Perhaps a PSA test would be sensible. The effects of an enlarged prostate can be alleviated by alphablocker medication or by a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor. If it gets really bad then surgery is an option.
stevejames – agree. You really need to push for the blood test.
Any Final Tips To Remember Or Things To Avoid
Lets do a quick recap, shall we?
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Stimulating the prostatea walnut-size gland inside the male pelviscan feel really, really good thanks to the many nerve endings in the anus and surrounding area.
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Because the anal lining and anus are very sensitive, prostate massages do come with risks like pain and tearing. Its essential to prepare beforehand, first by communicating what you and your partner are and arent comfortable with.
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You also need to prepare physically by doing things like washing your hands, slipping on latex gloves if you want, taking deep breaths, and engaging in some foreplay.
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If youre using your fingers to give a prostate massage, you can try applying firm yet gentle area to the perineum, that bit of skin between the testicles and anus, and experiment from there.
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Lube is a must before any anal penetration occursbut leave the numbing agents out of it.
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Only use sex toys that have a flared base for anal play.
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Enjoy!
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How To Cope With Side Effects
What to do about:
- feeling dizzy if tamsulosin makes you feel dizzy, stop what you’re doing, and sit or lie down until you feel better. Do not drive, ride a bike or use tools or machinery if you’re feeling dizzy. Do not drink alcohol as it will make you feel worse. Talk to a doctor if these side effects last more than a few days.
- problems when men ejaculate if the amount you ejaculate is less than usual or you have no semen at all, you do not need to worry as this side effect is harmless. Talk to a doctor if it bothers you or does not get any better.
Does An Enlarged Prostate Affect A Man Sexually
An enlarged prostate can cause sexual problems in men, such as:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Reduced sex drive
Sudden onset of erectile dysfunction may be a sign of prostate cancer and needs medical evaluation. Erectile dysfunctions may also occur after the therapy for prostate cancer including surgery, radiotherapy, and hormonal therapy.
Sexual problems, such as erectile dysfunction or ejaculation problems, may occur in men with noncancerous enlargement of the prostate . Sexual dysfunction in BPH usually results from the treatment rather than the disease. Medications for BPH, such as the antitestosterone drug and finasteride , have been associated with erectile dysfunction in 3.7% of men who use it. Finasteride is also linked with diminished libido in 3.3% men. Other medications for BPH, such as terazosin , tamsulosin , and doxazosin , can improve BPH symptoms with a lower risk of sexual side effects.
Surgical procedures for BPH, such as the transurethral resection of the prostate , are often used when medications fail. Erectile dysfunction can occur because of TURP in a small percentage of men.
Read Also: Can The Prostate Grow Back After Surgery
What If I Forget To Take It
If you miss a dose of tamsulosin, and you remember within 6 hours, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it’s more than 6 hours, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time the next day.
Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you.
You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.
Prostate Cancer And Sexual Health
A prostate cancer diagnosis can leave you feeling anxious, frustrated, and depressed.
It may also leave you wondering about your ability to have sex. You may also be questioning how prostate cancer treatment can affect your sex life.
Prostate cancer rarely causes problems with sex, but the treatments for prostate cancer often affect penile function and reproduction.
Prostate surgery and radiation are the two most common treatments for prostate cancer. Both of these can affect the nerves in your penis and could cause sexual problems like erectile dysfunction .
Cryotherapy and ultrasound therapy can also cause ED. Your doctor may recommend hormone therapy or radiation therapy, as well. This therapy can lower your sex drive.
Radical prostatectomy is the most effective nerve-sparing surgery for prostate cancer. It can substantially limit the duration of post-surgical ED but requires a surgeon to be highly skilled and trained in the process.
In this type of procedure, the surgeon takes care not to damage the erectile nerves that surround the prostate as it is removed.
However, if cancer has infiltrated these nerves, it may not be possible to save them.
Preventing injury to these nerves dramatically improves the chances of a man recovering erectile function within two years of the surgery.
In addition to ED, you may also find that your orgasms are different after undergoing treatment for prostate cancer.
They may not feel as strong, and you will not see as much ejaculate.
Also Check: Can You Check Your Own Prostate
Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer
In its early stages, prostate cancer doesnt necessarily cause symptoms. Men with prostate cancer might experience some of the following symptoms:
- needing to pee frequently or suddenly
- finding it difficult to pee, including trouble getting started or maintaining a strong or steady flow
- feeling like you havent completely emptied your bladder after going to the toilet
- pain, burning or discomfort when peeing
- blood in pee or semen
- or pain in the lower back, upper thighs, hips or chest
- feelings of weakness or numbness in the legs or feet
- unexplained weightloss
- feeling tired, short of breath or dizzy
- a rapid heart beat
- pale skin.
Youll notice a lot of these symptoms are similar to symptoms of other conditions, including an enlarged prostate or prostatitis, which is why its important to always see your doctor if you notice any of these symptoms or changes.
Is Sex Good For Your Prostate
Whether or not sex is good for prostate problems is a question many men wonder, and its an important one that needs answering.
The prostate plays an active role during sexual activity.
Along with other structures, the prostate is responsible for making fluid in semen, which helps transport your sperm when you ejaculate.
The effect regular ejaculations have on the prostate should become a significant talking point, especially amongst men who are experiencing prostate problems.
This article will determine whether a healthy sex life can reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer.
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Pde5 Inhibitors: Viagra Levitra And Cialis
Approved by the FDA in 1998, sildenafil revolutionized the way we think about and treat erectile dysfunction, largely because it is so easy to use and effective. Since then ;the FDA has approved three closely related drugs, vardenafil , avanafil and tadalafil .
All four drugs work in a similar fashion, by affecting the normal physiology of the penis. In particular, they block PDE5, an enzyme that breaks down the erection-producing chemical cyclic guanosine monophosphate. This enables the penis to fill with blood and to stay erect long enough for intercourse. Of course, its important to realize that none of these drugs is an aphrodisiac. Youve got to feel sexually stimulated in order for them to work.
The main differences between the drugs have to do with timing: how quickly they begin to work, and how long their effects last . Levitra may start working slightly faster than Viagra although the FDA says that like Viagra, it should be taken about an hour before sexual activity. Some studies suggest that Levitra may help some men who dont respond to Viagra. And while some doctors are skeptical about this claim, theres no harm in trying Levitra or Cialis if Viagra doesnt work for you.
Cialis has also been approved to treat men with both erectile dysfunction and BPH. The dose is lower, usually 5 milligrams per day.
Does Having An Enlarged Prostate Affect Sexual Performance
It might. Some men with an enlarged prostate develop erectile dysfunction or problems with ejaculation.
The technical term for an enlarged prostate is benign prostatic hyperplasia .; BPH occurs when prostate tissue increases in size. This growth moves inward, pressing on the urethra . As a result, some men with BPH have trouble urinating and need treatment.
Unfortunately, some treatments might have sexual side effects:
Medications. 5-alpha reducatase inhibitors and alpha-blockers are two types of drugs commonly prescribed for BPH. However, 5-alpha reducatase inhibitors might lower a mans sex drive or interfere with erections. Alpha blockers could lead to difficulty ejaculating.
Finasteride in particular has been associated with a greater risk for ED. In a 2015 study of 700 men with BPH, men who took finasteride gradually developed ED while a comparison group of men who took tamsulosin did not.
Minimally-invasive procedures. These approaches, which could include stents, heat treatments, or laser treatments, can sometimes lead to ED or retrograde ejaculation .
Surgery. Transurethral incision of the prostate , which involves widening the urethra, sometimes results in ED. Transurethral resection of the prostate , in which the inner portion of the prostate is removed, can lead to retrograde ejaculation.
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It Feels Really Freaking Good
The “male G-spot” is packed with thousands of nerve endings, which means that when you stimulate it, it feels really, really good. In fact, some men report being able to reach orgasm from prostate stimulation alone.
While there is not enough research to suggest that prostate orgasms specifically can lower your risk of prostate cancer, generally speaking, having more orgasms is a good thing for your prostate health: according to one Australian study, men who had five or more orgasms per week were 34% less likely to develop prostate cancer than men who had fewer than one orgasm per week.
Ready to go on the hunt for the male G-spot? Check out our tips for how to get started. Make sure to start slow and use plenty of lube, and happy hunting.
And if you’re looking for some prostate massager recommendations, look no further. We’ve listed a few of our favorite sex toys below.
The Vector is C-shaped because it doesnt just massage your prostate, it also stimulates your perineum, which is the space between your anus and scrotum. The perineum is a highly erogenous zone, yet its often ignored. No one really thinks to stimulate it during oral, manual, or penetrative sex. Read our full review of the Vector here.
LoveHoney’s inflatable butt plug is insane, obviously. That said, it really fills up your insides. Read our full review of the inflatable butt plug here.