The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that is part of the male reproductive system. Located between the bladder and penis in front of the rectum, it serves as a “pass-through” station for urine and semen before leaving the body. Without the proper function of the prostate, or because of treatments and surgeries to correct such issues, men can potentially experience impotence, incontinence or a combination of both. One increasingly common problem that men are facing today is prostate cancer.
According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in America. It affects approximately 1 in 6 men, and is 35% more common in men than breast cancer is in women. Prostate cancer frequently requires surgery, known as prostatectomy, which involves the removal of the prostate and some of the surrounding tissue. While this surgery is necessary to treat the cancer, it can have a devastating effect on a man’s sexual function.
The penis requires healthy nerve function and adequate blood flow in order to become erect. During prostatectomy, nerves that sit on either side of the prostate may become damaged or suffer trauma. Additionally, veins can also be affected and lose their ability to trap blood in the penis, which is important for achieving and maintaining healthy erections. Among post-prostatectomy patients, studies show that up to 90% will experience ED, at least temporarily. The potential damage to erectile function can vary however, depending on the extent of the cancer, the man’s age, and the quality of his erections before surgery
While prostate cancer is among the most common, other prostate problems resulting in impotence are far more common than we are lead to believe. The most common of these problems is prostatitis- an inflammation of the prostate caused by bacteria and often results in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
BPH, an enlargement of the prostate, is the cause of incontinence and prostatitis impotence in many men over the age of 50. As men age, the prostate continues to grow and because of its location, it can tighten around the urethra. This can result in the following symptoms: frequent urge to urinate, difficulty starting a urine stream, small amounts of urine, leaking urine and even small amounts of blood in the urine stream. Although men with prostate cancer often have an enlargement of the prostate, the presence of BPH does not mean you have prostate cancer. However, it is important to schedule regular visits and tests with your doctor.
Prostate cancer is a serious issue and should be discussed with your doctor. Even before surgery, it is important to address your concerns relating to potential erectile dysfunction, as well as options that can help you restore your sexual health afterward.
