Alright, fellas (and the ladies who care about them), let’s get real for a moment. September is right around the corner, and you know what that means—Prostate Cancer Awareness Month is almost here. It’s time to shine a light on a topic that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves: prostate health. Now, this isn’t about doom and gloom; it’s about taking charge and staying ahead of the game.

Ladies, if you’re reading this, make sure the men in your life know how important it is to get their prostate checked. And men, let’s make it a priority. Your health—and let’s be honest, your sex life—could depend on it.

Can an Enlarged Prostate Affect Your Sex Life?

Short answer? Yes, it can. But let’s break it down.

The prostate is a small gland that plays a big role in male reproductive health. Located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum, it’s responsible for producing some of the fluid that makes up semen. As men age, the prostate can become enlarged—a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). While an enlarged prostate is common and usually not life-threatening, it can cause a range of symptoms that affect not only your urinary function but also your sexual health.

How an Enlarged Prostate Can Lead to Erectile Dysfunction

Let’s talk about the link between an enlarged prostate and erectile dysfunction (ED). When the prostate gland becomes enlarged, it can put pressure on the urethra—the tube that carries urine and semen out of the body. This pressure can lead to urinary symptoms such as frequent urination, difficulty starting and stopping, and a weak stream. But it doesn’t stop there.

An enlarged prostate can also cause blood flow issues that affect the ability to achieve or maintain an erection. Here’s how:

• Reduced Blood Flow: The prostate is surrounded by nerves and blood vessels that are vital for erectile function. When the prostate enlarges, it can compress these blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the penis. Without sufficient blood flow, achieving and maintaining an erection can become a challenge.

• Increased Stress and Anxiety: Let’s face it—worrying about urinary symptoms or the possibility of a medical condition can add stress and anxiety to your life. And stress is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to ED. The mind-body connection is real, and anxiety about prostate issues can create a cycle of stress that negatively impacts sexual performance.

• Medication Side Effects: Some medications used to treat an enlarged prostate, such as alpha-blockers, can have side effects that affect sexual function, including reduced libido or difficulties with erections.

What Is Prostatitis?

If you’ve heard about an enlarged prostate, you may have also heard of prostatitis. While these two conditions both involve the prostate, they’re quite different. Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland that can be caused by a bacterial infection, injury, or other factors. Unlike BPH, which usually develops gradually with age, prostatitis can come on suddenly and cause intense pain or discomfort. Symptoms of prostatitis can include:

• Pain in the pelvic area, lower back, or genital region
• Difficulty urinating or painful urination
• Frequent need to urinate, especially at night
• Fever or chills (in the case of bacterial prostatitis)
• Painful ejaculation or sexual dysfunction

While prostatitis can certainly affect your sexual health, it’s important to distinguish it from BPH. Both conditions require medical attention, but their treatments may differ.

Understanding BPH: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

BPH, or benign prostatic hyperplasia, is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that is incredibly common in men as they age. By the time a man hits 60, there’s a 50/50 chance he’ll have some signs of BPH. By age 85, that number jumps to about 90%. The good news? BPH is not cancer, and having BPH doesn’t increase your risk of developing prostate cancer. But it does come with its own set of issues.

Symptoms of BPH

Symptoms of BPH can range from mild to severe and may include:

• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Difficulty starting and stopping urination
• Weak or interrupted urine flow
• Inability to completely empty the bladder
• Dribbling at the end of urination

These symptoms occur because as the prostate enlarges, it presses against the urethra, creating a bottleneck effect that makes it harder for urine to flow out of the bladder.

How BPH Affects Sexual Health

We’ve already covered how BPH can contribute to ED, but there’s more. An enlarged prostate can also affect ejaculation. Some men with BPH experience painful ejaculation, reduced ejaculate volume, or even retrograde ejaculation—where semen flows backward into the bladder rather than out through the penis.

It’s easy to see how these symptoms could throw a wrench into your sex life, but that doesn’t mean you have to accept them as a fact of life.

Saw Palmetto: A Natural Ally for Prostate Health

So, what can you do to keep your prostate healthy and maintain a satisfying sex life? Enter saw palmetto, a natural herb that has been used for centuries to support prostate health.

What Is Saw Palmetto?

Saw palmetto are berries that have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of conditions, including urinary and reproductive issues. In recent years, it has gained popularity as a natural remedy for supporting prostate health, particularly for managing symptoms of BPH.

How Does Saw Palmetto Work?

Saw palmetto is believed to work by inhibiting the production of an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase. This enzyme converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that is associated with prostate enlargement. By blocking this conversion, saw palmetto may help reduce the size of the prostate and alleviate symptoms of BPH.

Benefits of Saw Palmetto for Prostate Health

Research suggests that saw palmetto may offer several benefits for men dealing with prostate issues:

• Reduces Urinary Symptoms: Studies have shown that saw palmetto can help reduce urinary symptoms associated with BPH, such as frequent urination and difficulty starting or stopping the flow.

• Supports Sexual Function: By promoting a healthy prostate and reducing urinary symptoms, saw palmetto may indirectly support sexual function and improve quality of life.

• Natural and Well-Tolerated: Saw palmetto is generally well-tolerated and has fewer side effects compared to some prescription medications used for BPH.

How to Use Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto is available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, and teas. If you’re considering using saw palmetto for prostate health, it’s always a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider first, especially if you’re taking other medications or have underlying health conditions.

Time to Get Proactive About Prostate Health

So, what’s the takeaway here? An enlarged prostate can have a real impact on your sex life, but it doesn’t have to define it. September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, which makes it the perfect time to take action. Here’s how:

For the Ladies: Encourage the Men in Your Life

Ladies, this is your cue to encourage the men in your life to get proactive about their prostate health. A simple conversation can make all the difference. Remind them that a routine check-up isn’t just about catching problems early; it’s about peace of mind and taking control of their health.

For the Fellas: Make Testing a Priority

Fellas, a prostate exam is quick, straightforward, and could provide crucial insights into your health. Consider it an investment in your future—and your sex life.

Your prostate might be a small gland, but it plays a big role in your overall health and well-being. If you’re experiencing symptoms like frequent urination, difficulty achieving an erection, or changes in ejaculation, don’t ignore them. 

Remember, taking care of your prostate health is about more than just avoiding discomfort; it’s about maintaining a high quality of life. And ladies, don’t shy away from bringing this topic to the table. Your encouragement might just be the nudge the men in your life need to take action.