The prostate gland is a part of the male reproductive system. It produces seminal fluid. Its swelling or enlargement makes it difficult for an individual to pass urine or eject seminal fluid.         

The prostate is usually the size of a walnut that starts growing during puberty and its enlargement happens in all men throughout as they grow older from puberty to old age. An enlarged prostate becomes problematic as it also gives rise to sexual difficulties such as erectile dysfunction (ED). 

What is erectile dysfunction?   

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a sexual difficulty, which is common among males. It can occur regardless of age. The only difference is that the reason for its occurrence can differ from one individual to another.  

The person experiencing erectile dysfunction fails to get or maintain erections. This might happen despite complete sexual arousal. The difficulty arises because of a decrease in the blood flow to the penile.   

What is prostate cancer?   

Prostate is a gland located right below the bladder. Prostate cancer occurs because of cellular mutations happening in the cells of the prostate glands. It is not clear yet as to how such changes occur in the cells of the prostate.  

According to some research, this might be a result of cellular proliferation triggered by some mutated genes. This abnormal proliferation potentiates the risk of tumor formation in the prostate. The tumor thus formed can be cancerous or non-cancerous.   

The tumor can unusually grow and affect the functioning of the surrounding organs. It makes the prostate swollen and takes up more space in the pelvic region. The prostate enlargement causes discomfort passing urine or ejaculating.  

The link between prostate cancer and erectile dysfunction  

The enlarged prostate can affect the urinary and ejaculatory function. Although it might not directly lead to erectile dysfunction, it can give rise to difficulties in getting and maintaining erections. It causes discomfort, pain, and inflammation in the pelvic region.    

Sometimes the pain can be severe and intense which can make the person avoid sexual activity. It also affects the ejaculatory function. The person may not ejaculate and ejaculate too little. This can also cause fertility problems.  

In this way, abnormal growth of the prostate gland affects the erection function and ejaculation disorder. Apart from that, individuals who underwent prostrate surgery might have to experience sexual difficulties for some temporary duration.  

In some rare cases, the individual might even lose their ability to get erections and suffer from erectile dysfunction permanently.   

Those with erectile dysfunction can overcome their erection difficulties with the help of ED medications. Medications like Avana 50 contain an active ingredient that works as a powerful stimulant that can revive the erection function.  

Symptoms of prostate cancer 

• Pain and burning sensation felt while passing urine
• Frequent urge to urinate especially during nighttime

• Sudden urge to urinate 
• Pain around the scrotum or rectum
• Pain while ejaculating
• Pain in testicles or penile 
• Pain and discomfort around the groin and lower back

Risk factors of prostate cancer 

Given below are several factors that can be attributed to increasing one’s susceptibility to prostate cancer: 

Age: When males reach their 50s, they may become more prone to developing prostate cancer. This might happen because of mutations in the DNA. The cells divide uncontrollably. This triggers the abnormal growth of the prostate. After the age of 50, the likelihood of prostate cancer is quite high in men.  

Family history: One is highly likely to develop prostate cancer when there is a close blood relative like your father, grandfather, or brother who has experienced prostate enlargement. Prostate cancer can happen because of genetic or hereditary factors. It can be inherited.  

Diet: Your diet can massively impact your cellular health and function. An unhealthy diet and bad eating habits put you at a greater risk of developing prostate cancer. This is why it is necessary to become conscious of what you eat.  

Weight: Obese and overweight individuals might experience severe pain and discomfort from prostate cancer. Even if they seek timely treatment, there is a high possibility that cancer will persist.  

No exercise: Lack of physical activity can also enhance your risk of prostate cancer. No physical movement and activity can contribute to unnecessary weight gain, which is a potent factor that might cause prostate enlargement.   

When is the right time to see your doctor?

You must consult your doctor when you start feeling discomfort and pain around your pelvic area. In some cases, men might not experience any pain, but they may face difficulties while urinating and sexual problems like erectile dysfunction and ejaculation disorders.   

If you experience any of these symptoms, then consult your healthcare provider immediately. Timely treatment will reduce the risk of severe damage.