Does an Enlarged Prostate Affect a Man Sexually? What You Need to Know

If you’ve been diagnosed with an enlarged prostate — or think you might have one — you’re probably wondering:
“Does this mean my sex life is going to suffer?”

It’s a common question. And at MTVIR in Dallas, we hear it every day from men just like you. The short answer?
Yes, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) can affect your sexual health — but the full story is more hopeful than you might think.

In this article, we’ll explain how BPH impacts your body, why certain treatments make it worse, and how Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) can relieve symptoms without harming your sexual function.

What Is BPH — and How Does It Affect Sexual Health?

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, or BPH, happens when the prostate gland enlarges and puts pressure on the urethra and bladder. This can lead to classic urinary symptoms like:

• Frequent or urgent urination

• Difficulty starting or stopping urination

• Weak urine stream

• Nighttime bathroom trips

But the impact doesn’t stop there. As BPH progresses, it can also cause:

• Painful ejaculation

• Reduced libido or sexual satisfaction

• Erectile difficulties caused by discomfort or psychological stress

While BPH itself doesn’t directly cause erectile dysfunction (ED), the chronic symptoms and anxiety around them can absolutely affect your sexual performance and confidence.

The Real Concern: Side Effects of Traditional BPH Surgery

Many men are more concerned about the treatments than the condition itself. That’s fair — because traditional BPH surgeries like TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate) or laser ablation carry higher risks of:

• Retrograde ejaculation

• Erectile dysfunction

• Loss of sexual sensation

• Incontinence

These procedures involve removing tissue through the urethra, often under general anesthesia, with recovery times that can last weeks.

A Better Option: Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)

At MTVIR in Dallas, we offer a non-surgical, outpatient treatment for BPH called Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE). This procedure relieves pressure from the enlarged prostate without touching the urethra or disrupting the nerves involved in sexual function.

Here’s how PAE works:

1. A tiny catheter is inserted through a pinhole in the wrist or groin.

2. The catheter is guided into the arteries supplying the prostate.

3. Microscopic particles are released to block the blood flow.

4. The prostate begins to shrink, relieving pressure and symptoms.

Most men are back to work in just a few days — with no general anesthesia, no hospital stay, and far less risk to sexual function.

How Does PAE Impact Sexual Performance?

The data is clear: PAE has a much lower risk of sexual side effects compared to surgery.

Studies show that most men:

• Maintain erectile function

• Experience less discomfort during ejaculation

• Report improved quality of life after treatment

And because the urinary symptoms improve, many patients feel more confident — which naturally helps their sex life, too.

Real Stories, Real Results

“I avoided treatment for years because I was scared it would ruin my sex life. But after PAE at MTVIR, I sleep better, I’m not running to the bathroom all the time — and I feel like myself again.”
— Michael R., 62, Dallas

Don’t Wait — There’s a Better Way

If you’ve been silently struggling with BPH and sexual performance concerns, you’re not alone. And you don’t have to sacrifice intimacy for relief.

At MTVIR, we help men in Dallas and the surrounding area take back control with minimally invasive, prostate-sparing care that works.

Looking for a prostate clinic in Dallas?

Look no further. We have a state-of-the-art center in North Dallas, where we can perform not only consultations but also surgeries.

Find us at:

9101 N Central Expy, Suite 550, Dallas, TX 75225
Call (469) 458-9800
Or contact us here to schedule a consultation.