Prostate Medication Can Lead to Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the condition of being unable to achieve or sustain an erection for sexual performance. Approximately 30 million men struggle with this condition. There are several degrees of erectile dysfunction ranging from mild (7 to 8 successful attempts out of 10) to severe (0 to 3 successful attempts out of 10). While the likelihood of experiencing erectile dysfunction increases with age, it can affect men of any age at any time.

There are many reasons why a man would experience sexual dysfunction. However, the most common reason ED occurs is as a result of medication. There are a number of drugs on the market that have a negative effect on sexual performance. That includes those that are designed to help men suffering from prostate problems such as an enlarged prostate.

A paper appearing in the Journal of Sexual Medicine noted that 5a-reductase inhibitors which contain BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) caused low libido in approximately 4% of them men who used the medication. A study on BPH found that it caused erectile dysfunction even long after patients stopped taking the medication which contained it.

Rather than give up sexual function in order to regain prostate function, some men are turning to alternative medicine for solutions. It has been shown that supplements like palmetto extract can reduce inflammation and swelling in the prostate without the sexual side effects associated with conventional medications.

Before trying over the counter supplements, check with your doctor to make sure that your erectile dysfunction is the result of medication and not other undiagnosed health complications. More information about palmetto extract and other supplements that protect prostate health can be found at trusted websites online.