Prostate gland enlargement

  • image.alt
  • With Mayo Clinic endocrinologist

    Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.

    read biography

Mayo Clinic Health Manager

Get free personalized health guidance for you and your family.

Get Started

Free

E-Newsletter

Subscribe to receive the latest updates on health topics. About our newsletters

  • Housecall
  • Alzheimer's caregiving
  • Living with cancer

Question

Enlarged prostate: Should I avoid sexual activity?

Is it OK to have sexual intercourse if I have an enlarged prostate? Will this make the condition worse or cause pain?

Answer

from Todd B. Nippoldt, M.D.

You don't have to avoid sexual intercourse if you have an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH). Sexual intercourse won't worsen symptoms of an enlarged prostate. Also, an enlarged prostate shouldn't cause pain or discomfort during sexual activity, unless you have an underlying urinary tract infection associated with prostatitis. However, some research suggests that BPH may be associated with erectile dysfunction.

If you have an enlarged prostate and are experiencing erectile dysfunction or pain or discomfort with sexual intercourse or ejaculation, consult your doctor to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

Next question
PSA levels: Can they rise after prostate removal?

AN01757

Jan. 1, 2008

© 1998-2009 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Reliable tools for healthier lives," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

Print Share Reprints

Text Size: smaller largerlarger