[53M] With enlarged prostate, intermittent hematuria, and erectile dysfunction

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, you may be experiencing the following conditions:

• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): This is a common condition in men as they age, where the prostate gland enlarges and can cause urinary symptoms. These may include increased frequency and urgency of urination, difficulty starting and stopping urination, and sometimes blood in the urine.

  • Treatment options include medications to relax or shrink the prostate, minimally invasive procedures, and surgery. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms, the size of your prostate, other health conditions you might have, and your personal preference.

• Erectile Dysfunction (ED): This is the inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. It's common in men who have diabetes, high blood pressure, or prostate conditions.

  • Treatment options include lifestyle changes, medications, devices, and surgery. Psychological counseling may also be beneficial if stress, anxiety, or depression is contributing to the ED.

• Decreased Libido: This can be caused by various factors, including low testosterone levels, medications, depression, chronic illness, and stress.

  • Treatment involves addressing the underlying cause. This might include changing medications, improving lifestyle factors, or seeking counseling.

Remember, these are potential explanations based on the information you've provided, and they may not be the only possibilities. It's important to discuss these symptoms and potential diagnoses with your healthcare provider.

What you can do

1. Continue to follow up with your urologist. They can provide a formal assessment and order relevant tests if necessary.

2. If you're concerned about the side effects of the medication your urologist recommended, discuss this with them. They can provide more information about the risks and benefits, and possibly suggest alternatives.

3. For your erectile dysfunction and decreased libido, consider discussing this with your doctor as well. They can evaluate you for potential causes and suggest appropriate treatments.

4. Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and stress management can help improve your overall health and potentially alleviate some of your symptoms.

What you should look out for

Reasons to seek immediate medical attention:

• If you notice a large amount of blood in your urine, or if the bleeding doesn't stop.
• If you develop severe abdominal or back pain.
• If you're unable to urinate at all.
• If you develop new or worsening symptoms.

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate and helpful health information, I'm not a doctor. Always consult with a healthcare professional for accurate information.