Prostate Health & Sex: What Every Guy Should Know

While prostate health might not be the sexiest topic in the world, it plays a major role in your sex life and in your general health. And (despite what you may think) prostate health isn’t something you can ignore until a certain age either. Prostate issues can affect men of all ages—whether it’s performance in bed, comfort when peeing, or just feeling like your body’s not firing on all cylinders. 

So, let’s break it all down so that you can walk away with a solid understanding of the prostate that every guy should have. But remember we're not doctors, and this content isn’t intended to be medical advice. Always consult with a doctor or qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health.

What Is the Prostate?

The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland that lives just below your bladder and wraps around your urethra (the tube you urinate through). Its main job? To produce the fluid that mixes with sperm to make semen.

But because of where it’s located, when your prostate gets inflamed or enlarged, it can cause all kinds of problems—from annoying to straight-up painful. Unfortunately, these issues can impact your general health and your sex life too. 

Why Should You Care About Prostate Health?

A healthy prostate equals better sexual functioning. Here are some of the possible complications and symptoms people often experience when their prostate health isn’t in check. 

• Sexual Dysfunction: Prostate inflammation can cause painful ejaculation, pelvic pressure, and even spasms in your pelvic floor. Some guys notice blood in their semen or pain between the scrotum and rectum
• Complicated Bathroom Trips: An enlarged prostate can lead to weak urine flow, frequent nighttime trips to the bathroom, or the urgent feeling of not being able to empty your bladder. In serious cases, you might not be able to urinate at all
• Risk of Undetected Cancer: While prostate cancer often shows no early symptoms, most diagnoses come from elevated PSA levels. If symptoms do appear, it may mean the cancer has already spread
• Infections: Acute prostatitis hits like the flu and can cause fever, chills, fatigue, plus pain or trouble when urinating

Common Prostate Issues (And What They Feel Like)

So now you know about some of the complications that can result from an unhealthy prostate. But what are some of the specific issues and sensations you should look out for? Let’s get into it. 

Prostatitis - This is inflammation of the prostate, and it’s surprisingly common—even in younger guys

Symptoms Can Include:

• Pain during or after ejaculation
• Pelvic or lower back pain
• Frequent or painful urination
• A weak urine stream

There Are Four Main Types:

• Acute Bacterial Prostatitis: This form is caused by infection and usually clears up with antibiotics—but it can hit hard while it lasts
• Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis: A recurring infection that hits more gradually and over a longer period of time
• Chronic Prostatitis / Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CP/CPPS): This is the most common type and often occurs without infection. It causes persistent pelvic pain, painful urination or ejaculation, and frequent urges to pee. Symptoms can last for months or even years and are tough to pin down
• Asymptomatic Inflammatory Prostatitis: This one has no symptoms at all. Most guys find out they have it during tests for something else. It doesn’t need treatment and isn’t harmful—but it can show up in lab work.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) - Aka: an enlarged prostate. This usually shows up as guys hit their 40s or 50s. While BPH is not cancer, it comes with its own set of complications. 

Symptoms Include:

• Needing to urinate constantly, especially overnight
• Trouble starting or stopping your stream
• A feeling like your bladder’s never fully empty

Prostate Cancer - Prostate cancer affects more guys than you may think, with 1 in 8 men receiving the diagnosis within their lifetime. Since early prostate cancer often has no symptoms at all, routine screenings like PSA blood tests and rectal exams are so important, especially if you're over 50 or have a family history of prostate cancer.

Symptoms (Often in Later Stages) May Include:

• Difficulty urinating or a weak urine stream
• Blood in your urine or semen
• Erectile dysfunction
• Pain in your hips, back, or pelvis

How Does Prostate Health Affect Sex?

The prostate sits at the literal crossroads of your reproductive and urinary systems, so when it’s inflamed or enlarged, lots of things can go haywire. Here are some examples of how prostate health (and some of its related treatments) can impact sex:

• Surgery or Radiation: These treatments can help with prostate cancer, but can also damage nerves or blood vessels involved in erections. Even with nerve-sparing surgery, ED is common and recovery can take months
• Hormone Therapy: This therapy can treat advanced cancer, but it also lowers testosterone (often reducing libido and causing erectile function)
• BPH Meds & Surgery: These may cause sexual side effects like lowering sex drive or causing occasional ED
• Other Effects: Prostatitis can cause painful ejaculation, pelvic discomfort, and sometimes ED due to inflammation

While the potential side effects of these treatments are less than fun, the good news is that they may be temporary, treatable, or preventable (depending on the treatment) if you act early. As always, make sure you talk with your medical provider to assess treatment options and potential side effects. 

How to Support Your Prostate (And Your Sex Life)

So what’s a guy to do? While there’s no magic bullet, the good news is that healthy habits that support your overall health also help your prostate and bedroom performance.

• Keep Moving: Exercise helps regulate hormones, improve blood flow, and manage weight—which are all key for prostate health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate daily activity, whether that’s a quick walk, cycling, or lifting at the gym
• Eat Right: A healthy prostate thrives on anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense foods. So try loading your plate with:
  • Fruits and veggies (especially tomatoes and cruciferous greens)
  • Whole grains
  • Healthy fats like fish, nuts, and olive oil
• Foods To Avoid: When it comes to foods to avoid, try cutting back on red meat, processed foods, and sugar since they’re linked to increased risk of prostate problems
• Watch Your Weight: Obesity raises your risk for BPH, prostatitis, and prostate cancer. Staying in a healthy weight range is one of the best long-term moves for your prostate and your sex life
• Get Screened: Prostate issues don’t always come with warning signs. If you’re 50 or older (or younger with risk factors), regular checkups and PSA tests can help catch any potential issues early—when they’re easiest to treat
• Don’t Ignore Symptoms: Painful urination, pelvic discomfort, or bedroom problems? Don’t write it off. Talk to your doctor—your prostate might be trying to tell you something

Remember, You’re Not Alone

If you’re ever feeling isolated when it comes to your prostate health, remember that you’re never alone. And yet, tons of men suffer in silence—partly because of stigma and partly because they don’t yet know there’s a problem. So, if things feel off, we encourage you to talk with your doctor or medical provider. 

Your prostate may be small, but its impact is mighty—especially when it comes to your sex life. Prostate issues can cause pain, performance problems, and more. But, the earlier you catch these signs, the easier it is to treat prostate issues. So, eat smart, stay active, and most importantly, don’t skip those checkups. Prioritizing your prostate now can help you stay confident, comfortable, and fully in the game for years to come.