TRT Doesn’t Cause or Worsen Enlarged Prostate Symptoms

TRT Doesn’t Cause or Worsen Enlarged Prostate Symptoms

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) doesn’t appear to cause or worsen lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) or an enlarged prostate, according to a review of past research.

An enlarged prostate – also called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) – is common as men get older. In fact, about half of men in their fifties have an enlarged prostate.

==================================================

Testosterone Replacement Therapy doesn’t cause or worsen enlarged prostate symptoms. (Click to tweet)

==================================================

When this happens, prostate cells grow inward and may press against the urethra (urine channel). This can lead to LUTS. Men might have trouble urinating or feel like they can’t empty the bladder.

Testosterone is an important male hormone involved with masculine characteristics and sex drive. Sometimes, men’s bodies do not produce enough testosterone. Replacement therapy can restore testosterone levels to normal.

However, there have been concerns that testosterone replacement therapy isn’t appropriate for men with severe LUTS, as the hormone might spur prostate enlargement.

Recently, experts from the University of Illinois analyzed 35 medical studies involving men with low testosterone levels who also had LUTS/BPH. They found that for men with mild LUTS, symptoms either improved or remained unchanged after starting TRT.

The scientists also noted that almost half of the studies excluded men with severe cases of LUTS. They recommended further research to see how much TRT might affect symptoms in these cases.

The study was first published online in November 2015 in the journal Urology.


Print this article or view it as a PDF file here: Testosterone Replacement Therapy Doesn’t Cause or Worsen Enlarged Prostate Symptoms


Resources

Renal & Urology News

Persaud, Natasha

“Testosterone Therapy Does Not Appear to Worsen LUTS/BPH”

(December 11, 2015)

http://www.renalandurologynews.com/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia-bph/testosterone-therapy-does-not-appear-to-worsen-lutsbph/article/459243/

Urology

Kathrins, Martin, M.D, et al.

“The Relationship between Testosterone Replacement Therapy and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms: A Systematic Review”

(Abstract – Article in press. Published online: November 23, 2015)

http://www.goldjournal.net/article/S0090-4295(15)01053-5/abstract

Urology Care Foundation

“What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?”

http://www.urologyhealth.org/urologic-conditions/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia-(bph)

You may also be interested in...

Other Popular Articles

What Is Jelqing, and Does It Actually Work?

The term “jelqing” refers to a set of penis stretching exercises that some believe can make the penis bigger. Although the practice has gained attention and popularity in blogs and internet forums in recent years, there is no scientific evidence that it is an effective way to permanently increase the size of one’s penis. In fact, in some cases, jelqing may actually cause damage to the penis, so it is a good idea to get all the facts before setting off to try it.

What Is Sensate Focus and How Does It Work?

Sensate focus is a technique used to improve intimacy and communication between partners around sex, reduce sexual performance anxiety, and shift away from ingrained, goal-oriented sexual patterns that may not be serving a couple.

What Is the Average Penis Size?

If you have ever wondered how your penis compares to others in terms of size, you are not alone. Many men are curious to know how their penises stack up compared to the average. Unfortunately, general curiosity can sometimes give way to full-on obsession and anxiety about penis size. This can be an unhealthy and often unnecessary fixation, especially because most men who think their penises are too small have perfectly normal-sized penises.

What Is Edging and Why Do People Do It?

Edging is the practice of stopping sexual stimulation before reaching orgasm to prolong a sexual experience. The term stems from the concept of approaching the metaphorical “edge” of orgasm but stopping before going over the edge.

The Sex-Positivity Movement: What it Means to Be Sex-Positive

You may have heard references to “being sex-positive” or “the sex-positivity movement” in popular culture. Various celebrities have brought attention to this movement by speaking out about their beliefs and personal experiences regarding sexuality, sexual health, body positivity, “slut-shaming,” and sexual assault.

Can Sex Reduce Menstrual Cramps?

The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine.

Having sex while you experience menstrual cramps is healthy and can provide significant benefits. While it might not be the first activity that comes to mind when your PMS or period cramping begins, many people enjoy sex to reduce menstrual cramps, experience increased pleasure and benefit from other advantages. Learn more about having sex while menstrual cramps are happening and how it can help your body.

Find a Provider

Find a provider who specializes in sexual medicine in your area.

FIND NOW
Image