What Will I Learn By Reading This
When you have treatment for your prostate cancer, you may have erectile dysfunction also known as impotence. Erectile dysfunction is a very common side effect . Side effects from prostate cancer treatment are different from one man to the next. They may also be different from one treatment to the next. Some men have no erectile dysfunction. The good news is that there are ways to deal with erectile dysfunction. In this booklet you will learn:
- What erectile dysfunction is
- Why prostate cancer treatment can cause erectile dysfunction
- What can be done about erectile dysfunction
- How erectile dysfunction may affect your sex life
- What your partner can expect
It is important for you to learn how to deal with erectile dysfunction so that you can continue to have a satisfying intimate relationship.
Open Or Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy
In the more traditional approach to prostatectomy, called anopen prostatectomy, the surgeon operates through a single long skin incision to remove the prostate and nearby tissues. This type of surgery is done less often than in the past.
In a laparoscopic prostatectomy, the surgeon makes several smaller incisions and uses special long surgical tools to remove the prostate. The surgeon either holds the tools directly, or uses a control panel to precisely move robotic arms that hold the tools. This approach to prostatectomy has become more common in recent years. If done by experienced surgeons, the laparoscopic radical prostatectomy can give results similar to the open approach.
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Can A Man Function Sexually Without A Prostate
Life without a prostate can be different. While regaining an erection after prostate removal may not be possible for every patient, an erection is not the only way to have a satisfying sex life.
- Sexual fulfillment
People also ask, does prostate removal cause impotence? What is the chance of impotence after prostate surgery?
Research institutions studied sexual and urinary function 1 or more years after radical prostatectomy. Findings suggest that incontinence rates ranged from 4% to 40%. And the odds of impotence were as high as 29% to 75%.
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Recovering From Prostate Surgery
The patient can usually leave the hospital within a day or two, but the incision site will likely feel sore for a few days after. The patient will most likely not be able to drive for at least a week, but should be able to return to normal activities within a few weeks.
During the recovery, the patient may experience several side effects including:
- Urinary tract infection
- Ejaculatory dysfunction
- Erectile dysfunction
After the surgery, its possible to experience erectile dysfunction for a few weeks, a year, or even longer in some cases. This is because the surgery might potentially injure one of the nerves, muscles, or blood vessels that are involved with getting and maintaining erections. There are other factors that could influence the severity of the erectile dysfunction during recovery as well and so it can be difficult to predict how any specific person may recover from the surgery.
The Prostate Cancer Foundation has reported that about half of all men undergoing nerve sparing surgery will regain their pre-surgery function within the first year of the surgery.
Does Prostate Cancer Cause Sexual Dysfunction
Oftentimes, the cause of erectile dysfunction is not prostate cancer itself but the treatments you take to cure it.
Prostate cancer treatments like radical prostatectomywhich is the removal of the entire prostate glandor radiation therapy as well as hormone therapy can all cause men to develop erectile dysfunction.
Heres how each treatment can impact your ability to have sexual intercourse:
- Radical Prostatectomy When you have radical prostatectomy, youll immediately feel the effects of erectile dysfunction. There are two types of radical prostatectomy. One method will spare the nerves while the other one doesnt. With the former, youll likely recover from ED in about a year. The latter procedure might cause permanent ED though there are a few cases where the patient regains erectile function.
- Radiation Therapy With radiation therapy, ED will occur a couple of years down the road. It typically happens two to three years after treatment. It should be noted that without ED treatment, it will become permanent.
- Hormone Therapy This therapy works a bit differently. ED sets it two to four weeks after the start of the treatment. However, its worsened by the accompanying decreased desire to have sex. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent ED as well.
Even if you dont undergo surgery , other forms of treatments can still lead you to experience erectile dysfunction.
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Where Does Prostate Cancer Spread
The most common place for prostate cancer to spread to is the bones. It can also spread to the lymph nodes, liver and lungs and other organs.
A large tumour in the prostate gland can spread into or press on areas around the prostate, such as the back passage or urethra. The urethra is the tube which carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.
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Can Impotence Occur After Prostate Surgery
Consider your options
If youre undergoing prostate surgery, you may be concerned about how it will affect your sexual function. Erectile dysfunction is the inability to become sexually aroused and have an erection.
The condition has many complex causes. It can be caused by a physical problem, an emotional issue, or both. Regardless of the cause, ED can affect both you and your partner.
Many body systems play a role in sexual arousal. These include:
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Getting Treatment And Support
Speak to your GP or doctor or nurse at the hospital.
Your GP, hospital doctor or nurse can prescribe treatment for erection problems for free on the NHS, whether its for sex or masturbation. There may be a limit on how much treatment they can prescribe, but there is no age limit.
Talking about sex
It can be difficult talking about sex, but talking to your doctor, nurse or other health professional will mean you can get treatment and support. It can also help you feel more positive and more in control.
You can ask about sexual problems at any stage before, during or after your prostate cancer treatment. Talking about it before your treatment will mean you know what to expect and can help you to prepare to start treatments for sexual problems soon afterwards.
Your team should ask you about your erections and sex life during your treatment for prostate cancer. But if they dont then you may need to bring it up yourself.
Not everyone is used to talking about sex. You might need to bring it up more than once, or with a different person in your team. You can also ask to be referred to an expert in sexual problems or an ED clinic they will be used to talking about sexual problems.
Our sexual support service
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How Long Is Recovery After An Mri Fusion Prostate Biopsy
The prostate biopsy, whether performed with imaging fusion or as a traditional systematic biopsy, is typically an outpatient procedure with a short recovery period. In fact, patients are usually able to drive themselves to and from the procedure without restriction. Dr. Kasraeian may recommend restricting strenuous physical activity for a few days after prostate biopsy, though most patients can return to light desk work almost immediately. During your initial consultation for an MRI prostate biopsy in Jacksonville, FL, Dr. Kasraeian will discuss what to expect during your procedure, including how long recovery may take in greater detail.
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What Happens During Prostate Surgery
Before a prostatectomy, a surgeon will use either general anesthesia which makes you lose consciousness, or spinal anesthesia which numbs the lower half of your body while you remain conscious.
There are two main types of this prostate surgery. In the traditional open prostatectomy, the surgeon makes one large incision in the skin to remove the prostate. A more common method used today is minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, during which the surgeon performs the procedure through four small incisions using a tiny camera and small tools. Many surgeons now use robotic assistance to perform this type of surgery.
Surgery Plus Erection Drugs
Several studies show that erection drugs help restore erectile function, but usually only after nerve-sparing prostatectomy. Here’s why:
Italian researchers analyzed 11 studies of men who took erection drugs after prostatectomy. After conventional surgery, erection medication helped 15 percent of them. After nerve-sparing surgery, however, the drugs helped about 50 percent of the men.
Bottom line: For the best chance of preserving sexual function, opt for nerve-sparing surgery, then use erection medication.
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Should You Worry About An Elevated Psa After Prostate Removal
PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen and is often a very good indicator of how effective treatment has been, in case of prostate removal or other prostate surgeries.
After prostate surgery, the PSA level gets very low, but this result isnt always reliable. Thats why the patient should discuss the expected PSA levels after prostatectomy with their doctor.
A lower PSA level following the removal of the prostate gland is only a part of the overall picture. There are many factors to monitor closely after prostate surgery.
What Happens If I Still Cant Have Adequate Erections After My Recovery With Oral Medications
There are several options available in this case. Most of the time it depends on you and your partners goals. Some men manage to have adequate erections with vacuum erection devices, penile injections, and occasionally, urethral suppositories. However, many men prefer the convenience and rigidity that can be achieved with a penile implant. Our clinic can help you choose the ideal option.
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Reasons To Have A Prostatectomy
A common reason for having a prostatectomy is to treat prostate cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the most common cancer, after skin cancer, among men in America. More than 174,000 new cases are reported in the United States each year. If the cancer hasnt spread outside the prostate gland, surgery is a good treatment option.
You might also choose to have prostate surgery to treat an enlarged prostate. As the prostate grows, it can block the flow of urine and cause bladder, urinary tract, and/or kidney problems. Removing part of the prostate can solve these issues.
Contact A Mens Medical Clinic For Specialized Erectile Dysfunction Treatments After Prostate Surgery
There are many differentenlarged prostate or prostate cancer treatment options available today.
The most common postoperative erectile dysfunction treatments often include oral medications, penile injections, and the use of medical devices. Other possible treatments includeHGH therapy andlow-testosterone therapy.
Its important that you consult with a doctor to learn how to manage your unique sexual dysfunction issues such as ED after having prostate surgery. A trained physician can help you preventif not treatED symptoms.
The medical professionals at Proactive Mens Medical Center specialize in treating conditions that impact mens health. Our concierge approach positions your unique case at the centerpoint of our focus. We dont just give you a pill for ED and send you on your way. We treat the underlying issues that led to conditions such as ED, Low Testosterone, and more. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment.
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Can You Still Have An Erection If Your Prostate Is Removed
Yes, it is possible as the prostate gland does not play any direct role in erectile function or testosterone production. Erectile dysfunction after prostatectomy is mainly due to local inflammation and nerve injury.
How severe one would have prostate surgery-related issues would depend on the kind of surgery one had.
For example, if one had a minimally invasive surgery for partial prostate removal, the chances are slim that nerves involved in erection might be damaged.
Nevertheless, these nerves may not function well for a few months due to local inflammation. However, most men can expect to reach their prior erection quality in 3 months in such cases.
There are greater chances of nerve damage when it comes to radical prostatectomy because of localized prostate cancer than there are greater chances of nerve damage. 60% of men can expect their erectile function to reach the prior-to-surgery level within 3 months.
Regretfully, the road to recovery for the rest of 40% is prolonged. They might need months and even years of treatment. Some may need regular treatment for erectile dysfunction for the rest of their life after prostate removal.
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Providing Your Medical History
At first, the doctor will probably ask you about your medical history. Do you have any chronic illnesses? What illnesses and operations have you had in the past? What medications are you taking, if any? Your doctor is also likely to ask about your psychological well-being and lifestyle: Do you suffer from depression? Are you under a lot of stress? Do you drink alcohol? Smoke? Use illegal drugs? Have you felt a loss of affection for your partner? Have you recently grown interested in a new partner?
As part of this health history, be prepared to tell your doctor specific details about the symptoms that brought you to the office and when they began. Your doctor might want to know how often you had sex before the problem started and if there have been weeks or months in the past when youve had erectile dysfunction. Your doctor may conduct a written or verbal screening test.
If the cause is clear a recent operation for prostate cancer, for example the conversation may move directly to your treatment options. Otherwise, you may need to answer more questions to help the doctor narrow down the possible causes and avoid unnecessary testing.
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Men Don’t Need Erections To Enjoy Pleasurable Orgasms
A recent Canadian study shows that sex therapy helps couples resume sex after prostate-cancer treatment. The 77 couples who participated in the study enjoyed “significant gains in sexual function.” To find a sex therapist near you, visit the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists the Society for Sex Therapy and Research or the American Board of Sexology.
Michael Castleman, publisher of the website GreatSexAfter40.com, writes about sex for AARP.
What Are The Current Expectations With Regard To Outcomes After Radical Prostatectomy
Following a series of anatomical discoveries of the prostate and its surrounding structures about 2 decades ago, changes in the surgical approach permitted the procedure to be performed with significantly improved outcomes. Now after the surgery, expectations are that physical capacity is fully recovered in most patients within several weeks, return of urinary continence is achieved by more than 95% of patients within a few months, and erection recovery with ability to engage in sexual intercourse is regained by most patients with or without oral phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors within 2 years.
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How Will Prostate Cancer Affect My Sex Life
Prostate cancer can affect your sex life in three overlapping ways â your mind, body and relationships.
Mind
Finding out you have cancer can make you feel down or anxious, changing your feelings about sex.
Body
Treatment can damage the nerves and blood supply needed for erections. Hormone therapy can affect your desire for sex.
Relationships
Coping with cancer can change your close relationships, or your thoughts about starting one.
Some common worries
Why Does Erectile Dysfunction Happen With Prostate Cancer Treatment
To help you understand why prostate cancer treatment may cause you to have erectile dysfunction, it is good for you to learn how your body may be changed by your treatment. Usually when a man is sexually aroused :
Radical Prostatectomy
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy may damage the nerves near your prostate gland that help you have erections. Over time, you may notice that you are not having as many erections as you used to. Some men start having erectile dysfunction six months or more after their radiation therapy. If this happens, the erectile dysfunction usually does not improve.
Hormone Therapy
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Urinary Problems After Surgery
Leaking urine
Most men cant control their bladder properly when their catheter is first removed. This is because surgery can damage the muscles and nerves that control when you urinate.You might just leak a few drops if you exercise, cough or sneeze . Or you might leak more and need to wear absorbent pads, especially in the weeks after your surgery.Leaking urine usually improves with time. Most men start to see an improvement one to six months after surgery. Some men leak urine for a year or more and others never fully recover, but there are things that can help and ways you can manage it.
Difficulty urinating
A few men may find it difficult to urinate after surgery . This can be caused by scarring around the opening of the bladder or the urethra .Some men find they suddenly and painfully cant urinate. This is called acute urine retention and it needs treating quickly to prevent further problems. If this happens, call your doctor or nurse, or go to your nearest accident and emergency department.
Watch Paulâs story for one manâs experience of managing urinary problems after surgery below.
Sexual problems after surgery
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Sex After Prostate Cancer Radiation Treatment
A radiation oncologist is likely to administer radiation treatments. External beam radiation is a treatment delivered through a machine used to aim high-energy rays from outside the tumor into the tumor. Brachytherapy or seed implant treatment places small radioactive seeds within the prostate itself, giving the prostate gland localized radiation therapy. Forty percent of men report ED after radiation treatment.
A clinical study was conducted to determine if tadafil preserved erectile function in men treated with radiotherapy for prostate cancer. Among 221 participants it was observed that daily use of tadafil did not improve sexual activity. The findings did not support the use of Cialis to prevent ED. While men may not have positive results with Cialis, penile injections and erectile dysfunction pumps are usually successful treatments.
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