Treatments For Erection Problems And Penile Rehabilitation
Different treatments work for different people and they can have side effects. Talk through your options with a doctor or nurse with expertise in this area. Ask them to refer you to your local Erectile Dysfunction Clinic if they are not able to give you this specialist advice.
The aim of penile rehabilitation is to:
- provide a stimulus for erections
This can hopefully help you to adapt to changes in your sexual function and relationships.
A penile rehabilitation programme includes:
- counselling and sex therapy
- healthy living such as exercise, weight control not smoking and pelvic floor exercises
Management Of Erectile Dysfunction
About 75% of men who undergo nerve-sparing prostatectomy or more precise forms of radiation therapy have reported successfully achieving erections after using these drugs. However, they are not for everyone, including men who take medications for angina or other heart problems and men who take alpha-blockers.
Analysis Of Authors And Co
The author collaboration network of prostate diseases and ED was observed. According to Figure 6, in terms of frequencies, Mulhall John P , Montorsi Francesco , Mcvary Kebin T , Maggi Mario , and Nelson Christian J were the top five most productive authors during the past decade. The information of author citation was also analyzed. In terms of co-cited author, the top five authors with the largest numbers of citations, which reflected their strongest academic authority, were Mcvary Kebin T , Roehrborn Claus G , Mulhall John P , Emberton Mark , and Maggi Mario .
Figure 6 The font size of each authors name represents the number of articles. The thickness of the curved connecting line represents the collaborative intensity between authors the authors collaboration network of research on prostate diseases and ED different colors inside the circle represent different time intervals.
Table 3 The most productive authors on the research of prostate diseases and ED .
Don’t Miss: Average Recovery Time For Prostate Removal
Blame Aging For Bph And Ed
BPH symptoms usually dont begin until after age 50, and they become more common the older you get. The same thing is true of erectile dysfunction . As you get older, your ability to have and maintain an erection declines. It is common that the men we see with BPH will also have erectile dysfunction, says Jason Hedges, M.D., a urologist at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland. So are the two connected? Its not necessarily that BPH cause ED, or ED causes BPH, but a lot of men will have both, says Dr. Hedges.
How Effective Are Oral Erectile Dysfunction Drugs
- Following surgery, up to 70% of men who have had nerves spared on both sides of the prostate will regain erections with the use of one or more oral drugs for erectile dysfunction. Results are less favorable for men who have had a single nerve spared or no nerves spared.
- Following radiation therapy, overall, 50% to 60% of men regain erections with medication. However, current data are rather limited, especially for patients treated with radioactive seed implants.
- Hormone therapy. Men treated with hormone therapy do not respond well to any erectile dysfunction treatments, but data are limited.
Read Also: Treatment Of Prostate Cancer In Elderly
What Are The Effects Of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
BPH can cause many physical changes in men. These changes depend on the size and position of the prostate enlargement. If the prostate is enlarged in certain places, it can block or partially block the bladder outlet. The urethra can also become blocked.
These changes can cause many urinary and sexual symptoms in men. However, the effects arent just physical or medical. BPH and related sexual problems can be distressing and possibly cause relationship difficulties.
Impact Of Erectile Dysfunction On Qol
Preservation of sexual function should be considered in the management of patients with symptomatic BPE. With increase in elderly population, it is expected that more men will experience ED and symptomatic BPE. There was positive correlation between the severity of ED and prostate size in this study, and patients with severe ED had higher mean prostate size of 122.94 g. This further supports the need to screen patients with symptomatic BPE for ED. Sexual and urinary functions have a direct impact on QoL. This present study shows that QoL has a weak negative correlation with ED and a weak positive correlation with prostate size . This is because patients impression on quality of life varies. While a patient with a huge prostate and severe ED may be satisfied with the symptoms, another patient with milder form may feel terrible with his symptoms .
Also Check: Does Enlarged Prostate Cause Erectile Dysfunction
Can You Take Erectile Dysfunction Medications If You Are Taking Prostate Problems Medications
Actually, yes. Taking medication for erectile dysfunction may also be useful in treating the symptoms of something like benign prostatic hyperplasia .
In fact, there is a medication that’s used to treat both problems with an erection as well as issues that have occurred from an enlarged prostate.
Let’s take tadalafil for example. This medication can treat both issues, and it can also treat pulmonary hypertension. This medication is more well-known as Cialis or at Adcirca.
It might also be beneficial to know that some men who have an enlarged prostate and erectile dysfunction often experience alleviation of their symptoms after erectile dysfunction medications.
Eating Diet And Nutrition
Researchers have not found that eating, diet, and nutrition play a role in causing or preventing prostatitis. During treatment of bacterial prostatitis, urologists may recommend increasing intake of liquids and avoiding or reducing intake of substances that irritate the bladder. Men should talk with a health care provider or dietitian about what diet is right for them.
Don’t Miss: Enlarged Prostate Medication Side Effects
Is Another Treatment Option Better For Preservation Of Erectile Function
The growing interest in pelvic radiation, including brachytherapy, as an alternative to surgery can be attributed in part to the supposition that surgery carries a higher risk of erectile dysfunction. Clearly, surgery is associated with an immediate, precipitous loss of erectile function that does not occur when radiation therapy is performed, although with surgery recovery is possible in many with appropriately extended follow-up. Radiation therapy, by contrast, often results in a steady decline in erectile function to a hardly trivial degree over time.
Why Is Rehabilitation Important
Whether you are single, or in a relationship, you should have the opportunity to discuss penile rehabilitation with your doctor or specialist nurse. Self pleasuring is important for many people and this can play a part in rehabilitation. This might help to give you confidence and to become aware of the changes that your treatment might have caused.
Ideally, rehabilitation should start soon after your prostate cancer treatment, or in some situations before treatment. For example, you should start rehabilitation within 3 to 6 months of starting hormone therapy or radiotherapy. Or within the first 3 months of surgery to remove the prostate gland.
Recommended Reading: Is Pumpkin Seeds Good For Your Prostate
Does Enlarged Prostate Cause Ed
Of the many symptoms caused by BPH, one of the most common complaints men have when visiting a urologist is Erectile Dysfunction or ED. This is defined as the inability of a man to attain or maintain an erection sufficient for vaginal penetration and satisfactory sexual performance.
BPH does not directly cause ED, but many men with BPH seek medical attention to relieve ED.
Treatment For Erection Problems Depends On The Cause
Treatments for erectile dysfunction are usually effective and the problem often goes away.
There are also specific treatments for some of the causes of erectile dysfunction.
| Possible cause | |
|---|---|
| Hormone replacement | |
| Side effects of prescribed medicine | Change to medicine after discussion with GP |
Medicine such as sildenafil is also often used by doctors to treat erectile dysfunction. It’s also available from pharmacies.
Because of changes in regulations, you no longer need a prescription to get sildenafil.
But you’ll have to have a consultation with the pharmacist to make sure it’s safe for you to take it.
There are other similar medicines called tadalafil , vardenafil and avanafil that work in a similar way.
You’ll still need a prescription to get these medicines.
You can buy sildenafil over the internet. Be very careful if you do this as many websites sell fake medicines.
Online medicines are not always regulated and the ingredients in them can vary from one pack to another. They can cause unpleasant side effects, or may not be suitable for you.
It’s best to see a doctor before buying medicines online. They know your medical history and can discuss whether you might benefit from treatment.
If you choose to buy sildenafil on the internet, make sure:
-
do not cycle for a while
-
do not drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week
The Sexual Advice Association has factsheets on medicines and other treatments for erectile dysfunction.
Read Also: How Do You Treat An Enlarged Prostate
Is There Sex After Prostate Cancer Surgery
The surgical procedures that are needed in order to cure prostate cancer are invasive and may lead to long-term side effects. One of these side effects is impotence.
Nevertheless, even in the most severe cases of prostate cancer surgery, the affliction to ones sexual life can be reversible. Through extensive efforts over a period of around 12 months, a man who previously had a normal sexual function can regain potency. This is called penile rehabilitation which usually resorts to drugs or devices in order to accelerate the recovery of erectile function.
Can Prostate Biopsy Cause Erectile Dysfunction
If are recommended by your doctor to undergo prostate biopsy procedure for the detection of cancer, you must have a lot of questions and reservations. One of the most common question that people usually have is, can prostate biopsy cause erectile dysfunction or alter the quality of sex life at all?
The answer is yes erectile dysfunction may occur after prostate biopsy in some susceptible individuals but it is usually transient and self-limiting.
Accorded to a study published in the Journal of Urology, men who undergo prostate biopsy are at risk of temporary erectile dysfunction due to anxiety or pain however, in most men, symptoms improve within a couple of weeks.
Recommended Reading: Does Prostate Removal Make You Impotent
Are There Things I Can Do To Help Myself If I Have Erectile Dysfunction
Yes, there are changes you can make in your life that may help with your erectile dysfunction. Remember to speak with your doctor or healthcare team before making any of these changes.
Some changes you may want to consider are:
- Try to exercise on a regular basis.
- Try to eat a healthy diet.
- Drink responsibly. Long-term, heavy drinking lowers your ability to have an erection.
- Try to lower your stress and fatigue . Being diagnosed with prostate cancer and working in all the changes it brings to your life can be stressful. Stress and the tiredness caused by your prostate cancer treatment, can make it difficult for you to get in the mood. Many men going through prostate cancer treatment feel this way. Talking with your partner might help lower your stress. You may also speak to your doctor or healthcare team about how you are feeling. They are there to help you through this time.
- Stop smoking. Research studies show that smoking can harm your ability to have sex. If you need help to stop smoking, speak with your doctor or healthcare team.
- Practice your Kegel exercises. Kegel exercises help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, which support your bladder and bowel. These muscles also help with erections. For more information, please see the IMPACT booklet, Kegel Exercises for Men.
Finding Help For Erectile Dysfunction
Discussing sex-related conditions or prostate health can be uncomfortable, but understanding these conditions and how they affect overall health is critically important for every patient experiencing ED. Once a health care provider knows that the patient has this problem, they can prescribe medicines that often take immediate effect or refer the patient to a specialist for other treatment options.
Even if you choose not to treat the ED with direct therapies, going to the doctor will help you uncover any of these underlying medical problems. Identifying the organic cause and prostate cancer treatment can help relieve the symptom of ED.
Treatments for prostate cancer that may also indirectly improve ED include surgery, radiation therapy, systemic therapy and focal therapy. Detailed information about treatment options is available through Siteman Cancer Center.
Treating Prostate Cancer and ED at Washington University
Washington University Division of Urology and the Washington University cancer specialists at Siteman Cancer Center help treat patients experiencing these related conditions. Washington University offers a multidisciplinary approach, which employs the combined expertise of urologists, interventional radiologists, endocrinologists and psychologists when it comes to making a diagnosis and developing a treatment plan for ED. Siteman has a number of innovative treatment options for prostate cancer.
Also Check: Prostate Cancer Pill Hope For Thousands
How Is Erectile Dysfunction Treated
Current treatment options for erectile dysfunction for men who have received treatment for prostate cancer include:
- Oral medications, such as tadalafil , vardenafil , avanfil , or sildenafil
- Injections of medicine into the before intercourse
- Use of a vacuum constriction device to draw blood into the to cause an erection
- Penile implants
Effects Of Prostate Cancer On Sexual Function
In Korea, due to the westernization of dietary habits, the incidence of prostate cancer has shown a gradual increase in the past decade. Not only the psychological stress caused by the prostate cancer itself but also problems such as ED act as factors in the deterioration of quality of life. One study examining the view of prostate cancer patients with regard to sexual function in comparison with that of males without prostate cancer has been reported . The level of stress in regard to the four categories-sexual desire, erectile function, level of satisfaction during sexual activity, and ejaculatory volume-was examined. Psychological burdens in prostate cancer patients were observed to be higher in all categories, and 25% more prostate cancer patients reported having sexual dysfunction than patients without prostate cancer. Furthermore, most males considered preservation of sexual function to be of importance nonetheless, a trend in selection of treatment for prostate cancer first was demonstrated . Sexual function of prostate cancer patients is affected by radical prostatectomy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and other treatment methods thus, the effect of each therapy on sexual function is summarized in the next section.
You May Like: Cancer De Prostata Con Metastasis Osea
What Happens At Your Appointment
The doctor or nurse will ask about your lifestyle and relationships, and any problems you might be having.
They’ll carry out basic health checks, such as taking your blood pressure.
They’ll also examine your genitals to rule out any obvious physical cause.
If you have symptoms like needing to pee more often, you may also need to have an examination of your prostate.
The Impact Of An Enlarged Prostate On Erectile Dysfunction
It is easy to see a symptom while misunderstanding the underlying cause.
Erectile dysfunction is a common medical condition that impacts more than a third of men at some point in their lives. As men get older, they tend to struggle more commonly with erectile dysfunction . There are many other health issues for men as they get older. Some of these health risks may have an impact on their ED as well.
One common area with troubling conditions for aging men is their prostate. Their prostates can be a source of cancer, but even when they are cancer-free, they may have an enlarged prostate called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia . In this article, we will focus on how BPH impacts mens health and how that may contribute to erectile dysfunction.
Don’t Miss: What Are The Risks Of Having A Prostate Biopsy
Current Treatment Options Of Ried
Although treatment of prostate cancer confers increased risk of ED, there are many additional causes of ED, both medical and psychosocial, that can contribute to the sexual heath of an individual patient. Known factors include, but are not limited to, increasing age, diabetes mellitus, peripheral vascular disease, smoking, anxiety, and depression therefore, treatment should be instituted using a multifaceted approach including an attempt to address comorbid conditions that could be exacerbating RiED. demonstrates the current treatment options for ED patients and the benefits and limitations of each treatment.
How Long Does Erectile Dysfunction Last After Prostate Surgery
Prostate surgery doesnt always result in ED. This depends on the type of operation and other personal factors like pre-existing sexual dysfunction. Studies have found that some procedures, like prostatic urethral LIFT,¹ largely preserve sexual function.
In most surgeries, sexual activity tends to return to normal within a year¹¹ if the surgery affects it. This is provided that no rare complications like nerve damage occur.
Its important to note that ED is very common in those with BPH, and many find that their erectile function is recovered after surgery for BPH.
Donât Miss: Vitamins For Prostate Health Mayo Clinic
Don’t Miss: Best Prostate Supplements For Bph
Surgical Treatments For Bph
While many doctors claim to treat prostate enlargement with surgery, such claims are almost always related to improving urinary function. Since the prostate surrounds the urethra, symptoms of BPH almost always involve urinary function. If a man has severe urinary issues or blockage, surgery may help.
Some doctors recommend removing the prostate to resolve the urinary issues in severe cases. The prostatectomy will likely resolve the urinary issues, but the surgerys side effects will surely deteriorate the mans quality of life.
Surgery should never be the first choice to relieve problems associated with BPH. Any urologist recommending surgery as a first-line treatment for BPH is not providing patients with the best advice. Every surgery has side effects. Some can be minor and others life-altering. Many solutions can make BPH more tolerable without destroying a mans quality of life.