TEST for TNOA2139 - Erectile dysfunction (ED) and prostate cancer treatment
TEST Erectile dysfunction (ED) happens when your penis cannot get hard enough to have sex. Learn why this happens after some prostate cancer treatments and what you can do about it.
TEST TNOA2139 Erectile dysfunction
When your penis cannot become hard enough (or stay hard for long enough) to have sex, you have erectile dysfunction or ED. In this article, we’ll cover why ED happens after prostate cancer treatment, how long it lasts, and what you can do about it.
Does prostate cancer treatment cause erectile dysfunction?
Almost every kind of prostate cancer treatment, including surgery, radiation therapy (radiotherapy) and hormone therapy, can cause changes to your sexual function. Most men will experience erectile dysfunction, or ED, during and after their treatment. Although you may feel aroused or in the mood for sex after prostate cancer, chances are it can be difficult getting an erection.
How long does ED last after prostate surgery?
You’ll likely have trouble getting a hard erection immediately after surgery. It may take up to 3 years to improve.
The strength of your erections before treatment.
How old you are.
Whether there are other medical problems that affect sexual function, like heart disease or diabetes.
Lifestyle factors (for example, smoking and not exercising will make erectile dysfunction worse).
The level of function you get back depends on:
Some of these you can work on, like staying active and keeping a healthy weight. Others are a little more out of your control. All are things you can talk to your doctor about and ask for recommendations that can help.
What can you do about erectile dysfunction after prostate cancer?
Hear from someone who’s been there:
So far I have not been able to get my penis as hard as I want. I do feel angry at times and miss my old sex life. I’ve had to try new things, it’s a struggle.
Some of these side effects may be temporary, while some people experience them long-term or forever. Read on below for a description of common side effects that can occur after the different treatments and recovery expectations for each of these.
Erectile dysfunction (ED)
Erections may improve over the next couple of years.
Erections usually do not go back to being as firm as they were before surgery.
Urinary incontinence
You might leak urine during foreplay or orgasm.
For many men, this stops after one year, but some men continue to have these symptoms.
Erectile dysfunction (ED)
Erection problems may develop slowly and get worse over time.
Urinary incontinence
Some men leak urine during foreplay or orgasm.
For many men, this stops after one year, but some men continue to have these symptoms.
Erectile dysfunction (ED)
If you have to stay on hormone therapy long-term, ED may be permanent.
If your therapy is short-term, you ED may get better about 6 months after stopping treatment.
Low sex drive
If your hormone treatment is temporary, your sex drive may return about 6 months after ending treatment.
Some men may not get back to a normal testosterone level even after stopping hormone therapy, and their sex drive may stay lower.
These changes can be very difficult to come to terms with and you are not alone if you’re struggling to cope. There are ways you can treat these symptoms, and tools you can use to help you and your partner experience pleasurable sex. You can always open up a conversation with your doctor about it.
Foster open communication
Speak more openly, trust, say what's on your mind
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Focus on non-sexual intimacy
like spending time together, doing the things you love
Practice patience
Be patient
Educate yourself and your partner
Connect with others who have faced similar experiences
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4 months after prostate cancer surgery
This early after surgery, and usually within the first year, penis pumps and penile injections are more effective for achieving firm erections. While ED pills can help maintain penile health, they’re unlikely to give you firm enough erections for penetration this early in your recovery.
6 months after prostate cancer surgery
It’s still too early to expect erections firm enough for penetration using ED pills. But there should be increased blood flow to your penis allowing a semi-erection, and importantly, keeping your penile tissue healthy. If you want to speed up getting back to penetrative sex, then speak to your doctor about using a penis pump or penile injections.
If you have been using urethral suppositories (commonly known by their brand name, MUSE) and are not satisfied with the results, consider trying a penis pump or penile injections—or combining MUSE with erection pills.
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If you have been using urethral suppositories/pellets (MUSE), vacuum pump or penile injections with a satisfactory response, consider re-challenging – that is, swapping to the pills to see if you get the same response with a less invasive treatment.
