Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men globally, with an estimated 1.3 million cases in 2018, according to the World Cancer Research Fund.

One of the treatment options available to patients is prostatectomy – the surgical removal of the prostate gland. While this procedure is often effective at treating the cancer, it can result in multiple complications, including erectile dysfunction.

This article delves into the reasons for difficulty in regaining sexual function after prostate removal and the available options.

Why Sexual Function is Impacted after Prostate Removal

The prostate gland plays a significant role in male sexual function. It produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm during ejaculation.

When the prostate gland is removed, this function is disrupted, leading to impotence or difficulty achieving and maintaining an erection. The surgery can cause nerve damage, which reduces the sensitivity of the penis and decreases the blood flow, leading to erectile dysfunction.

Another contributing factor is the removal of the urinary sphincter muscle, which helps to manage urine flow from the bladder during normal activities. This can lead to urinary incontinence, which has a considerable impact on the quality of life.

Men who have undergone a prostatectomy can experience a variety of problems associated with urinary incontinence, such as difficulty emptying the bladder and a frequent urge to urinate.

Sexual Function Recovery Timelines

The recovery time for sexual function after prostate removal varies from patient to patient. Some men regain their sexual function within a few months of surgery, while others may take up to two years.

Age, pre-operative erectile function, and the extent of the surgery are all factors that affect recovery. It is worth noting that sexual function may never return to pre-surgery levels for some patients.

Available Options for Improving Sexual Function

There are several treatment options available for patients experiencing sexual dysfunction following a prostatectomy. The most common of them include:.

Oral Medications

Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis) and vardenafil (Levitra) are the most commonly prescribed drugs for men with erectile dysfunction.

These medications improve blood flow to the penis to facilitate an erection. They should be taken as directed by the doctor, usually 30 minutes to an hour before sexual activity.

Intracavernosal Injections

Another option is the use of penile injections, where a small needle is used to inject medications like alprostadil or papaverine into the penis to improve blood flow and achieve an erection.

Although most men find penile injections to be effective, the method can be somewhat invasive and uncomfortable.

Penile Implants

Penile implants are a more invasive option but are often the most effective in treating erectile dysfunction in men with previous prostate surgery. The two most common types of penile implants are semi-rigid rods and inflatable implants.

They require surgery to implant but can result in a satisfactory sexual function.

Natural Remedies

Some natural remedies may help improve sexual function. These include regular exercise, consuming fruits and vegetables, avoiding alcohol, and quitting smoking.

Although there is limited research on their effectiveness, there is no harm in adopting a healthy lifestyle as it has various other health benefits as well.

Other therapies

Other therapies such as vacuum constriction devices, transurethral therapy, and topical treatment can also be used to treat erectile dysfunction after prostate surgery.

Your doctor is the best source of information on the available therapies and treatment options, and the appropriate treatment will depend on your specific circumstances.

Conclusion

Sexual dysfunction after prostate removal surgery is a common problem that affects many men worldwide. However, with the various treatment options available, sexual function can be restored.

People who undergo prostate removal surgery should speak to their doctors about the possible complications and discuss the treatment options that are available to them. They should also have realistic expectations about the recovery time, as healing varies from person to person.