Prostate cancer treatment can save your life, but it can also change your sexual function. Many men experience erectile dysfunction (ED) after prostate surgery or radiation therapy. Erections may gradually improve, but recovery often takes time and varies from person to person.
At his practices in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Paul Chung, MD, FACS, and our team help men address erectile dysfunction following prostate cancer treatment.
Penile rehabilitation may include several strategies designed to encourage erections, support sexual function, and help you find an effective treatment as your body recovers.
The nerves and blood vessels responsible for erections are close to the prostate. During prostate removal, even nerve-sparing surgery can temporarily affect these delicate nerves. They may need months or longer to recover.
Radiation therapy can also affect the nerves and blood vessels that support erections. Unlike surgery, which often causes an immediate change, radiation-related ED may develop gradually.
Your likelihood of recovering erectile function depends on several factors, including your:
Penile rehabilitation involves treating erectile dysfunction during the recovery period rather than simply waiting to see whether erections return.
The goal is to promote regular blood flow and maintain sexual function while the nerves recover. However, penile rehabilitation cannot guarantee that spontaneous erections will return.
Although medications such as Viagra and Cialis can help men achieve erections after prostate surgery, research has not shown that PDE5 inhibitors increase the likelihood of recovering spontaneous erections without medication.
Dr. Chung can create a plan based on your treatment history, health, symptoms, and goals.
Medications such as sildenafil (Viagra®) and tadalafil (Cialis®) increase blood flow to the penis. Dr. Chung may recommend taking medication on a regular schedule or before sexual activity.
These drugs require functioning nerve pathways, so they may not work well immediately after prostate surgery. Your response can change as nerve function gradually improves.
Never change your dose or combine ED medications without medical guidance.
A vacuum erection device uses suction to draw blood into the penis. A constriction ring helps maintain the erection for sexual activity.
Vacuum devices don't depend on nerve signals to create blood flow, so they can provide an option while the nerves recover. Some men use a vacuum device along with oral medication as part of their rehabilitation plan.
If pills don't produce a good enough erection, penile injections can deliver medication directly into the penis. The medication relaxes blood vessels and increases blood flow, often producing an erection without relying on the same nerve response that oral medications require.
Dr. Chung can teach you how to safely administer the injections and determine an appropriate dose.
When erectile dysfunction continues despite other treatments, a penile implant can provide a dependable long-term solution.
Dr. Chung surgically places the device inside the penis, allowing you to create an erection when desired. Men typically consider implants after less invasive treatments fail or don't meet their needs.
Erectile dysfunction after prostate cancer treatment can affect confidence, relationships, and quality of life, but you have several treatment options. Starting the conversation early allows Dr. Chung to develop a rehabilitation strategy that fits your recovery and sexual health goals.
If you're experiencing ED after prostate cancer surgery or radiation therapy, call Dr. Chung's Philadelphia office to schedule an evaluation. Our team can help you understand your options and take an active role in restoring sexual function.
