Post Prostatectomy - Erectile Dysfunction
I had my prostate removed coming up to 2 years ago, due to Prostate Cancer. Luckily the cancer was contained within the prostate and I got the all clear soon after, so feel that I am lucky from that respect. My consultant did say that they were able to spare one set of nerves, and was confident that I would regain erectile functionality. We tried various drugs and penile injections, with varying degrees of success and failure. I now use a pump and can get a very good erection with it. I am losing hope of ever being able to get a natural erection, after 2 years. Is there anyone else out there who is having similar experiences, or better results. There is very very little discussion about this aspect of Prostate Cancer. Granted i'm alive and well, had no chemotherapy or radiation treatment and as i said, count myself very lucky. Look forward to hearing from someone on this topic. Cheers
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Hi Bohsman,
My story is similar to yours, but I'm not as far along in my journey so I won't be able to offer any insights. Thankfully, my cancer was also contained in the prostate, I had my operation last April and got the all clear soon after, and like you, I'm very grateful and recovering well. I started using the pump atout 3 months ago having attended a clinic for that purpose at the hospital.
I also find the lack of user or peer information a bit disconserting. It is recommended that you use the pump on a daily basis for about 20mins per day to get the penis used to having erecti ons again, as I understand it, to simulate natural rhythms. I've beem trying to do 10 mins in the morning and 10 mins at night. I can get good erections but find it tough going and somewhat painful as the erection is extended, still I'm very happy to persist in the hope of a reasonably fulfilling sex life.
I would like to know how other men find it - compare notes as it were. Cheers
Hi Ned,
Just seeing your post now. I hope things have improved for you and the others. I agree there is not enough discussion about this and it would be great to hear others' experience. I had nerve sparing surgery in July and thankfully it all went well and no further treatment was needed. However, I've had little progress with continence and no erections since. I've been using the vacuum pump for the last six weeks but haven't had enough rigidity for sex. I agree the VED can be a bit of a chore, but I'll persevere for now and then seek advice about other possibilities. I extremely thankful to be well but these issues are important too. I'll look for a support group locally which I think would be useful.
Best wishes to all.
Virgil
HI Virgil,
I had the same job as you done at the end of July last year. I am also extremely grateful to be above ground as my sister in law died of cancer two weeks after I had the op. So all things in perspective. I have had a successful hip replacement done recently and I am now finding myself looking forward to a better life. Whereas I had looked upon an erection as something of a casualty of all this hospital care, I now miss it as part of my fundamental man hood.. I have been hoping that it would come back naturally but, on reading what's here, I am going to have to be proactive. I guess I could spend countless euro, if I had them, on consultants. Has anyone any advice on steps I should be taking?
Not sure where this reply will end up but here goes
