Resuming Sexual Life After Prostate Cancer Requires Patience. Recovering Sexual Function May Take Up to Two Years with Oral or Injectable Medications for Erectile Dysfunction, Penile Exercises, and Pelvic Physiotherapy. Learn More!
Can men with prostate cancer have sexual intercourse? The answer is yes. If there are no contraindications, men can resume their sexual life two months after prostate removal surgery.
However, patience is essential, as in some cases, full recovery of sexual function can take up to two years. Understand more below!
What Happens to Sex After Prostate Cancer?
Sex after prostate cancer changes. This happens because the seminal vesicles, which produce 60% to 70% of seminal fluid, are removed during prostate removal surgery, which means ejaculation is no longer possible.
However, this inability to ejaculate does not mean an inability to feel pleasure, as these are different aspects.
Ejaculation is the release of semen, a physical process, while orgasm is the intense feeling of pleasure, an emotional experience. Therefore, it is possible to feel pleasure without ejaculating, a condition known as dry orgasm.
Can Men Who Undergo Prostate Cancer Surgery Still Have Sex?
Yes. Men who undergo prostatectomy, the surgery to remove the prostate, can have an active and satisfying sexual life.
How Soon After Prostate Removal Can Sexual Activity Resume?
For those wondering how soon after prostate removal they can resume sexual activity, it may be possible two months after the surgery, if the patient is in good health.
Doctors often guide patients to gradually reintroduce intimacy, including the practice of masturbation. This helps men understand how their bodies respond to sexual stimuli in this new phase.
Is There Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is common in men who undergo prostatectomy, as the nerves involved in erection may be affected during surgery.
A penile prosthesis may assist in correcting curvature and changes in penis size that can occur in some patients after prostate cancer treatment.
Oral Medications
The first line of treatment for erectile dysfunction after prostate removal includes oral medications, such as Sildenafil (Viagra) or Tadalafil (Cialis). Both work to increase blood flow to the penis, with differences in their duration of action:
- Sildenafil: starts working 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion, with effects lasting 4 to 5 hours;
- Tadalafil: starts working within 30 minutes, with effects lasting up to 36 hours.
Intracavernous Injections
If Sildenafil or Tadalafil does not resolve the issue, doctors may prescribe intracavernous injections.
Unlike oral medications, which facilitate erection but require sexual stimulation, injections do not require stimulation. Another difference is that injections should have a 48-hour interval between doses.
Penile Prosthesis Implantation
Penile prostheses are recommended when oral and injectable medications fail to treat erectile dysfunction.
The penile prosthesis, combined with the Egydio Technique, offers the following benefits to patients after radical prostatectomy:
- Restoration of penile functionality: both the inflatable and malleable models restore penis functionality;
- Correction of curvature: some men experience a reduction in penis length (0.5 cm to 5 cm) within 14 months of prostate cancer treatment. A penile prosthesis can help address these changes;
- Boost in self-esteem: the prosthesis helps men regain confidence and enjoy their sexual life more fully.
What Is the Best Penile Prosthesis After Prostate Cancer?
The choice of a penile prosthesis is personalized, requiring a thorough discussion between the patient and their urologist to determine the most appropriate solution.
The differences between the two types of penile prostheses are:
- Malleable Prosthesis
- Two silicone-covered rods inserted into the penis’s corpora cavernosa;
- The penis remains semi-rigid at all times;
- To begin sexual activity, the man positions the penis upward.
- Inflatable Prosthesis
- Cylinders implanted in the corpora cavernosa, connected to a fluid reservoir and a pump in the scrotum;
- To achieve an erection, the pump must be squeezed, transferring fluid into the cylinders.
Pelvic Physiotherapy
Pelvic rehabilitation also plays a crucial role in recovering erectile function.
According to the informative booklet by the Universidade de Santa Maria (RS), physiotherapy strengthens pelvic floor muscles involved in erection and helps control urination and defecation.
Therapy
Psychotherapy is crucial for achieving the best possible sexual life after prostate cancer.
One area therapy helps is addressing dry orgasm. This condition may impact men’s psychological well-being, as ejaculation is often seen as a sign of masculinity, and an inability to ejaculate may affect self-esteem.
Is Sex After Prostate Cancer Still Enjoyable?
Sex after prostate cancer can still be enjoyable because many men broaden their perspectives and understand that sex is not limited to penetration.
In a study titled “Sexual Experiences After Non-Nerve-Sparing Radical Prostatectomy,” some of the 16 men interviewed between February and December 2017 reported that intimate caresses were just as satisfying as penetration when penetration was not possible. The study also highlighted the importance of partner support.
06 Tips for Safe and Enjoyable Sex
You don’t need to give up on sex!
Here’s what you need for good sexual performance, regardless of prostate cancer treatment:
- Keep the penis clean;
- Have annual check-ups with your urologist;
- Exercise regularly;
- Maintain a healthy diet;
- Boost self-esteem;
- Communicate openly with your partner;
Looking for the Best Penile Prosthesis?
A penile prosthesis may assist in recovering penile functionality and help restore self-confidence in many cases. If you’ve undergone prostatectomy and are looking for solutions for erectile dysfunction, Dr. Paulo Egydio can assist you.
A urologist with over 20 years of experience and the creator of the renowned Egydio Technique, he can guide you in finding the most suitable prosthesis for your needs.
Contact us today to learn more. Schedule a consultation to explore your options.
Read also
- What is penile fracture?
- Surgery for Peyronie’s Disease: Risks and Recommendations
- Egydio’s Technique: Peyronie Disease Treatment
- Does the Egydio Technique Work for Every Penile Curvature?
- Implante de Prótese Peniana | Dr. Paulo Egydio
- Does Small Penis Exist? Check When Size Is a Concern
- 7 Simple Habits to Prevent Prostate Cancer
- Can People with a Penile Prosthesis Play Sports?
- How to Enlarge the Penis: Understanding the Options
- 6 Causes of Penis Fissures: Treatments and Care Tips
