The penile prosthesis may be necessary after prostate cancer, as some men develop erectile dysfunction as a result of the treatment.
Prostate cancer occurs when the gland’s cells grow in a disordered manner. According to the Brazilian Society of Urology, death cases are expected to increase by 85% worldwide.
After diagnosis, questions arise about how radiotherapy and surgery can impact sexuality.
In some cases, the penile prosthesis can be considered as a treatment option for erectile dysfunction.
Below is information about prostate cancer and penile prosthesis, including when it is indicated and important considerations about the treatment.
How does prostate cancer treatment affect sexual life?
Any surgery on pelvic organs can affect the nerves responsible for vasodilation and erection, compromising blood flow.
The procedure can also cause scar tissue formation in the pelvis, interfering with the erection mechanism.
These factors can contribute to the occurrence of erectile dysfunction after prostatectomy, a complication that can vary in frequency, and the risk may be related to the surgeon’s experience.
Moreover, the psychological impact of prostate cancer treatment can significantly affect sexuality.
Why can erectile dysfunction occur after treatment?
Erectile dysfunction is one of the possible consequences of prostate cancer treatment and can occur for various reasons:
Injury to the erectile nerves
The nerves responsible for erection are close to the prostate. Since the surgery involves removing the gland — and sometimes adjacent tissues — there is a risk of compression or injury to these nerves.
Vascular changes
During the procedure, small blood vessels in the area need to be cut or cauterized, which can temporarily reduce blood flow.
Additionally, inflammation caused by surgery can impair vessel dilation, decreasing the amount of blood necessary for erection.
Psychological factors
Prostate cancer treatment can affect self-image and cause anxiety, contributing to psychogenic erectile dysfunction.
According to an article published by UCLA Health, erection recovery can take up to 2 years, depending on age, overall health, and possible impairment of the erectile nerves.
Prostate cancer and penile prosthesis: what is the relationship?
Some men may experience erectile dysfunction after prostate cancer, as nerves and blood vessels can be affected during gland removal.
In some cases, erectile function is not fully recovered. In this context, the question arises: “Can men who had prostate cancer get a penile prosthesis?“
The answer is yes. Penile implant after prostate cancer can be considered as a treatment option when erectile dysfunction does not respond adequately to oral medications, injectables, or vacuum devices.
Also read: Chemotherapy causes impotence in men: what to do
Types of penile prosthesis
| Feature | Malleable Prosthesis | Inflatable Prosthesis |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Flexible rods coated with silicone | Cylinders implanted in the corpora cavernosa; pump in the scrotum; reservoir (3-piece ) |
| Types | Only one model | Two-piece (cylinders + pump) / Three-piece (cylinders + pump + reservoir) |
| Penis position | Semi-rigid, manually adjustable | Flaccid or rigid, controlled by the pump |
| Erection acquisition | Manually position upwards | Activate the pump to inflate the cylinders |
| Discretion and daily comfort | Adjustable, but always semi-rigid | Completely flaccid when deactivated (more discreet) |
| Maintenance | Simple, low complexity | Requires attention to the pumping mechanism and valves |
| Common indication | Patients who want simplicity or have difficulty manipulating the pump | Patients seeking a more natural erection and complete flaccidity |
Is the penile prosthesis safe?
When properly indicated and performed, it presents an acceptable safety profile and reports of satisfaction in many patients.
When properly indicated, it can contribute to restoring penile rigidity, potentially enhancing sexual function in certain cases.
Additionally, the materials used in the device’s manufacture are durable and biocompatible, which reduces the risk of complications.
Penile prosthesis results after prostate cancer
Related: Saliva test for prostate cancer can transform early diagnosis of the disease
The importance of follow-up with a urologist
The success of the procedure depends on individualized evaluation by a urologist specializing in penile prosthesis.
The choice of prosthesis should be made according to the patient’s individual needs, and post-surgical follow-up is important for the procedure’s success.
Penile implant after prostate cancer is a treatment option for sexual dysfunction resulting from oncological treatment.
Fill out the pre-assessment form to schedule your consultation with penile prosthesis specialist Dr. Paulo Egydio, PhD in Urology, with specializations at Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
Also take the opportunity to subscribe to the Dr. Paulo Egydio YouTube channel, where he answers questions about male sexual health.
