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Prostate surgery, or radical prostatectomy, is a common treatment option for men with localized prostate cancer and other prostate-related conditions. This surgery involves removing the entire prostate gland and some of the surrounding tissue. While the primary goal of these surgeries is to remove cancerous tissue or alleviate urinary symptoms, they can have unintended consequences, such as erectile dysfunction (ED). This blog post will discuss the connection between erectile dysfunction after prostate surgery the different surgical approaches, and treatments available to address this challenge.

The Connection Between Erectile Dysfunction and Prostate Surgery

Erectile dysfunction is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. After prostate surgery, men often experience ED due to nerves and blood vessels that play a crucial role in erections being injured. Another reason for erectile dysfunction after prostate surgery is that the surgery can damage the arteries that supply blood to the penis, reducing blood flow. According to the National Library of Medicine, it is estimated that 85% of men will experience erectile dysfunction after prostate surgery. The extent of ED after prostate surgery depends on the surgery performed.

Two Primary Types of Radical Prostatectomies

The severity of erectile dysfunction after prostate surgery can vary from man to man. Some men can experience mild ED, while others experience complete ED. Although precautions are taken to help reduce the likelihood of complications, all surgeries come with risks. Two primary types of prostate surgeries can affect the severity of ED.

Open Prostatectomy

This traditional approach involves a large incision in the lower abdomen to access the prostate, which is detached from the bladder and urethra. The surgeon’s goal is to remove just enough tissue and not disturb any muscles that control urinary continence and the nerves that control erections. A temporary Foley catheter will be put in place to allow urine to drain as the patient heals. This surgery offers good cancer control but may have a higher risk of postoperative ED due to potential nerve damage.

Laparoscopic Prostatectomy

Laparoscopic surgery or robot-assisted surgery are minimally invasive and have become more common. This type of surgery eliminates the need for a large incision. A small needle is inserted just below the belly button, and the surgery is performed. Most men who undergo this type of prostate surgery experience less blood loss, less need for pain medication, early removal of a Foley catheter, and quicker recovery. Laparoscopic prostatectomy may provide better preservation of erectile function compared to open surgery but can still carry some risks.

Radiation therapy can also be used as an alternative to surgery, which can also lead to ED, although the onset may be gradual over time.

85 percent of men will experience erectile dysfunction after prostate surgery but treatment options are available

Treatment Options for Erectile Dysfunction After Prostate Surgery

Fortunately, there are several treatments available to help manage ED after prostate surgery:

Medications

Oral medications like Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil), and Levitra (vardenafil) can help improve blood flow to the penis by relaxing the blood vessels and enhancing erectile function. These drugs require a prescription if they are used for penile rehabilitation.

Penile Injections

Some men may benefit from injections containing medication that helps relax the blood vessels in the penis. These injections can help induce erections but can be time-consuming, costly, and inconvenient.

Vacuum Therapy Devices

Vacuum therapy devices, or vacuum pumps, penis pumps, or vacuum erection devices, use a vacuum to draw blood into the penis, creating an artificial erection. While they may not be as spontaneous as natural erections, penis pumps can help maintain penile health.

Shop Vacuum Therapy Devices and Penis Pumps

Penile Implants

In cases where other treatments are ineffective, a penile implant may be considered. This surgical procedure involves the insertion of inflatable tubes inside the penis. A fluid reservoir and pump are placed in the scrotum, allowing a man to control an erection when desired.

With various treatment options available, your doctor can help you develop a plan and help you decide which one or combination of options is right for you.

Tips for Coping with Erectile Dysfunction After Prostate Surgery

Exercise

Staying active can help to improve your overall health and well-being, and it may also help to improve your erectile function.

Talk to Your Partner

Communication about your concerns is essential, and your partner can be a valuable source of support.

Ask for Help

Do not be afraid to ask for help. Many resources are available to help men with ED, including support groups and counseling services. Talk to your doctor or find a therapist in your state at Zencare.

Do Not Give Up

Many effective treatments are available. You may need to try a few of them before finding what works for you.

Summing it Up

Erectile dysfunction after prostate surgery can be a distressing side effect, but it is essential to remember that effective treatments and support are available. Effective communication with doctors, staying resilient and active, and having a supportive partner can all help increase the chances of returning to a satisfying sexual life. If you or a loved one is facing ED after prostate surgery, do not hesitate to seek help and explore options to regain sexual function and overall quality of life.

Vacuum Therapy Devices for Men with ED

Encore Medical Revive Custom Manual Vacuum Therapy System

Encore Medical Revive Custom Battery Vacuum Therapy System

Timm Medical Technologies Osbon OTC ErecAid Vacuum Therapy

Encore Medical ImpoAid Battery Vacuum Erection Device

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

When a man requires partial or complete removal of his prostate gland due to cancer or other medical conditions, it can be a very technical and precise procedure. The prostate is located in an area of the body that is surrounded by a bundle of nerves and can be tricky to remove without avoiding injury to the bladder or rectum. During surgery, the urethra is cut to separate it from the prostate. Making the incision too close can damage the urethral sphincter and surrounding nerves, potentially causing prostate surgery incontinence. Nerve-sparing robotic surgery is a safe and minimally invasive technique for the removal of the prostate gland.

What is Nerve-Sparing Prostate Surgery

Nerve-sparing surgery is the process of a precise and careful attempt to spare any damage to the nerves that are extremely close to the tissues that are going to be removed. When the surrounding nerves are not preserved, a man may suffer from prostate surgery incontinence, erectile dysfunction (ED), or other complications.

Using the nerve-sparing robotic technique, surgeons can improve the outcomes and minimize trauma to the neurovascular bundle around the prostate gland. The urinary system consists of many nerves, and they all work in conjunction to make sure the urinary tract and bladder properly function. When the nerves are damaged, communication to the brain is interrupted, and a person then suffers from prostate surgery incontinence. Temporary or permanent ED may also be another result of prostate surgery. As you can see, using the robotic technique can significantly reduce harm to this sensitive area of the male anatomy and help prevent ED and incontinence after prostate surgery.

Prostate Surgery Incontinence and Erectile Dysfunction

Once the surgery is complete, the surgeon reconnects the bladder to the urethra. A Foley catheter remains in place for approximately a week, and once that is removed, many times, men will experience prostate surgery incontinence. This can be one of the most bothersome issues and can be temporary or sometimes permanent. When the nerve-sparing robotic technique is used, permanent prostate surgery incontinence is rare.

Another potential complication of prostate surgery is erectile dysfunction. Nerves, muscles, and blood vessels are all involved when a man gets an erection. Any damage to these can cause him to have erectile dysfunction following this surgery. In some cases, this may be temporary. However, it can also be permanent, and achieving an erection will only be possible with the assistance of medical devices like the Encore Medical Revive Custom Manual Vacuum Therapy System or the Timm Medical Technologies Osbon OTC ErecAid Vacuum Therapy System. You can view more of these devices here.

Prostate Cancer Results

When a man is diagnosed with prostate cancer, he has a big decision to make on the type of treatment that is best for his needs. Nerve-sparing robotic prostate surgery is often the preferred choice by surgeons to avoid long-term prostate surgery incontinence and the potential for impotence. During robotic surgery, the incisions are extremely precise, and the margin of error in harming the nerves, muscles, and valves is greatly reduced. This process is also minimally invasive, which helps to lessen any post-operative pain and also shorten recovery time.

Because the prostate lies between the bladder and the rectum and is wrapped around the urethra, many vulnerable nerves are at risk. The standard operation is a delicate task and can leave room for disrupting the bundle of important nerves used to control the bladder and penis.

Opting for the nerve-sparing operation can help an experienced surgeon spare some or all of the nerves that run along the sides of the prostate gland. This provides a greater chance that the patient preserves his potency and will not need the assistance of any medical devices or incontinence products for the potential of incontinence after prostate surgery. Nerve-sparing surgeries can reduce the risk of prostate surgery incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and possible other complications. The robotic-assisted surgery uses precision that might not be able to be achieved by the surgeon alone.

Managing Prostate Surgery Incontinence and Erectile Dysfunction

Should any of the nerves, muscles, or valves of the urethral system be damaged, the use of certain incontinence products and/or other devices may be required for those who experience incontinence after prostate surgery. Once the prostate gland is removed, it is extremely important that the bladder is well constructed to prevent urine leakage. Typically, the leakage that happens after the procedure is light to moderate, and a male guard or an incontinence pad for men can be worn. These products are specifically designed with the male anatomy in mind to be discreet, provide maximum comfort, and deliver the protection needed.

Should ED follow after prostate surgery, a man may need to use a medical device to achieve and maintain an erection due to the disruption of the blood and nerve supply. There are many devices available that can help, such as Vacuum Therapy Systems and clamps.

Learning that you or a loved one may have been diagnosed with prostate cancer or another condition that has affected this gland may be very difficult. Know that there are treatment options available to you if you experience incontinence after prostate surgery, no matter your age. Always consult with your medical practitioner for expert advice and options available to you. Should you have any questions about the products that we offer, our Product Experts are just a phone call away.

Tag: erectile dysfunction

Erectile Dysfunction After Prostate Surgery

The Connection Between Erectile Dysfunction and Prostate Surgery