Prostate Cancer and Erectile Dysfunction
At Ontario Men's Health (OMH), we welcome men who have been treated for prostate cancer. Actually this is one of our special interests. Prostate cancer is an increasingly common diagnosis, and, unfortunately, will become even more common as the baby boomers age and live longer lives than their fathers. If you have been treated for prostate cancer you are likely aware that Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a common side effect of treatment.
Even "nerve sparing" surgeries or radiation treatments of the prostate usually result in Erectile Dysfunction. Sometimes the Erectile Dysfunction diminishes several months after prostate cancer treatment, but often not to a degree which is satisfactory. Studies have shown that there is more to the problem than just nerves. Less oxygen to the erectile tissue of the penis after surgery can lead to a form of scarring or loss of elasticity. Radiation has a similar effect.
If the vascular channels of the penis are put to work again soon after surgery or radiation, then potentially the chance of maintaining erectile function in the future will be enhanced. This concept is referred to as Penile Rehabilitation, or Penile Rehab. Indeed, studies have shown that men who use medication to restore erections, or at least to increase the blood flow to the penis, quickly after treatment for prostate cancer have less Erectile Dysfunction later on compared to men who just waited it out.
At Ontario Men's Health's Toronto clinic we prefer to see men as soon as possible after their Prostate Cancer Treatment. Ontario Men's Health however can often successfully treat Erectile Dysfunction even years after Prostate Cancer Treatment.
Whether or not you come to Ontario Men's Health, you should begin talking to a doctor about Erectile Dysfunction about a month after your treatment.
At Ontario Men's Health we recommend Penile Rehabilitation and early use of medication to maintain erections as opposed to a watchful waiting approach. If you have tried a pill for Erectile Dysfunction and this failed to restore erections, don't give up. There are stronger medications that are very effective in the vast majority of men.
My wife and I were getting along OK, but we had slipped into a routine of avoiding sex because it was awkward for both of us when I couldn't perform . We just put it down to age and moved on. One day I just decided to look into it further, and let me tell you, don't let anyone tell you that you need to give up sex just because of your age. Our life is much more complete now than it has been in years. Get help today. My wife and I are so glad we did.
Last year, out of nowhere, I couldn't keep an erection. I thought it was just from the stress of final exams and tried to ignore it. But when it happened again I freaked out. I really love my girlfriend so this stressed me out even more. But after talking it over with my doctor and taking some brief treatment, things got right back on track, and now everything is better than ever.