Radical prostatectomy is surgery to remove the prostate gland and surrounding structures. This surgery is most often done to treat prostate cancer. The success rates are good if the cancer has not spread beyond the prostate. However, there are side effects to the surgery. One is erectile dysfunction (ED).

The reason why radical prostatectomy carries this risk is that two tiny cavernous nerves are located along the sides of the walnut-sized prostate. Normally, these cavernous nerves carry signals to the penis to fill with blood and become erect. During surgery, the doctor may need to remove one or both nerves if they are too close to the cancer. Also, even if the nerves are not removed, they can still be damaged during the surgery. The trauma to the cavernous nerves is one of the main causes of ED after prostate surgery.

Talking With Your Doctor

If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and need surgery, you may want to know what options are available to restore your sexual function after surgery. First, it is important that you talk openly with your doctor about:

• How extensive the surgery will be and whether the cavernous nerves will need to be removed
• Whether you are a good candidate for nerve-sparing surgery, which is done in some cases, but still carries the risk of ED

You should also talk to your doctor about your overall risk of ED. For example, if you are older, have a chronic condition like diabetes, or already have sexual function problems, then you are more likely to develop ED after the surgery.

While it can be difficult to discuss sensitive topics like sex, remember that your sexual health is a part of your overall health and well-being, and it is definitely worth talking about. If you have a partner, be sure to involve this important person in your recovery since your sexual function affects you both.

Exploring Your Options

Since ED is a common complication after prostate surgery, it is a good idea to learn about your treatment options. It is also important to understand that while ED affects most men after prostate surgery, many men regain the ability to have erections within 2 years of nerve-sparing surgery. This is not as common, though, if the nerves were removed.

Dealing With the Emotional Impact

Facing a cancer diagnosis and the impending treatment is a life-changing event. It may be too overwhelming for you to think about how prostate surgery will affect your sex life.

Remember that there are doctors and mental health professionals who have a lot of experience in dealing with ED. Therapists understand how sexual problems can affect your feelings of self-worth and your relationships. If you have a partner, you may want your partner to attend therapy with you. You can both express your fears and concerns, learn coping strategies, and find new ways to develop intimacy during your recovery. There are also support groups available to provide further encouragement and hope.

Looking Forward

While ED is common right after prostate surgery, you may regain sexual function after some time. This may range from several months to 2 years. Also, remember that ED can be treated. By working with your doctor, you will be able to recover from prostate surgery and find an effective ED treatment that is right for you.