Rick's Story

Ethnicity
Black Caribbean
Age
60-69
Work
Retired
Sexual Orientation
Straight
Geography
Yorkshire
Relationship status
Married/In a Civil Partnership

Radical Prostatectomy (Surgery)

Tips and advice for any sexual side effects of treatment

regular penile rehabilitation with the a vacuum erection pump daily has helped return my penis to its normal length and girth. After practice the pump and retention ring will enable an erection good enough for penetrative sex, although the spontaneity of sex is lost. The dry orgasm is strange at first , but you get used to it and the pleasure is just as good. Regular pelvic floor exercises (kegels) helped me regain continence within 2 weeks of catheter removal. The glans of my penis is not as sensitive at present (15 months post operation)

How this treatment impacted my life the most

On a positive note I don't have the urinary outflow problems I experienced before the surgery. The most noticeable negative effect is the impact on my sexual function. The inability to be able to have an erection and sex without pre- planning and using the pump and tadalafil is frustrating . There has been some improvement over time, but recovery is slow and may not be complete. This take a toll on your mental health.

If I had to do it all over again, would I choose the same treatment?

Yes

Why did I give this answer?

I had urinary outflow problems prior to my cancer diagnosis for many years .I would have needed a TURP or similar procedure in the future anyway. My outflow problems would have been made worse by radiotherapy. so I didn't really have much choice and I was pleased to have the cancerous tissue removed. I do think its very important to explain the very likely issue of ED post surgery and the time scale for recovery depending of nerve sparing or non nerve sparing surgery. ED is a big deal for men. However to be cancer free is the most important thing.

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