Sexual Health After Prostate Cancer Treatment: What You Need to Know

October 20th, 2024

Written By: Oncology Simplified Team

Disclaimer: This information is general and may not meet individual needs. For a personalized plan tailored to your unique lifestyle and clinical requirements, book a free introductory call at 437-500-5000.

Going through prostate cancer treatment can be overwhelming, and sexual side effects are common, but you don’t have to navigate this alone. Many men experience changes in sexual function, such as erectile dysfunction (ED) or a reduced interest in sex, depending on their treatment. While this might feel frustrating or even scary, it’s important to know that help is available, and many of these side effects can improve over time.

Take Charge of Your Sexual Health! Remember, you’re not powerless. Open communication with your care team is key—they're there to support you and answer any questions you have about how treatment might affect your quality of life.

Did you know? According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, most men will experience some level of erectile dysfunction after prostate cancer treatment, but the good news is that many see significant improvement within a year if the nerves remain intact. So, stay hopeful—there's light at the end of the tunnel!

What Can I Do About Erectile Dysfunction (ED)? Erectile dysfunction may show up right away or even take years to develop after treatment. If you’re having trouble getting or keeping an erection after prostate cancer treatment, your doctor might suggest "penile rehabilitation." This means trying different methods to help you get back to where you were before treatment.

While this can be unsettling, there are several treatment options that can help you regain control of your sexual health:

  • Lifestyle Changes: Erectile dysfunction can be influenced by factors such as obesity, lack of exercise, and tobacco use. For men who have undergone prostate cancer treatment, making lifestyle modifications to address these risk factors can be highly beneficial. Adjusting your diet, increasing physical activity, and quitting smoking can all play a role in improving erectile function.
  • Oral Medications: Drugs like Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra are commonly used to assist with achieving erections. Taken shortly before sexual activity, these medications work by enhancing blood flow to the penis, helping men maintain an erection during intercourse.
  • Medicated Pellets: Alprostadil (MUSE®) is a form of medication delivered as a urethral suppository. This pellet is inserted into the opening at the tip of the penis and is designed to stimulate blood flow. Most men experience an erection within 5 to 15 minutes of use.
  • Injectables: For a more direct approach, injections of Alprostadil can be administered directly into the penis. This medication can also be applied as a cream to the head of the penis, both of which help stimulate an erection by increasing blood flow.
  • Vacuum Pumps: Vacuum pumps are devices that assist in achieving an erection through suction. By placing the penis inside a plastic cylinder and creating negative pressure, these pumps draw blood into the penis. To maintain the erection, a constriction ring is often placed at the base of the penis after using the pump. This method is non-invasive and cost-effective.
  • Penile Implants: For those seeking a more permanent solution, surgical penile implants are available. These devices are implanted surgically and can be inflated or manipulated to create an erection, offering a reliable option for men who do not respond to other treatments.
  • Psychosexual Counseling: Addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of erectile dysfunction through counselling can make a significant difference. Therapy provides support for men and their partners, helping them navigate changes in sexual function after cancer treatment. It can also assist couples in adapting their sex lives, focusing less on intercourse and more on other forms of intimacy.
  • Pelvic Floor Exercises: Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles can enhance erectile function in men who have undergone prostate cancer treatment. By performing exercises that involve tightening these muscles—similar to stopping urination midstream—men can improve the strength of the muscles responsible for retaining blood in the penis. This exercise routine, done several times a day, helps increase the rigidity and durability of erections.

Feeling overwhelmed? You don’t have to go through this alone. Discuss these options with your doctor to find what works best for you.

Fun Fact: Exploring new ways to connect with your partner, like trying different forms of intimacy, can strengthen your bond during treatment. It’s all about finding what feels comfortable and enjoyable for both of you!

How Different Cancer Treatments Can Impact Your Sexual Health? It’s important to understand how different treatments might impact your sexual function:

  • Radiation Therapy: Radiation can sometimes damage the nerves and blood vessels that contribute to erections. About 50% of men who undergo standard radiation therapy may experience erectile dysfunction, while 25-50% of men receiving brachytherapy (a form of internal radiation) also report challenges with erections.

Tip: If you have heart disease, diabetes, or are a smoker, your risk for erectile dysfunction may be higher.

  • Prostatectomy: During surgery, surgeons often aim to preserve the nerves around the prostate (this is called "nerve-sparing"). If the procedure is successful, about half of the men can expect to regain sexual function. However, age and other health factors can play a role in how quickly (or whether) you bounce back.
  • Hormone Therapy: Although hormone therapy doesn’t damage nerves or blood vessels or muscles surrounding the prostate gland, it does lower testosterone levels, which may affect your sex drive and lead to erectile dysfunction.

Sexual dysfunction from hormone therapy usually starts 2-4 weeks after treatment, but everyone’s experience is different. So, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor about what you can expect—it’s all about taking control of your health journey.

Other Factors That Can Impact Your Sex Life: Regardless of your treatment path, factors like age, other health conditions (e.g., diabetes or heart disease), smoking, or medications for high blood pressure can increase the likelihood of sexual dysfunction. Knowing this allows you to be proactive!

Final Thoughts Sexual changes during prostate cancer treatment are common, but they don’t define your future. Many men regain function or find new ways to experience intimacy. The key is to keep the conversation open with your care team—ask questions, explore options, and remember that support is always available.

 

This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical nutrition therapy, medical advice, or a diagnosis. It is not a substitute for professional consultation or recommendations from your healthcare provider. 

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