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Penile Rehabilitation

KBee
  • 1 reply
  • 43 subscribers
  • 130 views

I had a Robotic Prostatectomy in June 25 & fortunately all went well. I was initially given a VED pump along with SILDENAFIL tablets for penile rehabilitation but the side affects (lousy headaches & aggravating my Tinnitus) seemed to out way the advantages.  I have now been changed to TADALAFIL but similar side affects have started although not quite as servear. I'm getting on great with the pump, so the question I'd like to ask is are the tablets doing anything for me that the pump isn't, other than the length of time I can sustain an erection, I think I'd sooner carry on with the pump alone. Please advise, Many thanks Kevin.

  • Hi Kevin (Kbee),

     

    Welcome to our online community and thank you for reaching out to us. I’m Alison, one of the cancer information nurses on the support line here at Macmillan.

     

    I’m glad to hear your prostatectomy went well and you’re continuing to recover. It’s not unusual to experience side effects from these medications so it’s understandable you’re weighing up the impact of these and how effective the treatment is.

     

    Medications like Sildenafil and Tadalafil are often given for erectile disfunction. A Vacuum Erection Assistance Device (VED) is usually used when the oral medications are ineffective or not suitable. Sometimes these treatments can be combined, although it is not necessary.

     

    Tadalafil can be taken at a lower dose, but more regularly (rather than prior to sexual intercourse). This can sometimes reduce the side effects.  If you’re struggling with the side effects of the medication, you could try only using the pump if you feel it’s working well for you. However, we’d always suggest speaking with your doctor before making a change or stopping medication.

     

    Prostate Cancer UK offer some more  information and advice you might find helpful and they also have a sexual support service run by their specialist nurses.

     

    If you would like to talk this through some more with one of our nurses, please don't hesitate to get back in touch with us. We would be more than happy to discuss it and answer any other questions or concerns you may have. You can call our support line, email or use our online forums.

     

    Best wishes

     

    Alison P

    Cancer Information Nurse

    Our ref: AP/SMJ

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