Hi folks, I was told by my surgeon that they couldn't save any of the nerves, which help provide erections, when removing the prostate .... has anyone else had the same experience .. and is Viagra or something similar the answer .. does it work properly to give a firm erection and are there other alternatives?
Thanks
There's a few possible solutions including drug treatments, although this might not be enough on its own if nerves are not spared. Least invasive is probably a vacuum erection device (VED or pump) maybe in conjunction with pills but there are other possible solutions. You could try using Macmillan's "ask a nurse" for information, sources such as Prostate Cancer UK who have good information on sexual issues or your hospital team / GP.
Unfortunately most solutions don't replicate the spontaneous "real thing" pre-treatment but there are possibilities which hopefully mean all is not lost.
Incidentally use of a VED can be useful following treatment as an "exercise" to maintain penis health and blood flow during recovery. Unfortunately there is not always a great deal (if any) help for sexual problems after treatment and patients often need to try to find solutions themselves.
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