Erectile function recovery chances with only one nerve spared

Hi Johnam, I remember Alpine Wanderer saying that it is essential to maintain penile health while on HT. I wonder if he is following this thread and can tell you where he found this evidence? I remember too, way back, that somebody said they had bought a cheap pump on line and it was pretty useless. Well, our NHS supplied one was pretty useless too. Have you thought, too, of checking the NICE guidelines ( if they are followed in Scotland?) . 

I think they are wrong,  that’s  purpose of the pump it draws blood into the penis to increase blood flow and strengthen penile tissues to keep it healthy whilst no natural erections are happening. Keep going back to them. Wishing you and your husband all the best x

I will do . Busy knitting for a very perm baby only 2 lb . They were looking for something xmassy so it’s just to be stitched up tonight. So will let you know what I find xxx

Hello Everyone

So being the nerd  i can be this is what I have found out from my resources.

Scottish Healthcare is based on and uses a strong influence of the NICE guidelines but they apply to England only. 

Scotland uses SIGN (Scottish Intercollagiate Guidelines Network).

I was unable to find Prostate Cancer in SIGN's search facility so I assume NICE guidelines apply 

NICE Guidelines.

The bits that matter are 1.4.6 to 1.4.11.

I hope this helps - if anyone wishes to add to this or I am wrong (I have been before) please let me know.

Good luck.

Best wishes - Brian.

Thank you x

Hello Worriedwife,

Whilst I don't have anything definitive about maintaining penile health whilst on HT, I definitely remember it being covered when I saw the consultant & specialist nurse.  In simple terms it was use it or lose it.

It seems that it's another anomaly as to what treatments are offered (available) / what's covered depending which hospital is treating you.

Best Wishes

Brian

Hi Worriedwife I’ve just been dealing with another member (please excuse the pun) on this site about this very subject. The problem is that the NHS obviously don’t see this as a big problem.  However, anyone on hormone therapy should discuss the need for daily low dose tadalafil tablets (5mg / day).  These tablets are, in effect, a slow burn viagra type drug.   These are essential to ensure that men continue to get erections during the night whilst they are asleep (normal for men who aren’t on any treatment). This ensures penile health due to regular blood flow. Atrophy is the biggest threat - I think that’s why some men sit to pee after getting atrophy.    Also, despite no libido on HT, they certainly help with bedroom action (requires motivation too). Mrs AW and I kept this side of our life going throughout HT (approximately once a week, but sometimes longer) - and, yes, I did take some persuading on occasion! Please note it is the sleeping night time erections that will have the most benefit overall. I can’t stress this enough.  I finished 18 months HT in March 2025 and by October my testosterone was back and my libido returned.  It is so important to have working parts to resume a normal sex life to the full.  AW

Hello Alpine Wanderer &  

Strange as it may be the NHS do advise that you are informed of this issue - here's a link to the NICE Guidelines.

NICE Guidelines.

If you look at 1.3.36 - 1.3.38. there it is. Mind you if you are a bit of a nerd  and read the lot you will realise that anyone going for a diagnosis isn't being told all the recommendations!!

Still ----- in a perfect world.....

Best wishes - Brian.

Thanks Millibob - and there it is in black & white,  certainly adequate ammunition to have a word with a consultant. Also, it pays to project the image of being an “intelligent customer “ to avoid being fobbed off.   I am lucky, as I have an excellent working relationship with my consultant. When discussing my case, it’s like two consultants chatting about an interesting case study!  AW (with reference to my nerdiness lol)