Glow Counseling

Sex after Prostate Cancer 

Sex after Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer (representing about 25% of all new cancer diagnoses) in men in the USA. While radical prostatectomy, or surgical removal of the prostate, is the medical treatment of choice, the major urological complications of this procedure are incontinence and erectile dysfunction (ED), regardless of the surgical method used. After surgery, the risk of erectile dysfunction is as high as 90%, significantly impacting the quality of life and taking up to 3 years for the return of partial erections.

 

Don't wait for recovery from surgery to address sexual dysfunction. While various medical treatment options are available, including phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (Viagra, etc.), penile injections or suppositories, vacuum devices, and penile prostheses, none address the psychological and emotional impact of sexual dysfunction on the patient and his relational life. There is also a 'use it or lose it' component to the erectile capacity of the penis. Therefore, waiting for recovery and subsequent sexual inactivity may actually hinder the ability to recover erectile capacity. Along with psychotherapy support for such post-surgery issues as performance anxiety, depression, and low-self esteem, sex therapy also provides relationship counseling and behavioral tools to enhance sexual expression and function.

Some Tools to Enhance Sexual Function and Expression in Men after Prostate Cancer Surgery:

  • First and foremost, communication, communication, communication.

  • Counseling and sex therapy.

  • Sexual activity in the morning when an erection is more likely.

  • Ample amount of tactile stimulation, manually or orally, before and during sex

  • Spending more time on sexual activities other than intercourse.

  • Focus on sensuality and intimacy rather than sex.

  • Achieving orgasm via other techniques.

  • Trying new sexual activities outside of the usual repertoire.

  • Encouraging the experience sexual pleasure regardless of sexual difficulties.

  • Taking turns at giving or receiving sexual pleasure.

  • Consulting with a doctor about oral medications and impact of prescriptions.

  • Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors such as Viagra, Cialis, Levitra, etc.

  • Injection or suppository therapies

  • Genital devices for blood flow (vacuum pump).

  • Over the counter supplements that impact the arousal pathway.

  • Mechanical devices (vibrators) and sex toys.

  • Other mediums for sexual outlets and support: self pleasure, videos, magazines, etc

 

Click here for more on men's mental health issues in my Denver counseling practice.

Click here for more on sex therapy in my Denver sex therapy practice.

Click here for an example of infidelity therapy in my Denver, Colorado, marriage counseling practice.

Click here for information on porn addiction treatment in my Denver sex therapy practice.

Click here for information on love addiction in my Denver sex addiction recovery practice.

Click here for more on Sex Addiction recovery in my Denver sex therapy practice.

Click here for more information on Delayed Ejaculation Treatment.

Click here for more information on Premature Ejaculation Treatment.

Silence about sexual issues is the great killer of relationships. It is common for people to encounter sexual problems, at any age. Women may experience arousal and orgasm difficulties, low sex drive, or pain during intercourse, while men may struggle with erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and low libido. What is uncommon is for people to speak and do something about those problems before they irreparably damage their self-esteem and relationships. To learn more about Sex Therapy options, click here.

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Moshe Rozdzial, LPC