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: