For men with prostate cancer, the first thing they worry about is death.
Often their second concern is whether treatment will kill their sex life.
But people who study the odds will encounter countless confusing information.
According to the study you read, you may read that 30% to 97% of men will be rejuvenated after prostate cancer surgery.
But as I explained in the Well column in The Science Times on Tuesday, the chances of having a normal sex life after surgery depend on many variables.
A man's sexual life before surgery, whether he has a supportive partner, his stage of cancer, and even how the surgeon defines effectiveness, will affect the likelihood that he is given by the doctor.
Have you or someone you care about had prostate cancer surgery?
Is your sexual recovery in line with your expectations?
Or better or worse than you think?
Read the full column here and please post your comments below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Comments are no longer accepted.
Six years ago, I had prostate cancer surgery at 64.
This took place in John Hopkins, conducted by an experienced surgeon.
For this reason, we chose to go to Hopkins University.
Before the operation, we were told that I had a considerable chance of a complete recovery.
However, more nerves were removed than previously expected.
Since then, I have found that drugs and vacuum pumps do not work.
The injection was uncomfortable and successful in about 50% of the time.
I have a sexual partner for 26 years, but we are not successful in erection.
This is clearly the cause of the pain.
I am healthy with negative PSA, but my sex life does not exist.
I think the surgeon exaggerated the success rate of Erection and Maintenance of erection ability after prostate resection.
I went back to Hopkins for a while, but I finally felt that there was no result.
We have been hoping for new discoveries on this issue.
Thank you for studying this topic.
I would appreciate it if it is appropriate, or if you find anything that helps me. Over 10 yrs.
Years ago, my partner was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the age of 48.
We are all worried that this is the end of what we know about sex (and enjoyed)it.
His operation was done by a doctor.
Patrick Walsh of John Hopkins, who developed today's routine nerve reserve surgery. Dr.
Walsh also encouraged his pts.
"Use it after surgery, or lose it.
"We need patience on both sides and courage on my partner (
He shot before Viagra went public)
Love, commitment and humor, but we have had the upper hand over the last few years and there is no need to help.
He is also very young and in good condition and has no erection difficulties before surgery.
But the result is much better than we thought.
When a person considers sexual behavior after prostate cancer treatment, the most important thing is to discuss different options for prostate cancer treatment with his doctor or team of doctors.
In most early stage prostate cancer patients, radiation therapy has proven to have an equal chance of disease healing, and the risk of erectile dysfunction after treatment is much lower than for all types of prostate surgery.
When considering the treatment of prostate cancer, it is always good to get advice from radiation oncologists and surgeons in order to make an informed decision.
Before making a treatment decision, it is important to review the procedures involved, the potential for long-term control and treatment, and the short-term and long-term effects of each treatment.
The risk of erectile dysfunction after surgery is closely related to a person's basic erectile function.
High blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, vascular diseases, and certain other diseases increase the risk of erectile dysfunction after surgery.
The better control of these conditions before prostate cancer treatment, the better baseline function, the greater the chance of functional recovery.
Encourage patients to exercise actively and regularly and in (
In addition, in the case of radiation therapy, in
Clear treatment may reduce relative dysfunction after treatment. About a year ago, I had removed my bladder and prostate and used a urinary device.
During the months after surgery, I occasionally get an erection or a half erection
The erection in my sleep
About 6 months later, when my partner and I used one of the three pills on the market, I was able to get an erection.
Levira seems to work best.
In the last month or so, about 40% of the time, when I was with my partner, I was able to get a full erection.
The vacuum pump has not been very successful.
No injection tried.
Of the 219,000 men diagnosed with prostate cancer each year (
According to this article)
More than 10,000 people must be gay.
Almost all the literature on prostate cancer mentions heterosexual men, but for gay men, the issues involved vary physically and mentally. Doctors (And reporters)
Need to know more about this.
The standard "suitable for sexual intercourse" specifically means "suitable for sexual intercourse of the opposite sex ".
Even this normally neutral New York Times article, when it comes to "partners", manages to put the whole issue in a heterosexual context and in the final phrase.
A useful resource recently was Haworth Press's guide to gay men's prostate cancer (2007).
More publications are needed to address this precise issue for two reasons :(a)
They will give gay patients access to information that is particularly helpful to them; (b)
They will also educate doctors (And reporters)
When trying to solve the problem from a gay perspective, many of them still have a tendency to struggle.
For a gay, aware that the highly competent surgeon who will undergo a prostate resection is an discordant heretical, sometimes homophobia, and can't comfortably talk about same-sex in any case, before or after surgery.
This is a situation where the best medical treatment is suppressed in the best case. My doctors (
For surgery and radiation)
I sympathize with them very much, but their explanation is not enough.
After five years of relatively successful radical surgery for prostate cancer (at age 52)
Most of the nerves survived, after some follow-up
On a practical level, the way "devices" work also seems to be different.
Erection can of course be solid and hard without any chemical or other external aid, but they seem inconvenient to have nothing to do with desire.
Yes, the equipment is slightly smaller and shorter now.
Learning to control it sometimes feels a bit like being a teenager again --
It's too easy except at the age of 13, and it's hard now.
It takes more work and energy to accumulate, and the window of opportunity will close faster.
The climax is certainly different.
Strangely, after a certain faster build-up, they will be slower, longer, and calmer, but still content in different ways that I have learned to appreciate.
On the other hand, dry ejaculation is still psychological disappointing.
My doctor's main concern now is (
Except to check that my PSA stays zero)
It seems just whether I am "erect" and "reaching orgasm ".
The correct answer to these two questions is yes, but these questions are too basic.
The fact that erection is relatively fragile requires fast tracking
Through, can disappear like fog, seems to have nothing to do with them, and not with me or my partner. From TPP —
Interesting perspective
In fact, I got an anecdote from the doctor about a gay man I decided not to use because it doesn't seem to matter whether he's gay or straight --
It was a bit insensitive to mention his sexual orientation.
But I know what you mean.
I'm almost wondering if there isn't a fully independent article on how prostate cancer affects gay communities.
This particular man is really struggling and feels his sexual identity has changed after prostate cancer.
I understand your point that he has to face unique physical challenges.
I also think your comments explain very well why the definition of "enough sexual intercourse" is very misleading.
It shows how narrow the definition of sex is in the medical community and a lack of understanding of the lives of patients.
That said, in my experience, the urologist I know is very sensitive to the unique needs of gay patients, so I think if your doctor is not, you should look around for someone who talks about sex with you.
A woman should have the same expectations for her gynecologist.
Thank you for taking the time to comment.
I had a prostate resection in January 06. . . .
Due to the difficulty of the surgeon, the operation itself took 1/2 hours, which was caused by my pelvic depth. . . . Surgeon, doctor
Well, I'm lucky to benefit from his expertise. . .
My suggestion is that I will start experiencing a normal erection within 18 months. . . .
Injection of Lupron a few months before surgery to reduce the size of the prostate, my sexual desire has decreased. .
I continue to experience the heat and the other side --
The effect of this drug for quite some time after surgery. .
However, about 45 days after surgery, not 18 months, I started to experience almost normal erection. In a follow-
About 4 months after surgery, I went to the clinic with my surgeon
Cagiannos advised me to be strong. .
Not because of my erection difficulties, but because the use of Viagra, levela, or Cialis obviously helps the ends of the nerve connect or heal faster. As for orgasms. . .
I'm not sure if not ejaculation forces me to be more aware of my orgasm, but they seem to be longer and stronger. . .
Since I really don't need a whole tablet, I cut the levela tablet in half. .
As for the size of the penis. .
I don't think my erection is as big as before. .
After orgasm, this seems to be the time when my penis is in the most erection stage.
By the way, my surgery is on the campus of the Civic Hospital in Ottawa, Canada. . . .
My surgeon is also a professor at the University of Ottawa.
I am the author of the December 2005 paper cited in this article.
We found out that in the next 12 months
97% of men had no erectile dysfunction before receiving a specific type of nerve retention surgery (
Restaurants in Veil)
What we describe is the ability to have sexual intercourse.
51% of patients had a normal erection without medication, and 86% had medication.
If they do not retain the type of veil of the nerves, the effect will be lower.
Our conclusion is that the rate of efficacy after radical prostate cancer surgery varies depending on the measurement used to define potatoes and surgical techniques.
I told patients with normal sexual function who received veils nerve retention that they had more than 90% chance of sexual intercourse at the age of 1, but without medication, they had only 50% chance of normal erection.
These results do not apply to all patients undergoing prostate cancer surgery.
Tewari pointed out.
Mani Menon, MD, Institute of Urology, Watty, Henry Ford Hospital, DetroitDr. Menon —
It's a great honor for you to comment on the Well blog.
Thank you for sharing your insights.
What is the impact on gay men? From TPP —
There is no difference between gay body change and straight sex.
However, as reader 5 has expressed, some practical issues related to male sexual intercourse may make it more difficult for gay men to return to normal sex after prostate resection.
Thank you for posting these.
They are articulate and informative.
My own "view" of this would be the opinion of a few people and the opinion that would never be talked about, which is good.
There is no acceptable choice for me.
There will be too much loss and struggle, and the invasion is too unusual.
I will not choose to live.
I know no one else will agree.
But it's a personal choice.
In the face of the fax of this kind of life, I can't tolerate this choice. I would exit.
Call it good.
Since I have completely removed my penis, I will have a penis implant surgery this week (
Successful).
As the cancer approached, my surgeon did remove the nerve bundles on one side.
I try to use the injection (painful)
Vacuum device (
There is a lack of drugs for spontaneity and partial success, including vikara, levela, and cialis, which contribute to erection but do not have enough time to reach orgasm.
It was a frustrating experience for me and my wife.
I have medication for high blood pressure, depression, and exercise regularly before and after surgery.
As my surgeon has told me now, I feel like I have made the right choice to cure my cancer, but it is not without a challenge.
My wife is very supportive and my main support. From TPP —
I once interviewed a man who had his penis implanted. He was very excited and his wife was very excited.
I think this is
Rating options for men . . . . . . This can really normalize the sex life of both sides, and the physical experience of men is also very good.
I wish you a smooth operation. write back and tell us everything! ! !
Please don't provoke me. . . This is a reasonable question/comment.
Facing cancer that could be life
Who is thinking about their sex life?
Or really, anything extra?
I have a female friend who faced cancer when she was young and she was encouraged by a doctor to postpone treatment in order to store eggs.
She thought he was crazy!
All she can think of is getting healthy and not having children in the future if she survives!
Another problem is that most men are in their 40 s when they face prostate cancer.
So why is sex important?
They have been enjoying it for 30 years? !
About six years ago, I was 52 years old and had radical prostate cancer surgery.
I was completely effective before surgery and never had a problem with erection or maintaining erection.
My surgeon at the New York University Medical Center
Lepor stipulated that I take a Viagra every day after surgery and suggested that I use it or lose it.
My 30-year-old wife is very beautiful, sexy and a great understanding partner who has played a big role in my handling of post-surgery incompetence.
We continue to have the pleasure of being content, even though I cannot achieve penetration.
Two years later, when we were able to have sex, the "eureka" moment happened.
My ability to erect now depends on the Levitra tablet, and the average speed of erection is about 75% before surgery;
Sometimes stronger, sometimes weaker.
In the process of sex, it is also different in intensity.
In other words, sometimes I start to get strong, but then I get soft.
Also, although I was able to achieve penetration, sexual intercourse never reached the same quality due to incomplete and almost no erection.
The climax is still great.
This has never changed.
This reminds me of the statistics.
Anecdotal reports about the effects of taking an anti-depression drug on sex and ability to reach orgasm.
The warning label showed a 5% chance of loss of appetite, compared with a much higher reported incidence of more than 50%. At age 59(3 years ago)
I was diagnosed with Gleason 8 prostate cancer and had undergone a radical resection of prostate cancer with a nerve resection.
I quickly reverted the controls and the PSA still couldn't detect.
I have 3 good kids aged 25.
With my first wife, 23
6 and 9 years old pregnant with my second wife, 13 years old, 26 years younger than me.
In the first two years, I tried all the rubbish. surgery -
Very few successful drugs, injections, pumps.
At a consultation session, the wife said having sex was like doing an "experiment!
"She's not interested in trying more and having sex with anyone again.
Later, I found untouchable evidence that she had been having an affair with the little man's taekwondo coach for the past year.
I placed an inflatable prothesis in last April, but it was never used except me.
I am still with her for the sake of the children, because I still love her as irrational as it sounds.
The last three years have been the most painful of my life.
My suggestion is to start the consultation as soon as possible after the diagnosis.
I believe that if we do, we will still be together "emotionally/physically.
As a gay, the night before I received a radical prostate cancer surgery 13 years ago, my fear swept me, and the fear was so urgent that I was almost out of hospital.
I should, and I am very grateful that my life has survived.
However, the possibility of the relationship is greatly reduced due to surgery;
Reduced penis appearance; ejaculate, non-existent;
And the quality of the climax has changed.
These effects are the root of lasting shame and embarrassment and an attack on me as a male identity.
I chose the director of urology at a famous Medical University Hospital.
Even though an oncologist told me that he could introduce me to a radiologist who would give me an "equal chance" of survival, the surgeon told me, considering that I had 58 surgeries at the time was the best option to survive for a long time.
Recovery from "nerve retention" surgery is difficult.
My first erection felt numb.
No focus on "restoring" penis function is provided.
My observation of length reduction was professionally ridiculed.
The erectile function stopped for several months, although the recovery was slow.
The good feeling is still there, though in the end I have to be treated for increased dysfunction.
I would love to read the sexual function experience of men who inject hormones like my husband and receive radiation therapy for prostate cancer.
It has a much greater impact on our sex life than we are led to believe. I am a 40 y. o. woman.
When I was 25 years old, I had an operation on the disease.
I was still stuck with what the receptionist said and he told me, "Don't worry, doctor.
X is thorough.
"I can only say that I need courage --
Surgery is also reserved for women.
From my own research, nerves related to female sexual response are still not mapped.
No one knows where they are.
When the endometrial tissue is removed, my endometrium is burned or cut, that's it.
No one told me it was even a risk or side effect.
I went in blindly and came out with a life sentence without sexual response.
In any case, it's hard, and I have to choose between cheating the man on the bed or telling the truth.
The same is not attractive, the same is the result.
A therapist told me to be sad and continue.
So I live a solo life and people wonder why this beautiful and shy woman has never met anyone.
But life is still worth living for commenter Tom, who said he would rather die than have the problem.
Sex is really not "everything" and for those of us who have experienced some hard breaks, it is not helpful to hear such assertions.
I don't understand the comments.
If your sex life is more important than prostate cancer, then do not have surgery or treatment.
If life is more important than getting it in general.
This is your choice.
Worry about the details after your life.
I had radiation therapy at the end of 2005, and the response and side effects were very serious, even to the surprise of those medical staff who had been tested.
It was not until the middle of last year that things began to improve significantly (2007)
Then improve quickly.
Until now, I have almost returned to normal except for sexual functions.
Fatigue still raises its head slowly, which is gradually disappearing.
No sexual function.
Viagra and other aids have been completely zero.
However, I now find the old beginning and believe that the function will return in time and I believe it soon.
It was a pretty big trip and didn't want to go through it again.
But I know there are also difficulties for men who have other treatments.
The most comfortable people are those who have experience and are also our people.
The doctors and their staff were excellent and did the best they could for me.
I am grateful for all this and for the passing of this obstacle course by a better person.
Thanks for the opportunity to write this article.
This line says everything.
A beautiful wife is also helpful, said Mr.
Anthony, who has been married for 19 years.
My wife is better than any Viagra.
The numbers would be better if this article was about preventing obesity in women . . . . . . . . My goodness.
All the information is very rich.
The New York Times made a long story on the subject in a special "male health" section a year or more ago, all of the men interviewed for any type of prostate cancer treatment included radiation without surgery and they said they had experienced sexual problems.
It is clear that, like surgery, radiation itself is extremely damaging to the nerves.
This whole subject is shrouded in such secrecy and denial, which is not good for anyone.
I remember when Bob Dole had surgery, someone asked him afterwards if he was effective, and he said no.
Just like he was going to tell the whole nation the truth?
Later, we saw him whip flo with Viagra. Right.
So what I see in this discussion is what I 've never read anywhere, in any article about the subject: suggestions for using it or losing it, which sounds stupid, it makes no sense, except for a statement on a poster, that his doctor told him about ED drugs like Cialis and others.
Actually help the nerves "healthy ". Ie, to regrow? This is HUGE. Huge.
And supports the theory that people can and must try what they want to do in order to regenerate not only the central nervous system pathway, but also the somatic nerve pathway.
Even suggesting that sticking to the desired activity could lead to improvements --
I 've never heard of this, and I bet most men haven't heard of it either.
Including most prostate cancer patients.
What the hell are we talking about here?
Are we saying that these drugs have a direct effect on the nerves?
Or, by making sex possible, does sex itself help to rebuild nerves?
I am reminded of Christopher Reeve's success in rebuilding the peripheral nerves over the past few years through tireless physical therapy.
He did restore a small amount of motor and sensory functions, which was indeed a breakthrough achievement and made some observations about the resilience of the peripheral nervous system.
I had a nerve-preserving operation on 2001.
In the order of importance, the three important things to consider are life, urinary control, and final sexual function.
I am fully recovered and have no medication and complete erection, although the medication does make it easier.
Perhaps overlooked is how important it is to care for a supportive partner to help restore sexual function and activity.
I know very well that, as my partner at the time, I did not support, had no compassion, had no involvement at all.
Another important area is follow-up with doctors after surgery and even a support group.
Prostate surgery can be a devastating experience for a man, and even if you do research and ask the right questions, it's still not an easy thing to cope. I am lucky.
I have a great surgeon, a successful operation with no complications and have been in good health for years. Sharon —
When you are about 40 years old, you may find out why sex is important.
Although this is questionable from your comments, because even now you don't seem to fully understand it.
People like me have a sub-category who undergo successful surgery to retain the nerve and then the cancer recurs and needs to salvage sexual radiation.
In 1999, I was 52 years old and smart enough to find a great doctor, Dr. Wein at the U Penn Hospital, luckily, viagra went public a month before I needed it. Fortunately, the progress at that time did not require it, and then unfortunately it needed radiation. Fortunately, get the radiation from the intensity-modulated radiation therapy instead of the old radiation that makes you powerless.
I agree with the blogger who says the climax is different, sometimes longer and stronger.
I use my favorite LEVITRA once in a while to get extra textures. Oh yeah.
You must have a lover who understands and is willing to accept the fact that urine is a preservative because urine is new semen after surgery.
I'm almost nine.
It has been 5 years since I had prostate surgery at 51.
Since then, I have been healthy in terms of malignant tumors. Viagra, etc.
Is the help of being able to have sexual intercourse.
My biggest problem is that I often discharge urine when I shoot fine, which is a complete mistake for my wife, which is a growing concern.
I have not received any assurances or constructive advice from my urologist who at least once said, "at least you are ejaculating something.
"As for the enjoyment of sex, I find more enjoyment when this happens, which is too rare.
I will write this down if prostate surgery is not a factor.
But that makes me want to learn something before I know what I know now.
Finally, after years of good bladder control, things are becoming more and more unpredictable except for the sudden emergence of a strong urgency.
Earlier, my urologist commented on the people who told him that you can never trust a fart [since the operation]
Excluding the discharge of urine].
When I move forward or digress towards geezerhood, this seems to be the case.
The Times reporter and reporter answered your health question.
Your question | All» send practical tips, expert advice, exclusive content and a little power email to your inbox every week to help you on your run trip. Coming soon.