How to Help Recover Sexual Function After Your Prostate Surgery? | Ask a Prostate Expert | PCRI

PCRI's CEO, Alex Scholz, asks Executive Director, Mark Scholz, MD, about recovering sexual function after radical prostatectomy.

:05 How can sexual dysfunction be mitigated after radical prostatectomy?

2:10 What is the process of getting injection therapy?

3:40 Should patients be taking drugs like Viagra in combination with injection therapy?

4:27 How can caregivers make this process easier?

5:15 Are kegel exercises beneficial when undergoing injection therapy?

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[dougg]

My doctor ( who we really like) didn’t speak to me at all about this. Thank god for YouTube

[kenwalker]

I wish I had seen this video within a month after my surgery ! I also wish my surgeon had told me that I needed to do injection therapy and not given me other options that did not work ...At least I am still married and alive.

[daxmac]

Another important topic...post TX quality of life...thanks Alex & Dr S. "USE it or LOSE it" one of my MDs advised.

[JamesComstockCages]

This has been a real challenge as I had complications after surgery, something "rare." You are correct. After the operation they opened the gate and put me out to pasture, little more than "good luck" it would seem. Unfortunately I experienced scrotal lymphedema on day 3 after surgery, totally unexpected and again no input from the surgeon. This whole thing has been a real mess. I'm 72, but healthy to this point and do not take ANY medication, still working physically. Any ideas? Will take cialis first, but have been gun shy with all the swelling and discomfort, which is no down 90%, but still painful at times, no fun at all. Wish I felt like there was someone besides me on my team.

[reyrainer]

Very interesting and yes, my urologist did not mention this treatment/exercise. I will recontact him to seek more information and if he declines, perhaps seek another urologist.

[sghindc]

I had my TURP last Monday and I was terrified by the thought of never being to gain an erection again. I never asked the doctor but he did mention that one definite result of the procedure would be retrograde ejaculation. I spent 4 days with the catheter in place and was awakened by the discomfort of an erection with an implanted catheter. Since the catheter has been out I've had several spontaneous erections. At this point in my life where my wife is no longer interested in sex at all, I have to take things into my own hands, so to speak. I didn't continue to masturbate until I had the chance because I was worried that the bruised urethra would appreciate the break. From what I've been told the prostate is, at this point on big scab. I am hopeful that I'll be fully functional when everything is healed

[mikemir]

Such a sensitive subject. Thank you for talking about it.

[garyfrechette]

I had my prostate removed 13 weeks ago, and i see the surgeon for the first time post op this week. Cialis isn't working for me (i started that after the catheter was removed, 11 days after surgery), so I'm going to see if injections will work.
Just how much damage has been done in these 13 weeks? I now wish i had started the injections immediately after surgery.

[peacefulruler]

Something that no one mentions is the need for nitric oxide present in the body. Cialis and other chemicals can only enhance the nitric oxide that is already present.
Beets, L citrulline, watermelon are all ways to improve nitric oxide. There are plenty of videos on YouTube.

[joelugo]

My Urologist never mentioned any kind of procedure for rehabilitation after my Prostatectomy, It’s been 6 years and have recovered about 75%. I believe that women should help in taking a interest in their partners Rehabilitation but it never happened. I think some women as in my case are relieved.

[blackknight]

What if they have to take out all of the prostate I have nothing down there nothing works for me but penile implant which I think sucks however 85% of my prostate was fill with cancer

[dennisgray]

Wish I had known this, it’s been a year and half since my surgery and I’m just now trying the injections. Still looking for the proper dose

[sheltonjayasinghe]

I under go TURP surgery before 02 months. Speam doesn't come out. Please advise me. Thank you.

[Vincent]

I’m due for prostate removal as I have cancer. This is all too freaking scary and though I am now 68 and I still have fire in me to have sex though I have slowed down over the years it’s just hard to know I’ll be a softie ongoing. I’m going to do all that I can to make sure I don’t shrink. The things I have to align in my life is number one-stay cancer free and number two-try and keep my sexual life alive whatever way I can. Too ease my brain from worry I compare what women have to go through when they have a hysterectomy and the troubles they have with sex and all then I say to myself we men are having the same thing with the removal of the prostate. Thanks for the video.

[louiemunoz]

Is it true that pinial injection can cause blood clots?

[bryancole]

I'm wondering how post-op injections compare with using vacuum erection device. VED is easier to obtain/learn. If I'm using the pump should I also persue injections for penile rehab?

[bobbidude]

My urologist suggested Viagra first and then after 6 months, injections. This is to ensure proper urine flow first. Does this approach have any merit?

[MaddDoggie]

This addressed radical prostatectomy. What about recovery from centralized cryoablation of cancer cells in one part of the prostate? What is the expected process of return to functionality?

[lenniechant]

I'm am due to have my prostate out, this has been 1 of 2 big issue for me, I am currently deciding if to leave cancer run it's course ( quality of life ) or this risk the surgery, this has never been discussed with me about the injection, it's a positive towards a better out come .

[agunther]

Is this significantly better than a pump to exercise those areas? Needles seem a little scary.