Erection dysfunction following Prostate Cancer Surgery or Radiotherapy
More than 50% of men who undergo surgery or radiotherapy for prostate cancer experience a loss of sexual function.
Sexual recovery can be hastened, and is more likely, with early intervention.
What happens post prostate surgery?
Nerve-sparing prostate cancer surgery still carries a high rate of damage to nerves. 85% of men will have erectile dysfunction following prostate cancer surgery. Of those men, only 10-15% will respond to medication such as sildenafil and tadalafil.
In prostate cancer treatment, the cavernosal nerve to the arteries in the penis is frequently injured, causing significant erectile dysfunction, even in men who have previously had excellent erectile function.
Spontaneous recovery of erectile function can occur over 2 years, but only in 15% of men 60 years and under, and only in 5% of men over 60 years.
Active intervention helps the penile tissue maintain better condition and keeps the penis in a better condition to respond.
We have effective, well proven, standard medical treatments for erectile dysfunction following prostate cancer treatment.
When can I get treatment?
Treatment can usually begin as soon as you feel comfortable with it following surgery. It is ideal to commence a course of oral medication such as sildenafil or tadalafil as soon as possible to try to restore and maintain blood flow to the penis.
Treatment is initially oral medication. If oral medication does not work, injection treatment is usually effective. Spontaneous recovery, if it happens, can occur any time up to 2-4 years post-surgery.
What happens at a consultation?
At Auckland Men’s Clinic, we are focused on you. We’ll work together and tailor the best approach for you and your circumstances. Our approach is scientifically based and we offer a range of medically proven and safe treatments.
Every man is different but here’s what to expect from a typical treatment plan with Specialist GP, Dr Alistair Somerville.
Our initial consultation
At our initial consultation, we’ll review your prostate cancer treatment history, your prior erectile function, your medical history, current medications, and lifestyle factors. We will use this information to determine a customised treatment plan to get your erectile function and sexual activity back on track.
Your treatment plan may include one or a combination of oral medication or injectable treatment.
The initial post prostate cancer consultation with the Doctor takes 30 minutes and is $230*, plus the cost of any medication or injections.
*If you are referred to us by a specialist, the consultation fee will be $200.
Ongoing Support and Follow-up
During the initial period of treatment, we’ll closely monitor your progress and together we’ll refine your treatment to achieve the best possible outcome.
Quickly and easily request repeat prescriptions via our online portal or email
Annual review to monitor progress.
And of course, if things change we are always here to help.