When men undergo treatment for prostate cancer, whether it’s surgery, radiation, or even hormone therapy, their sexual function can be affected. First of all, any surgery will interfere with the nerves and sometimes the blood vessels; so erectile dysfunction is very common. You may also have difficulties with continence, urinary continence, and that can also affect how you feel about yourself sexually.

When men undergo treatment for prostate cancer, whether it’s surgery, radiation, or even hormone therapy, their sexual function can be affected. First of all, any surgery will interfere with the nerves and sometimes the blood vessels; so erectile dysfunction is very common. You may also have difficulties with continence, urinary continence, and that can also affect how you feel about yourself sexually.

                       

Furthermore, if you have radiation, you will also get effects to the nerves and blood vessels but they will be more delayed compared to having surgery where the nerves are injured and you will get better erections as time goes on.

Some men have no serious erectile effects from any of the prostate cancer treatments. But in general, your sexual function is usually affected between 50 and 80 percent of the time. After radical prostatectomy, some men may also note that their orgasmic function changes. Some men notice that it is somewhat painful initially. Some men notice no change. Some men notice that the quality of the erection can also alter whether less or better in some cases. If you have sexual side effects from prostate cancer treatment, please see your doctor. There are methods and medications that can help you with both your erection, your continence, and if you have any difficulties with pain. Presenter: Dr. Stacy Elliott, Psychiatrist, Vancouver, BC

Now Health Network Local Practitioners: Local Urologist 

HealthChoicesFirst Health Talk : Erectile Dysfunction Following a Vasectomy " Jason a 42-year-old executive with three children" is treated by a local Urologist  Jason is a 42-year-old executive with three children. Although both busy with their careers, Jason and his wife had a good sexual life, and he had no erectile or ejaculatory difficulties.