Prostate Surgery

[fedupwithmickeytaking45]

I’m undergoing prostate surgery in the next few months, and I’m quite anxious about it anyway. At the moment with all the stress and pain I’ve lost my libido but wondered if the surgery could affect my sexual function in the future? Is it common to have erectile problems after?

[Jonharper]

Hi,
Just by way of sharing my experience and hopefully some reassurance, I have had prostate surgery (TURPS) twice; the second time because the surgeon had been over-cautious and a bit more of the prostate needed to be taken away. The first time post-op, everything worked perfectly. Following the second op, I was left with retrograde ejaculation but no erectile problems. I am now on finasteride as my prostate is enlarging again and although this is effective in reducing the prostate size, the side effects of this are worse than those following the op ie. softer erections and less sensation on ejaculation (which remains retrograde). My understanding is that the more of the prostrate that is taken away, the greater the potential for complications to arise.

[Lorraine Grover]

Stress and pain can affect libido and erectile function. It would be worth thinking of how you could reduce both of these factors before surgery. I appreciate obtaining answers to questions you have can help relieve stress. What is the prostate surgery you are having? I ask as it can vary as to whether you will suffer with erectile dysfunction temporarily or permanently. Also it is worth knowing there are many treatments to help obtain and maintain erections as well as behavioural exercises that can help.