Sex after surgery

[ticketyboo]

This is the sort of question my husband wants to ask, but is too embarrassed to ask! He will be having prostate surgery and is really worried about both the continence issues he’s read about, but more importantly the effect the operation could have on his ability, post operation, to function properly in the sexual intercourse department.

He’s read that surgery can lead to impotence either temporarily or more permanently, and this has really worried him. Clearly it won’t stop him from having the surgery BUT are there any words of comfort you could offer that I can pass on to him to help put his mind at rest? He’s only 46 years old and we still have an active sex life. I love my husband very much and just want to support him in any way I can.

Thank you in anticipation of your help.
Ginny

[Dr Jon Rees]

Hi

What a shock to be diagnosed with prostate cancer at such a young age.... Is there a history in his family? Does he have any brothers of similar age, as they should make sure they have PSA tests on a fairly regular basis...

I can really understand his worries. I would try to reassure him.. Modern surgical techniques have really improved the outcome for men in terms of erectile function and his age is hugely on his side. If his erectile function is normal now, then he is far more likely to do well after surgery, but he will probably need help with medication such as Cialis or Viagra after surgery. Most people take these tablets to help keep the blood flowing into the tissue of the penis post operatively and we know this helps hugely for the long term recovery of erections.

Hs he discussed this with his surgeon and the specialist nurse, because they would be happy to discuss this openly with you both and hopefully go some way to put his mind at rest. no one can guarantee that everything will be fine, but the odds are firmly (bad choice of word!) in his favour.....

[Mr Omer Karim]

I agree. It must be devastating to be diagnosed with prostate cancer at such a young age. Hopefully his PSA is relatively low and the prostate cancer is still localised. Unfortunately he is not alone and certainly not the youngest (http://www.davincistories.com/search-st ... tml?id=354).
If his cancer is localised (sounds like it if surgery has been offered), he should consider himself fortunate that if he was going to develop prostate cancer, he has had it picked up incidently. All treatment options should be available. Surgery has changed dramatically over the last few years with the advent of robotic assisted surgery. He should do his research on the internet and ask to be referred to a centre with experienced robotic surgeons. In England, any patient can ask to be referred to any Specialist Centre on the NHS for cancer treatment by choice. The real advantage of surgery for a young man is that it leaves other treatments in reserve should they ever become necessary. Unfortunately brachytherapy and radiotherapy cause a considerable amount of scarring in the pelvis and side effects get worse with time. Nerve sparing robotic assisted surgery has very good outcomes in experienced hands.

[Philippa Aslet]

Hi Ginny
Prostate cancer in a young man can be devastating. It is normal that the treatment of the cancer takes centre stage at the moment, but it is important to consider the complications of surgery and any treatment. It is also normal for a man to find the prospect of erection problems post operatively a real concern.

Can I encourage you and your husband to ask the surgeon about his results of surgery. What is his/her post op continence rate and potency rates. Speak to a Specialist Nurse at the hospital as the role of the the specialist nurse is to support the patient and relatives ensuring that your husband gets all the support and information he needs to make the right decisions for him. They will also know what services are available should he need additional treatment to improve the erections post surgery. It can take quite a long time for the erections to improve after surgery so don't expect the erections to be back to normal over night. There can continue to be improvement for up to two years after surgery if the nerves have been preserved.

I wish your husband a speedy recovery after his surgery.