Impotence and prostate surgery
By admin at 22 February, 2009, 12:00 am
Sexual Dysfunction & Radical Prostatectomy
Erectile Dysfunction is common after a prostatectomy. Urologists, if possible, will attempt to perform nerve sparing surgery in an attempt to reduce erectile dysfunction in patients. However, this is not always possible, and the risks can be high. In the medical industry, there has been some debate whether a surgery so soon after the prostatectomy (normally within 2 months) is the best way to try to help one’s problem with ED caused by the surgery itself. These treatments include oral tablets, injections or penile vacuum pump. After a prostatectomy, common side effects include the lack of an ejaculate, although it is still possible to have an orgasm. Other men have reported instances of pain when climaxing during sex. And, even during a full erection, it might be shorter than it once might have been. Though the debate is strong, it really depends on the wants of the patient and what they can live with. Some patients do not want to have to take pills for the rest of their life, while other patients have no problem with it. Please consult with your doctor and partner first, as it is difficult to reverse the surgery once it has been done.
Partners often express concern and worry that sexual activity could be harmful for their partner and fear that though it would be nice to have sexual intercourse that the risks are just too great for them to take. They may also feel frustrated that, after the shock of their partner being treated for cancer, they now have to live with the unfortunate side effect of the surgery, sexual dysfunction. It is common for some partners to even experience some sort of depression as they have had so many emotions from having to confront the possible death of their partner, to the relief that he is alive, to finally realizing that things might not be how they used to be. Partners need to remember that they, and their partner, have gone through a very difficult time and things will not be as they once were. Some relationships may grow stronger, while other may grow apart. Professional support is always available for men and their partners should they want it and it is always encouraged to seek help both during the treatment of prostate problems and after. A good healthy relationship must always confront the difficult times together and only hope everything turns out well in the end.
With all difficult times, the best thing going into it all is a positive attitude. Should you have prostate problems, start bringing your partner to the doctor appointments regularly so that you know that you are going through it together. Also, this will give you a chance to discuss all the future complications well ahead of time so that you can be better prepared to deal with them.
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