Erectile Dysfunction and Prostate Cancer Impotence

Erectile Dysfunction - impotence and sterility

The possibility of impotence is a serious consideration when faced with treatment for prostate cancer. At this point we should clarify the difference between impotence and sterility.  Male impotence otherwise known as Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a sexual dysfunction resulting in the inability to produce or maintain an erection of the penis long enough to achive orgasm. If a male is sterile this means that the sperms he produces will not fertilize the female egg. Despite the fact that the male may achieve an erection and orgasm he will not be able to father a child while sterile.

Prostate cancer treatment may be unavoidable but all aspects including the possibility of impotence after prostate cancer treatment should be explained to and discussed with the patient and the patient’s partner.

There is a high probability of impotence occurring after most prostate cancer treatments specifically in the first 3 to 12 months. As a direct result of radiation treatment, surgery, suppression or different forms of cell removal the nerves and blood vessels that control the physical performance are vulnerable and may be impaired. The impaired nerves will not function normally and consequently will be unable to produce an erection.

Erectile Dysfunction - recovery

The recovery of younger patients is expected to be more rapid and the occurrence of erectile dysfunction with prostate cancer may lead to temporary impotence but they should soon be able to have an erection without the aid of drugs and other forms of medications.

For older patients recovery of normal functions may not happen with the impotence after prostate cancer treatment becoming permanent. The results will be affected by the type of prostate cancer treatment undergone

It is not unusual for patients who have had some form of prostate cancer treatment to take medication to achieve an erection.

Statistics show that the majority of males with no impairment to the nerves and blood vessels should experience a significant improvement within 12 months of prostate cancer treatment.

In addition, approximately one half of males who have had a prostatectomy will be able to resume normal functions. After approximately 2 years, 75% will be able to perform normal functions.

The numbers for patients who undergo radiation therapy are a little better but there is little improvement beyond 2 years.

Erectile dysfunction will be experienced by approximately 25% of patients after brachytherapy whereas the figure will be nearer 50% for patients after standard external beam radiation. Once again there will be little improvement beyond 2 years.

Erectile Dysfunction - other considerations

Because people usually think of male orgasm as erection and ejaculation, you may be surprised to learn that even though a  patient has had their prostate removed and they have erectile dysfunction it does not mean that they can not experience the feeling of sexual pleasure or orgasm. The removal of the prostate may prevent the male organ from producing seminal fluids and semen but the sensation will still be experienced but it will be a dry orgasm

The question of impotence for older men who still want to father children is clearly very important. If the prognosis is that sterility is inevitable, sperm banks may be an option to consider prior to any prostate cancer treatment.