Managing Treatment Side Effects of Prostate Cancer: Erectile Dysfunction

Prostate cancer treatments, such as surgery and radiation therapy, can cause erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. ED is the inability to get or maintain an erection that is firm enough for sexual intercourse. This can be a distressing side effect for men who are undergoing prostate cancer treatment, as sexual function is an important aspect of their quality of life.

There are several ways to manage ED after prostate cancer treatment:

  1. Medications: Oral medications, such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra), can help improve erectile function. These drugs work by increasing blood flow to the penis, which helps to produce an erection. They are most effective when taken 30 minutes to an hour before sexual activity.
  2. Penile injections: Another treatment option is to inject medication directly into the penis. This medication, such as alprostadil, helps to increase blood flow to the penis, leading to an erection. This is a very effective treatment option, with a success rate of over 80%.
  3. Vacuum erection devices: A vacuum erection device (VED) is a device that creates a vacuum around the penis, which helps to draw blood into the penis, producing an erection. This device consists of a plastic tube, a pump, and a constriction ring that is placed around the base of the penis to maintain the erection.
  4. Penile implants: For men who do not respond to other treatments, a penile implant may be an option. This is a surgical procedure in which an inflatable or malleable device is implanted into the penis to help produce an erection.

It is important for men to discuss their options for managing ED with their healthcare provider, as there may be other factors to consider, such as their overall health and any other medications they are taking. It is also important for men to have a realistic expectation about their ability to regain erectile function after prostate cancer treatment. In some cases, it may take several months or even years for sexual function to return to normal, if at all.