How Can I Get Hard After Prostatectomy and Cure ED?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common side effect of prostatectomy surgery, as it can damage the nerves and blood vessels that are important for achieving and maintaining an erection. However, there are several treatment options that can help men get hard after prostatectomy and cure ED:

1. Vacuum erection devices (VEDs): VEDs are a non-invasive treatment option that involve placing a cylinder over the penis and using a hand pump to create a vacuum that draws blood into the penis and creates an erection. A constriction band is then placed at the base of the penis to maintain the erection. Learn more about VEDs HERE.
2. Medications: Oral medications, such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra), can help increase blood flow to the penis and improve erections. These medications work best when taken on an empty stomach, and may take 30 minutes to an hour to start working.
3. Penile injections: Injecting medications, such as alprostadil or papaverine, directly into the penis can also help increase blood flow and improve erections. This treatment can be self-administered at home and may produce an erection in 5 to 20 minutes.
4. Penile implants: In cases where other treatments are not effective, a penile implant may be an option. There are several types of penile implants, but they all involve surgically inserting an inflatable or malleable device into the penis to allow for erections.

In addition to these treatment options, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption. It may also be helpful to work with a therapist or counselor to address any emotional or psychological factors that may be contributing to ED.

It is important to talk to your healthcare provider about your options for treating ED after prostatectomy, as they can help you determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs and circumstances.

Does Prostate Removal Cause Impotence?

Prostate removal, also known as a prostatectomy, can cause impotence, which is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. This is because the prostate gland plays a role in the production of semen, and the surgery can damage nerves and blood vessels that are important for achieving and maintaining an erection.

The risk of impotence after prostatectomy depends on several factors, including the type of surgery performed, the skill of the surgeon, and the age and overall health of the patient. In general, men who undergo nerve-sparing prostatectomy, in which the surgeon tries to preserve the nerves that control erections, have a lower risk of impotence compared to those who undergo non-nerve-sparing prostatectomy.

Although many men may experience temporary impotence after prostatectomy, most will regain their ability to have an erection over time. However, the recovery period can be unpredictable, and it may take several months or even up to a year to regain normal erectile function. In some cases, men may not regain full erectile function even with treatment.

There are several treatment options available to help men with impotence after prostatectomy, including medications, vacuum erection devices, penile injections, and penile implants. It is important to talk to your healthcare provider about the treatment options available and to work with them to determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs and circumstances.

Can ED Go Away On Its Own Post Surgery?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common side effect of prostate surgery, as the surgery can damage the nerves and blood vessels that are important for achieving and maintaining an erection. It is possible for ED to go away on its own post-surgery, but this depends on several factors.

In general, many men will experience some degree of ED after prostate surgery, and the recovery period can be unpredictable. Some men may experience improvement in erectile function within a few weeks to months after surgery, while others may take longer to recover, and some may not regain full erectile function even with treatment.

Factors that can affect the likelihood of ED going away on its own after surgery include the type of surgery performed, the skill of the surgeon, the age and overall health of the patient, and whether nerve-sparing techniques were used during the surgery. Nerve-sparing techniques are designed to preserve the nerves that control erections and can help reduce the risk of long-term ED.

It is important to talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns you have regarding ED after prostate surgery. They can work with you to develop a treatment plan that may include medications, vacuum erection devices, penile injections, or penile implants to help you regain erectile function. In some cases, your healthcare provider may recommend a combination of treatments to achieve the best results.

How Long After Prostate Surgery Does Impotence Last?

The duration of impotence, or erectile dysfunction (ED), after prostate surgery can vary from person to person. Many men experience some degree of ED after prostate surgery, and the recovery period can be unpredictable. Some men may experience improvement in erectile function within a few weeks to months after surgery, while others may take longer to recover, and some may not regain full erectile function even with treatment.

In general, most men will experience some degree of ED immediately after prostate surgery, and it is common for it to persist for several weeks to months after the surgery. The recovery period can be influenced by several factors, including the type of surgery performed, the skill of the surgeon, the age and overall health of the patient, and whether nerve-sparing techniques were used during the surgery.

Nerve-sparing techniques are designed to preserve the nerves that control erections and can help reduce the risk of long-term ED. If nerve-sparing techniques were used during the surgery, the recovery of erectile function may be faster.

It is important to talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns you have regarding ED after prostate surgery. They can work with you to develop a treatment plan that may include medications, vacuum erection devices, penile injections, or penile implants to help you regain erectile function. In some cases, your healthcare provider may recommend a combination of treatments to achieve the best results.

ED Treatments After Prostatectomy

Vacuum Therapy

Vacuum therapy, also known as using a vacuum erection device (VED), is a non-invasive treatment option for erectile dysfunction (ED) that may be used after prostatectomy.

A vacuum erection device is a cylinder that is placed over the penis, and a pump is used to create a vacuum, which draws blood into the penis, causing it to become erect. A constriction ring is then placed at the base of the penis to maintain the erection. This method can be helpful for men who are not able to achieve an erection on their own after prostatectomy.

Using a vacuum erection device can have several benefits, including the ability to achieve an erection without the use of medications, injections, or surgery. It can also be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as oral medications, to enhance erectile function.

It is important to talk to your healthcare provider about whether a vacuum erection device is appropriate for you and how to use it properly. They can provide guidance on the appropriate use of the device and can help you select a model that is appropriate for your needs. It is also important to follow the instructions provided with the device carefully to avoid injury or discomfort.

Prescription Medications

The most commonly prescribed medications for ED are phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, which include sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra).

PDE5 inhibitors work by increasing blood flow to the penis, helping to facilitate an erection. They are usually taken 30 to 60 minutes before sexual activity and can last for several hours.

It is important to note that PDE5 inhibitors are not effective for all men, and they may not be appropriate for men who are taking certain medications or who have certain medical conditions. In addition, they may cause side effects such as headaches, flushing, and upset stomach.

Other medications that may be used to treat ED after prostatectomy include injectable medications, such as alprostadil, that can be injected into the penis to help promote an erection. Penile suppositories, which are inserted into the urethra, may also be used.

It is important to talk to your healthcare provider about which medication is right for you, as well as the potential risks and benefits of each medication. Your healthcare provider may recommend a combination of treatments to help manage ED, such as a PDE5 inhibitor in conjunction with penile injections or vacuum erection devices. They can also help you manage any side effects you may experience from these medications.

Topicals

Topical medications are sometimes used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) after prostatectomy, although they are less commonly used than oral medications or injectable treatments.

One topical medication that is sometimes used to treat ED is alprostadil cream, which is a type of vasodilator that helps to increase blood flow to the penis. The cream is applied directly to the head of the penis, typically 5 to 30 minutes before sexual activity.

Another topical medication that is sometimes used to treat ED is a combination of topical minoxidil and tretinoin. This combination is thought to help increase blood flow to the penis, although its effectiveness for treating ED after prostatectomy has not been well-established.

It is important to talk to your healthcare provider about whether topical medications are a good option for treating your ED, as well as the potential risks and benefits of each medication. Topical medications may cause side effects such as skin irritation or rash, and they may not be effective for all men. In addition, they may interact with other medications you are taking, so it is important to disclose all medications you are taking to your healthcare provider.

Implants

Penile implants are a treatment option for men who have not had success with other treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED) after prostatectomy. Penile implants are devices that are surgically implanted into the penis, and they can help men achieve and maintain an erection for sexual activity.

There are two main types of penile implants: inflatable and malleable. Inflatable implants are more commonly used, and they consist of two cylinders that are implanted in the penis, as well as a pump that is implanted in the scrotum. When the pump is squeezed, fluid is transferred from a reservoir to the cylinders, which inflates them and creates an erection. After sexual activity, the pump is squeezed again to release the fluid and deflate the cylinders.

Malleable implants consist of two rods that are implanted in the penis, and they are always in a semi-rigid state. To achieve an erection, the penis is manually bent into a more rigid position.

Penile implants are typically recommended for men who have not had success with other treatments for ED, such as oral medications, injectable medications, or vacuum erection devices. They are also generally recommended for men who have a good understanding of the risks and benefits of the procedure and are willing to commit to the aftercare required for the device.

It is important to talk to your healthcare provider about whether a penile implant is a good option for treating your ED after prostatectomy, as well as the potential risks and benefits of the procedure. Penile implants may cause complications such as infection or mechanical failure, and they may not be covered by insurance.

Supplements

There are a variety of supplements that are marketed as treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED) after prostatectomy, although their effectiveness and safety have not been well-established. Some commonly marketed supplements for ED include:

L-arginine: This is an amino acid that helps to increase nitric oxide production in the body, which can help to increase blood flow to the penis. However, its effectiveness for treating ED after prostatectomy has not been well-established.

DHEA: This is a hormone that is produced by the adrenal gland, and it is sometimes marketed as a treatment for ED. However, studies have not found strong evidence that DHEA is effective for treating ED, and it can have side effects such as acne and hair loss.

Korean red ginseng: This is an herb that is sometimes used as a treatment for ED. Some studies have found that it may be effective for improving ED, although more research is needed.

Ginkgo biloba: This is an herb that is sometimes used to improve blood flow, and it is sometimes marketed as a treatment for ED. However, studies have not found strong evidence that it is effective for treating ED.

It is important to talk to your healthcare provider before taking any supplements for ED, as they may interact with other medications you are taking and can have side effects. Your healthcare provider can also help you determine whether a supplement is likely to be effective for your specific case of ED.