Erection after prostate removal

Hi, I had prostate removed end of October. After the surgery, I didn’t see any doctor before leaving hospital so couldn’t ask any questions. Now I have my first appointment only in January so 2 months to wait. I’ve read somewhere that you should start to « train » having erection as soon as possible after the catheter removal. But since I couldn’t ask any questions I don’t know if I should try already now or wait until my appointment. I don’t want to hear in January I should have already started. Should I just try to ***, should I use a pump, if yes how and for how long… I tried to contact but impossible to meet him until January so I feel frustrated and lost. Can you help me ? 

  • Hi had mine out in January got my pump 4 weeks ago I kept asking I was told was 2 early  had to heal properly  first it didn't help had to wait 2 months to see Ed clinic so could of probably  started 2 months earlier  hopefully  this helps

  • so you had to wait 8 months before trying to get an erection again ? That seems an eternity to me. What is strange is on the papers they gave me about the surgery it is written : »your doctor may suggest starting treatment for erection problems before the surgery or in the first few weeks afterwards » and « starting treatment soon after surgery may improve your chances of getting erections later on ». So this is very confusing…

  • To me that sounds like pelvic flood exercises  I started that as soon as I new about operation then after catheter  comes out for incontinence  

  • Not so sure cause they are talking about treatment for erection problem not incontinence which is a separate chapter where they are talking about the pelvic exercises

  • They give you tablets taladafil which helps restore blood to the nerves then up the dose to help with erections I was told year to 2 years to get erections  back but that's not a guarantee 

  • Hello and thanks for posting

    After prostate surgery it's very common to experience changes in sexual function as nerves that control erections can be affected. This can lead to weaker or shorter lasting erections. It's usually safe to have natural erections, and masturbate after your catheter is removed provided you are not in any pain. If you experience pain it's probably best to wait a bit longer until you have healed more. Using a vacuum pump might help but it's best to check with your specialist nurse first as they need to check if your wounds have healed enough and that your not having pain, and you know how to use the pump safely.

    Many men also find their orgasms feel different, this is known as a dry orgasm where there still is the sensation of climax, but no semen comes out. Dry orgasms are not harmful and do not put pressure on your body.

    We have information about sex and erection problems after treatment for prostate cancer on our website. Prostate Cancer UK have some information on prostate cancer and your sex life on their website. They also have a  Sexual Support Service  who you can contact for further advice.

    You may also find it helpful to connect with others who are going through something similar. Prostate Cancer UK has an online community forum that can provide a safe confidential space to share your feelings and hear from men about what you are all going through. Sometimes, hearing how others have coped can often help.

    I hope this is of some use. Give us a ring if you would like to talk anything over. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Kind Regards,

    Celene

  • Thank you very much Celene for your clear and understandable explanation ! I feel way better now and have a better idea in my head of how to approach this issue. I wish they have done the same when I called the nurse team for urology… hope your answer will help others struggling with this.