Prostate Cancer Treatment and Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Prostate cancer itself doesn’t usually cause ED; but, treatments for the
disease can. Current methods of treating prostate cancer, including surgery
with radical erectile dysfunction and the prostate
(removal of the entire prostate gland), radiation
therapy, whether by external beam or brachytherapy (radioactive seed implant),
and hormone therapy, can all cause some form of erectile erectile help.
The likelihood of developing ED following prostate cancer treatment depends
on several factors, including: the type of surgery (nerve sparing or non-nerve
sparing), your age, the extent of the cancer, the quality of erections prior to
surgery and whether you received additional therapies, such as hormone therapy
prior to the surgery or radiation therapy, either prior to or after the
surgery.
If you do develop erectile dysfunction following treatment for prostate
cancer you have several treatment options to consider.
Treatment Options
Drug Therapy
There are currently three oral drugs — Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis — that
are available to treat ED in people who have undergone treatment for prostate
cancer. While success rates vary, people who are more likely to benefit from
medicine treatment are those who have had bilateral nerve sparing radical
prostatectomy or radiation therapy. In addition, younger men undergoing
treatment for ED tend to reap more benefits from the medicine. Also, men with
fewer ED risk factors, such as cigarette smoking, hypertension, high
cholesterol, and coronary artery disease, also gain the most benefit.
Penile Injections
This is the most common treatment for ED in people who have had treatment
for prostate cancer and did not respond to oral therapy. Penile injection works in about 80% of
people who use it, but despite the success rate, long-term use of the treatment
is low. The treatment involves injecting medicine into the penis prior to sex;
but, if the technique is performed properly, pain is not usually a significant
problem.
Vacuum Cause and treatment of erectile dysfunction Devices
Vacuum constriction devices have
been helpful to some men in erectile symptom
intercourse after treatment for
prostate cancer. Many men, however, find the devise uncomfortable or somewhat
cumbersome.
Penile Prostheses
Penile prosthesis is another
treatment option for men experiencing ED as a result of prostate cancer
treatment. However, doctors generally recommend patients wait one to two years
before considering an implant to see if their condition improves or responds to
one of the nonsurgical treatment options.
Reviewed by the doctors at the Glickman Urological
Institute at The Cleveland Clinic.
