Life Before MansMatters
I am a 62-year-old male who hasn’t been in the best of health over the years. However, nothing quite prepared me for the word ‘Cancer’, especially when it was a consultant looking over a desk at me.
My diagnosis of Prostate Cancer came as a shock as I hadn’t noticed any deterioration in my health. Although I had been careful about regular checks and had had PSA tests before, this time there was an increase in the PSA levels, and I was referred for a biopsy. I can still recall the consultant, who simply said, ‘The results show that you have Prostate Cancer’. The biopsy had confirmed adenocarcinoma of the prostate. After that, it was a bit of a blur. I remember the surgeon outlining the surgical process, timing, and implications. However, at that time, I was consumed by the thought of having cancer inside my body. While I can now vaguely recall that the risks of incontinence and erectile dysfunction were mentioned, I must admit that this didn’t register fully at the time. The word cancer overshadowed all other considerations.
My Prostate Surgery
Six weeks later, I underwent radical prostatectomy, a surgery to remove the cancerous cells from the prostate. The surgery was considered successful and nerve-sparing. Although I am now under supervision for five years, within days of the catheter being removed, I realised that I had little urinary control and even minor movements led to leakage. I was given pads to wear and in later rehab was shown how to do pelvic floor exercises, which helped a little but nothing worth reporting home about.
Additionally, I had complete erectile dysfunction. Before surgery, I wasn’t at my peak, but I didn’t have any significant problems down there. After surgery, it was a total absence of morning erections and no spontaneous erections, however hard I tried. I was prescribed PDE5 inhibitors and encouraged to do more exercises and told my function would come back. It never did.
My medical history includes type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolaemia. I am now aware that these conditions can significantly influence both erectile recovery and incontinence post-surgery. Despite good control of my diabetes, I understood that damage to my blood vessels was likely a contributing factor to my post-surgery problems.
Early Management
The initial months post-surgery were frustrating. I followed all recommended advice of pelvic floor muscle training. My pad usage, initially six per day, reduced only slightly to four.
For erectile dysfunction, I explored multiple options. PDE5 inhibitors provided minimal benefit. I trialled Caverject injection, which produced partial rigidity but required injecting the penis each time before intercourse, something I found very uncomfortable. I also attempted intraurethral alprostadil suppositories but discontinued these due to severe burning sensations.
I was given no further guidance. I was told that “recovery can take time,” but months were passing with no improvement. I began researching the web extensively. It was through this process that I came across MansMatters, a clinic specialising in post-prostatectomy recovery, which focused on erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence rehabilitation.
The MansMatters Rehab Programme
I contacted MansMatters. Their assessment was thorough and evidence-based, and for the first time since surgery, I felt that my condition was being approached with the latest learnings.
The plan included a technology-led programme combining low-intensity shockwave therapy and Tesla Chair sessions for pelvic floor muscle strengthening. I was advised that given my condition, a minimum of ten sessions would be required for meaningful recovery.
My prescription was also changed from sildenafil to tadalafil 5 mg daily to improve my penile blood flow and assist with recovery.
Gradual Improvement
By the fifth session, I noticed measurable changes. Morning erections, which had been completely absent since surgery, started happening once or twice a week. Although not great, it was a sign that things were happening. Erection quality improved to approximately 50% rigidity.
My urinary control also improved significantly during this period. Pad usage reduced from four to two per day.
By the end of the course, I achieved full continence. I no longer required pads and can engage in daily activities without worry.
Erectile function had improved dramatically. My erections reached 85–90% rigidity, and for the first time since surgery, I can be intimate with my wife. Morning erections are now regular.
I attribute the improvements to the range of different technologies used at MansMatters and their deep understanding of the Prostate Cancer Rehabilitation process. The Tesla chair is an amazing piece of technology, and that combined with Shockwave therapy has undoubtedly made a huge difference to my life.
Speaking to other Prostate Cancer sufferers, I recognise that my initial reaction to the diagnosis was very normal. I was driven by fear of what could happen and focused on the surgery and surviving and didn’t register that Erectile Dysfunction and Incontinence were likely side effects.
We had all been told this, but psychologically, the word ‘cancer’ was all-consuming.
Discovering and undertaking technology-led rehabilitation through MansMatters changed that journey. I now consider myself very fortunate, not only for being cancer-free but also for regaining my sex life and not having to wear pads. I now realise that post-surgery recuperation, whatever the surgery, is very important, and it is not just about the surgery. When we make major changes to our bodies, the bodies react, and we need the best possible rehabilitation.
As I said to the doctors who treated me:
I thought this was my life, leaking, no sex life, and nervous about attending social events. After I received treatment from MansMatters, I can honestly say it didn’t just work, you changed my life.
For MansMatters, this case highlights the many challenges men face following radical prostatectomy, where the core aim of the surgery is to save lives, not post-surgery sexual function. The rehabilitation requires a multi-modal approach using the latest technologies that target strengthening the pelvic floor and recovering blood flow to the penis, as well as lifestyle modifications.
This has been reviewed by Mr Leon Almashan, Lead Medical Consultant at MansMatters.
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