Post-Surgery ED Therapy for Prostate Cancer Patients
Prostate cancer is a tough diagnosis for any man to face – and post-surgery, one of the biggest issues is the impact it can have on their sex lives and relationships with erectile dysfunction and incontinence affecting almost all men.
If you have undergone a radical prostatectomy or other prostate cancer surgery and are now suffering ED or Incontinence, don't be alarmed. MansMatters offer proven treatment protocols that can help you overcome this and enjoy sexual satisfaction once more.
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How We Treat ED and Incontinence After Prostate Cancer Surgery
We treat ED patients with cutting-edge, non-invasive treatments that provide long-term benefits.
The foundation of our unique combination of treatments is Focused Shockwave Therapy (FSWT) and the Tesla Chair. Shockwave therapy uses special shockwaves to generate new blood vessels, repair damaged nerves, break down plaques, and improve blood flow in the penile tissues. Shockwave therapy is also used in conjunction with our other revolutionary non-invasive ED treatments, including the Tesla Chair, Functional Magnetic Stimulation, Extracorporeal MagnetoTransduction Therapy (EMTT) and NanoVi Exo.
The Tesla chair is an amazing piece of technology, which allows you to undertake nearly thirty thousand Pelvic floor or Kegel exercises in just over 30-minutes. These exercises are recommended by Urologists post-surgery, but difficult for many men to undertake just a few of them manually. The Tesla chair strengthens the Pelvic floor, harmonises the nervous system and leads to increased blood flow in the penis.
Electromagnetic Transduction therapy (EMTT) creates strong magnetic fields within the endothelial cells of the penis, which increases blood vessel dynamism, speeds up the healing process, enhances intercellular communication, and further enhances blood flow in the penile tissues.
The effectiveness of EMTT is enhanced in a major way when it is used alongside shockwave therapy. NanoVi Exo has many health benefits including reducing oxidative stress. All treatment procedures work with great efficacy even in those ED patients who have had prostate cancer surgeries.
Prostate cancer and sex lives
One of the most significant issues men with prostate cancer face post-surgery is the impact it often has on their sex lives and relationships. The prostate gland plays a crucial role in male sexual function, and its removal can lead to a range of sexual problems, including erectile dysfunction, decreased sexual desire, and difficulty achieving orgasm.
These sexual issues can be particularly challenging for men who have had a long-term partner or who are in a committed relationship. The changes to their sexual function can affect their intimacy and connection with their partner, leading to feelings of frustration, shame, and anxiety.
Moreover, many men may feel embarrassed or reluctant to discuss these issues with their partners or healthcare providers, which can make it challenging to access appropriate support and treatment.
In addition to the physical and emotional impacts on sexual function, prostate cancer surgery can also have other side effects, such as urinary incontinence and bowel dysfunction, which can further impact a man's quality of life and relationships.
While the prostate glands full functions are still not fully understood, researchers do know that it plays an important role in both sexual and urinary function. When the prostate gland is removed, it can have a significant impact on a man's ability to have and sustain an erection. This is because the nerves and blood vessels that control sexual function run along the sides of the prostate gland. During surgery, these nerves and blood vessels can be damaged or removed, leading to a decreased ability to achieve and maintain an erection.
Find out more how MansMatters can help you.
Contact us for a free 20-minute consultation with our men's health specialists.
Arrange a Free Telephone Consultation
Book a Treatment or Diagnosis
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Your life post surgery
According to Cancer Research UK, survival rates for prostate cancer continue to improve, and the ten-year survival rate for the disease is now over 85%. This represents a significant improvement from just a few decades ago when the ten-year survival rate was around 35%.
Prostate cancer remains the most common cancer in men, with more than 57,000 new cases diagnosed in the UK each year. Radiotherapy or surgery are common treatment options, but they can have life-changing side effects, including impotence and incontinence.
Post Surgery Support
While survival rates following prostate surgery are now quite high, the emphasis in the NHS is on this rather than post-surgery support. Many men experience side effects after prostate surgery, and the most common ones are erectile dysfunction and incontinence.
According to some studies, up to 80% of men experience erectile dysfunction after prostate surgery, and around 10-20% experience long-term incontinence. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the percentage of sufferers is much higher.
Advances in screening and early detection, as well as improvements in treatment options, have contributed to the improved survival rates for prostate cancer. In addition, the use of nerve-sparing surgery and other techniques to minimise the side effects of treatment, such as erectile dysfunction, has helped improve the quality of life for prostate cancer survivors.
Causes of Prostate Cancer
Doctors are not exactly sure what causes prostate cancer, but various research studies have identified some factors which can increase the risk of the development of prostate cancer in patients.
- Ageing is considered a risk factor for prostate cancer, as people over the age of 50 face an increased risk of suffering from prostate cancer and the majority of men in their 80's will be diagnosed with it, but with older men this is normally treated with medication and not surgery.
- This disease is considered a genetic issue as well, if there is a family history of breast or prostate cancer, then the rest of the family members have a higher risk of suffering from prostate cancer.
- Obesity is also considered a risk factor for prostate cancer.
- Also, black people tend to have an increased risk of suffering from prostate cancer more than people in other ethnic groups.
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Until the prostate cancer has grown large enough to put pressure on the urethra, it usually doesn't cause any symptoms.
Common symptoms of prostate cancer include:
- frequent urination, often during the night,
- hesitancy
- weak urine flow
- blood in the urine and semen
- bone pain
- unintentional weight loss
- loss of appetite
- Erectile Dysfunction
However, there is no guarantee that the patient has prostate cancer if he experiences any of these symptoms. That's why it's important to consult a specialist if these symptoms occur to determine the exact cause of them.
Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer
If the symptoms are persistent, then certain medical tests are undertaken to diagnose the exact reason for them. A PSA blood test is one of the most commonly used tests by the doctors when prostate cancer symptoms start to appear. However, this is not a definitive test for prostate cancer.
A biopsy test on the other hand provides a more definitive result as it is done to detect prostate cancer specifically and determine the severity of this disease. A Digital Rectal Examination or DRE is usually done before doing a biopsy.
If prostate cancer is detected, then further tests such as an MRI and CT scan or bone scan is done to check whether the cancer is contained within the prostate only or has spread elsewhere. The doctor will then suggest the required treatments based on the severity of the prostate cancer.
Mansmatters undertakes PSA testing and Digital Rectal Examinations.
Nerve-Sparing Prostatectomy & Its Impact on Sexual Function & Quality of Life
Sexual desire and function are influenced by both physical and psychological factors, including the performance of sex organs, blood supply, nerves, brain function, and hormones. In addition, one's thoughts and emotions towards oneself and others can also affect sexual response. If a man with prostate cancer is in a relationship, the effects on sexual function can also impact his partner.
If you have prostate cancer and it hasn't spread outside your prostate gland, surgery is a common option to try to cure it. The most common type of surgery is called a radical prostatectomy, which removes the prostate gland. However, in the past, a traditional type of prostatectomy called an open prostatectomy was more common, but it's done less often nowadays.
During a radical prostatectomy, the nerves responsible for potency are intertwined with blood vessels and must be controlled to prevent blood loss. To minimise damage to these nerves during surgery and reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction after the operation, surgeons will usually use a Nerve-Sparing (NS) approach. This means carefully dissecting the prostate gland and surrounding tissue, taking care not to damage the neurovascular bundles.
If the cancer has not spread beyond the prostate gland and the nerves can be preserved, the patient has a greater chance of retaining erectile function after the operation. This approach can also improve a patient's quality of life and reduce the psychological impact of prostate cancer treatment.
Overall, the outcomes of a nerve-sparing prostatectomy will depend on several factors, including the patient's age, overall health, and the extent of the cancer. While a nerve-sparing approach can help reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction after the operation, some patients may still experience some degree of erectile dysfunction.
ED Therapy for Prostate Cancer Patients FAQs
What Are the Traditional Treatments for Erectile Dysfunction (ED) in Men Who have Undergone Prostate Cancer Surgery?
The traditional treatments for ED after prostate cancer surgery include medications (such as “little blue pills”), penile injections, vacuum erection devices, and penile implants.
How do Medications Like "Little Blue Pills" Work to Improve Erectile Function After Prostate Cancer Treatment?
Medications like “little blue pills” work by improving blood flow to the penis, helping to facilitate an erection. They are typically taken orally before sexual activity.
What Are The Potential Side Effects of Medication Treatments for Edi in Men With a History of Prostate Cancer?
The potential side effects of medication treatments for ED may include:
- Headache
- Flushing
- Indigestion
- Nasal congestion
- Visual disturbances
- In rare cases, priapism (prolonged erection)
Are Penile Injections a Common Treatment Option for ED in Men Who Have Had Prostate Cancer Treatment?
Yes, penile injections are a common treatment option for ED in men who have had prostate cancer treatment. This involves injecting medication directly into the penis to improve blood flow and stimulate an erection.
How Do Vacuum Erection Devices Work, and are they Effective in Treating ED After Prostate Cancer Surgery?
Vacuum erection devices are external devices that create a vacuum around the penis, which helps draw blood into the penis and stimulate an erection. They can be effective in treating ED after prostate cancer surgery for some men, although comfort and ease of use may vary, and intercourse needs to be planned in advance which can be difficult in some situations especially when sex has previously been a spontaneous activity.
What Are Penile Implants, and Under What Circumstances are They Considered for Treating ED In Prostate Cancer Patients?
Penile implants are devices surgically implanted into the penis to help achieve an erection. While they enable a man to have an erection on demand, the disadvantages include the need for invasive surgery, potential risks associated with surgery, and the irreversible nature of the procedure. They are considered for treating ED in prostate cancer patients only as a final resort, when all other options have been unsuccessful or are not suitable.
Can Shockwave Therapy Be An Effective Alternative for Treating ED In Prostate Cancer Patients?
Yes, shockwave therapy has shown promising results as an alternative treatment for ED in prostate cancer patients. It uses shockwaves to stimulate blood vessel growth and improve blood flow to the penis thus enhancing erectile function.
What Clinical Studies or Research Support is there That Demonstrates the Effectiveness Of Shockwave Therapy for ED In Men Who Have Had Prostate Cancer Treatment?
Clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of shockwave therapy for ED in men who have had prostate cancer treatment. Some studies have shown significant improvements in erectile function and penile blood flow after shockwave therapy. Our own research and treatment of men with this problem backs these clinical studies up.
Is Shockwave Therapy Safe for Treating ED In Patients With Prostate Cancer?
Yes. Our shockwave therapy is an extremely safe treatment option for most men including patients with prostate cancer. It has no major side-effects whatsoever.
Is Shockwave Therapy Painful?
No. Shockwave therapy is a fully non-invasive treatment procedure that requires no surgical intervention whatsoever. It is generally a completely painless treatment method, though some men may experience mild discomfort and a tingling sensation. However, such sensations are not very serious at all.
Do You Provide Any Other ED Treatments for Patients With Prostate Cancer?
Yes. Along with shockwave therapy and EMTT therapy, we also provide other revolutionary non-invasive ED treatments, such as NanoVi and Functional Magnetic Stimulation or the Tesla Chair. Just like shockwave therapy and EMTT, these treatments are also safe for patients with prostate cancer.
How Effective Is EMTT Therapy in Treating ED In Patients with Prostate Cancer?
EMTT is extremely effective in speeding up the healing process and improving the blood flow inside the penile tissues. This ED treatment works with great efficacy in prostate cancer patients as well.
Is Shockwave Therapy Compatible With Your Other ED Treatments?
Our focused shockwave therapy is fully compatible with other ED therapies. The effectiveness of shockwave therapy is significantly increased when we combine it with EMTT therapy, NanoVi and the Tesla Chair.
Do You Recommend Patients Who Have Had Prostate Cancer Surgery yo Take “Little Blue Pills” for the Treatment Of ED?
We do not recommend “little blue pills” as a total solution for the treatment of ED in patients who have had prostate cancer surgery, as in the long run their effectiveness decreases. These pills also have various side-effects which can negatively affect the health of the patients.
What Are the Common Causes and Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer can occur for a variety of reasons. It has a number of known risk factors, such as ageing, genetics, obesity, etc.
Is ED a Common Issue in Men Who Have Had Prostate Cancer Surgery?
ED is considered a common issue in men who have had prostate cancer surgery. A great number of men suffer from ED right after having the surgery. Although some men experience improved erectile function within one year of surgery, others require effective ED treatments in order to obtain and sustain strong erections necessary for satisfactory sex.
Can Prostate Cancer be Avoided?
There is no proven strategy which can prevent the development of prostate cancer with a 100% guarantee. But a person can minimise the risk of prostate cancer by following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and leading a healthy lifestyle and very importantly getting regularly tested after the age of 50.
Is Prostate Cancer a Fatal Disease?
Prostate cancer can be fatal. However, it has one of the highest survival rates among all types of cancers. To survive prostate cancer, early detection and early treatments are extremely important.
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