Regaining Erections After Prostatectomy
Here are effective strategies and treatments to help you regain the ability to achieve erections after a prostatectomy.
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By Darren Davey Mens Health Prostate Surgery Recovey 10 December 2024

SUMMARY

This article describes the common challenge of erectile dysfunction after prostatectomy and highlights strategies and treatments that may support regaining erections over time.

KEY POINTS

  1. Recovery is gradual and depends on factors like age, baseline erectile health, and whether nerve-sparing surgery was used, with many men seeing improvements, often within 9–12 months.
  2. Effective interventions include PDE-5 inhibitors, vacuum erection devices, penile injections or implants (for more severe cases), penile rehabilitation, pelvic floor exercises, and lifestyle or emotional support to optimise outcomes.

Many men hope to regain erections after prostatectomy, and while timelines vary, having access to knowledgeable care can help the process. For men in Adelaide, finding a local specialist familiar with penile rehabilitation can make a meaningful difference.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common challenge for men following prostate surgery, particularly radical prostatectomy, due to the potential damage of the cavernous nerves during the procedure. While recovery takes time, there are effective strategies and treatments to help you regain the ability to achieve erections.

The Road to Recovery

After surgery, erectile function may return gradually over months or even years. The degree of recovery depends on factors such as age, pre-surgery erectile health, and whether nerve-sparing techniques were used during the operation.

Treatments to Support Recovery

  1. Medications: PDE5 inhibitors like Viagra (sildenafil) or Cialis (tadalafil) enhance blood flow to the penis, helping stimulate erections.
  2. Vacuum Erection Devices (VEDs): These mechanical devices create a vacuum around the penis, drawing blood in to produce an erection.
  3. Penile Injections: Injectable medications can provide immediate, strong erections for men who don’t respond to oral drugs.
  4. Penile Implants: For severe, persistent ED, surgically implanted devices offer a long-term solution.
  5. Penile Rehabilitation: Early intervention with medications or devices can prevent long-term tissue damage and support natural erectile recovery.

Lifestyle and Emotional Considerations

  • Healthy Habits: Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and quitting smoking promote better blood flow and overall health.
  • Pelvic Floor Exercises: (AKA Kegel exercises) strengthen pelvic muscles, which may enhance erectile function.
  • Emotional Support: Anxiety and stress can worsen ED. Open communication with your partner and counselling can ease emotional barriers.

Patience is Key

Erectile recovery is gradual, with many men seeing improvements within the first 9 – 12 months. With the right medical guidance and perseverance, most men can regain satisfying sexual function.

For tailored advice, consult a healthcare provider specialising in post-prostatectomy care.

Restoring sexual function after prostatectomy is a layered process, and having trusted, accessible local guidance can make it more manageable, whether you’re in Adelaide or elsewhere.

Want to get in touch?

We support men across Australia, particularly in Adelaide and its surrounding areas, with tailored follow-up and rehabilitation guidance. If you’re in Adelaide and would like in-clinic assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT JUMP TO HERE: MEN’S HEALTH PHYSIO