Funding research and education to beat prostate disease
Sex life
Some treatments for prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can leave you with reduced or absent erections. This is often called erectile dysfunction and orgasm is usually unaffected.
Solutions for loss of erection
Medications in tablet form.
Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil) and Levitra (vardenafil) are the most common drugs and help to produce an erection by increasing the blood supply to the penis. These drugs are available on the NHS in some circumstances, e.g. after prostate surgery. Unfortunately, many men do not qualify for these drugs under NHS rules and will have to pay for a private prescription.
Injecting drugs directly into the penis.
Caverject and Viridial (alprostadil) are examples of drugs used. These drugs restrict blood flow and trap blood in the penis to cause an erection.
Inserting pellets into the penis.
The drug Muse (alprostadil) is inserted via a small applicator into the opening of the urethra at the end of the penis and is absorbed into the local tissue.
Vacuum pumps.
Hand or battery operated, these devices are placed over the penis and pumped to produce a vacuum, which draws blood into the penis. Once the penis is erect, a rubber band is placed around the base to restrict the blood flow. Pumps are available on the NHS.
Penile implant.
There are two types of penile implant, both of which are inserted in a surgical procedure.
- Semi-rigid rods – these keep the penis fairly rigid all the time but can be bent down when an erection is not required.
- A hydraulic device – this is activated by a control and allows the penis to be erect or flaccid.
If the nerves that control your erection are damaged during a prostatectomy, it doesn’t mean your sex life is over. An erection is not a necessity to give you and your partner sexual pleasure. Oral sex, mutual touching, masturbation or the use of sexual toys can be very effective.
Pain during intercourse can occur during or after treatment of all prostate diseases. Pain can reduce sexual feelings and limit desire. It is important to let your partner know if sex is painful and discuss any concerns you have. Pain can lead to tension and tension can distract you from feeling aroused.
Although you may feel embarrassed, do not hesitate to ask your doctor any questions you may have regarding your sex life.
Infertility
Some treatments for prostate disease require procedures or operations that will render you infertile. This can be very distressing news to hear and your doctor will fully discuss the implications of consenting to such an operation beforehand. If you feel that you or your partner want to talk to someone else, your doctor will put you in touch with a professional counsellor or therapist.
It is possible, before you start your treatment, to store your sperm (or bank it) for future use. You may be charged a fee to store your sperm and you will require fertility treatment to use it, which can be expensive.
Support groups
The Sexual Advice Association, (formerly the Sexual Dysfunction Association), is a charitable organisation, to help improve the sexual health and wellbeing of men and women and to raise awareness of the extent to which sexual conditions affect the general population.
A wealth of advice on male and female sexual problems and how to seek help is available on the Sexual Advice Association website.
