Sex after prostatectomy

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-03-2003
Sex after prostatectomy
5
Sat, 10-15-2005 - 10:07am
My SO has recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer and has decided to undergo a DaVinci prostatectomy. I know that prostate removal results in the inability to ejaculate and can also result in impotence or difficulty in reaching orgasm. Sex is a very important part of our relationship, so I was wondering what other sexually related changes that we should expect. Libido changes, etc? I am finding it difficult to find such information, but since it is a common situation, I am hoping that someone can offer their personal experiences help us through this difficult time in our lives. Thank you for any assistance you can offer!!
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-23-2004
Sat, 10-15-2005 - 11:44am

Here


bounxh0a-1.gif picture by dillbyrd

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-28-2003
Sat, 10-15-2005 - 12:36pm

How old is your guy? How is his general health? Have you discussed this with more than one doctor? You should know that not all doctors approve of surgery for prostate cancer in older men; it is generally a very slow growing cancer and they say many men will succumb to other age-related issues long before the prostate cancer ...

Sorry if this seems a bit blunt.

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-03-2003
Sat, 10-15-2005 - 12:46pm
He's 65. I know that surgery is sometimes not the best option, but his doctor said that his cancer is far too agressive to not have the surgery.
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-26-2005
Sat, 10-15-2005 - 12:59pm

I did a quick search about prostate surgery and the DaVinci method.....there's lots of info on it. Here's one paragraph from the explanation of the surgical method:
"If your urologist recommends surgery to treat your prostate cancer, you may be a candidate for a new, less invasive approach to surgery called da Vinci Prostatectomy. This approach to prostatectomy provides access to the internal anatomy through five small incisions. The surgeon is empowered to perform a very precise, nerve-sparing operation with the da Vinci ® Surgical System. For the patient, da Vinci Prostatectomy may result in more complete eradication of cancer, retention of bladder control and potency."

This is a new method that hopefully will not damage the internal nerves, and leave a man with potency and bladder control. You note they say "MAY result".......which means that sometimes there are problems afterward.

In the end, if it's potency and bladder control against death I would think most people would opt for the former.

There are ways of getting around sexual problems, IF they occur. I have a friend whose husband had the surgery, and they don't have any problems, but she said she'd rather give up sex than lose him!

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-03-2003
Sun, 10-16-2005 - 5:02am
Thank you to everyone who has responded to my question. Unfortunately, I wasn’t very clear in my original posting. I am a biologist, so I have access to a lot of information about cancer and this particular treatment. I am actually looking for personal experiences from men who have undergone a prostatectomy (not necessarily the DaVinci). I am unable to accompany him to his appointments, so I don’t have the opportunity to discuss my concerns with his doctors. My concerns are that there may be psychological side effects that would affect him sexually. If so, how can I help him overcome such problems? Also, does anyone have any tips that I can use to help him through this difficult time? Thanks again for any assistance that anyone can provide!