Monday, March 09, 2009 jdoymc asks

Q: My partner recently had a radical prostatectomy. Will he get an erection?

I wonder if you could help us with a question we have please.

My partner recently had a radical prostatectomy and we understand from the surgeon that the nerves were possibly damaged. We want to know if there is any chance if they are damaged if he will be able to get an erection, either naturally or with something like viagra. I have read somewhere that viagra wont work if they are damaged/removed.

He is 60 and had a good strong erection before the op.

Please help us find out the answer as our sex life is important to us both being in a relativly new relationship.

Thankyou

Answers (3)

Notify me when there are new answers

Jay Motola

7/ 1/10 12:59am

If both nerve bundles were injured during the surgery, it is unlikely that your partner will achieve natural erections Many of these patients will respond to any of the medication such as Viagra, Levita and Cialis. If these drugs do not work, than other alternatives such as injection therapy or a penile proshesis are an option.

Dan

3/13/09 2:26pm

Hi there,

Dr. Greenstein posted a great article on just this topic. You can find it here:

Erectile Dysfunction after Prostatectomy

He notes that while nerves may be damaged during the surgery, they can regenerate (although slowly), and that there are a number of things you can do to give yourself the best chance of restoring good erectile function after the surgery.

Hope that helps,

Dan

happycathy

8/14/09 10:49pm

Unfortunately, as you have probably realized normal erections are a experience of your past. Hang in there with trying different options. We are 6 mnths after surgery and

dealing with incontinence and are using penile injections(which I don't think would be

a viable option for you guys) The frustration is well well worth it to salvage a sexual

intimacy that is critical in a growing relationship

Related Questions

See all questions

Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of The HealthCentral Network. The HealthCentral Network does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.

Q: My partner recently had a radical prostatectomy. Will he get an erection?

Related Questions

Ask a Question