Surgery is the most common way to try and cure prostate cancer, but it can seriously affect what you’re working with in the bathroom and in the bedroom. Almost half the men who had their prostate completely removed said life after surgery was worse then they expected, according to a recent study in the Journal of Urology. Their biggest complaints: incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Fortunately, there are ways to manage these side affects.
Incontinence
Urinary incontinence means you have trouble controlling your urine and may have involuntary leakage. Nearly all men will temporarily experience this after surgery, but the physical and emotional affects are still frustrating. There are three main types of incontinence:
Normal bladder function usually returns gradually after a few weeks, but to speed the process along, these methods can help:
Talk with your doctor first about the risks and benefits of each option.
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Erectile Dysfunction
Removing the entire prostate gland may damage the nerves that allow men to get erections and nearly all men that have the surgery will experience some degree of impotence (erectile dysfunction). Your ability to have an erection after surgery depends on your age, your ability to get an erection before the operation, and whether the nerves were cut.
READ: Natural Remedies For Erectile Dysfunction
Otis W. Brawley, M.D., chief medical officer of the American Cancer Society, says some men may only be impotent 1 to 2 months and others may go longer than a year without an erection.
The most common treatment is oral drugs like Viagra or Cialis. In cases where oral medications aren’t effective, a penile implant or vacuum device may be considered.
Visit the BlackDoctor.org Mens Health center for more articles.
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