This surgical procedure can negatively affect a male’s sexual health. This surgery is usually used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate cancer and the prostate is partially or completely removed. However, it may not be easy to restore erectile function after this procedure. In this document, we will talk about how to regain sexual function and improve sexual health.
Impact of Prostatectomy
You may experience a sexual dysfunction such as Erectile Dysfunction (ED) after this surgery. The condition when a male loses the ability to get and sustain an erection is called ED. This procedure may also be performed through open surgery or less invasive ways such as laparoscopy. The extent of this health condition will depend on the patient’s sexual function before surgery, overall health, age, and others. In addition, you should see a doctor to get suitable and effective treatment for you.
Methods to get Hard Erections after Prostatectomy
It is very important to manage expectations about the recovery of ED after this surgery. While some people experience a complete return to normal, others may notice certain problems. This recovery process may take time and it usually fluctuates among people. Check below some medicines, lifestyle changes, and exercise, which may help you to increase your erectile function.
Medications
The following drugs may significantly improve your sexual health. However, talk to a doctor before using any supplement or ED medicine. Commonly, physicians prescribe phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors such as Viagra (Sildenafil Citrate) or Cialis (Tadalafil) to treat ED. PDE-5 inhibitors help to improve blood flow to the penis, causing a hard erection. Additionally, other treatment methods are penile injections or vacuum erection devices.
Exercises
There are some penile exercises that can help to improve erectile function such as penile stretching. This exercise can help to promote blood flow, maintain penile length, as well as prevent Penile Fibrosis. You also can consult a doctor to get other techniques and exercises used to stimulate the recovery of erectile function. In addition, you may start these exercises several weeks after surgery.
Psychological Support
After this surgery, a man may experience certain mental problems such as anxiety, depression, loss of confidence, and others. To treat ED it is important to manage this problem. Decreasing stress and emotional support can improve your overall well-being.
Lifestyle Changes
A healthy lifestyle can help you to recover the ability to get and maintain hard erections. For example, regular exercise, a healthy diet, and weight management are some ways to improve your cardiovascular health, which is linked with erectile function. Additionally, limit or avoid using alcoholic beverages because you may experience long-term ED. Moreover, misuse of alcohol may also cause some health conditions such as heart disease, liver disease, obesity, diabetes, and other conditions.
Alternative Therapies
Acupuncture and herbal supplements are another way to improve your sexual health. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are a regenerative medicine technique, which may improve your erectile function after this surgery. Consult a doctor before any medicines and therapies. Otherwise, you may notice unpleasant results.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will take to recover erectile function after Prostatectomy?
The recovery varies among patients. It depends on their age, sexual function before surgery, and other factors. However, it may take a few weeks to months for someone, but some men may experience a longer recovery period. Consult a doctor to get a better treatment for your post-surgery ED.
Can be treated erectile dysfunction after a Prostatectomy using natural remedies or supplements?
There are some supplements that may improve your erectile function but you should use them cautiously. Certain supplements have no scientific evidence and it may lead to interactions with other medicines. In any case, it is advised to see a doctor before using supplements or ED medications.
Are there chances to recover erectile function to normal after a Prostatectomy?
Usually, the recovery after this procedure differs among patients. While someone may recover completely erectile function, others may continue to experience erectile dysfunction. In case, a complete recovery is not possible, there is a wide range of treatments that may improve your sexual health and intimacy.
