Sex Life after Prostate Removal Surgery

Men with prostate cancer who are faced with prostate removal surgery have many questions. The first question obviously is will I survive. After that most important question has been answered by the doctor or oncologist, one of the most asked questions is can a man have sex after prostate removal surgery.

The answer to that question is determined by the prostate cancer treatment options available to the patient. Is the cancer contained within the prostate gland or has it begun to bulge out of the prostate gland or metastasized? There are two nerves that run along both sides of the prostate and these nerves are responsible for a male's ability to get and maintain an erection. The nerves are very close to the prostate, and thus requires a skilled surgeon to remove the prostate without damaging or cutting the nerves. One of the nerves can actually be damaged or cut with minimal effect on the ability to get an erection, but if both nerves are damaged or cut, then the ability to get and maintain an erection will be severely impaired.

A radical prostatectomy is the most invasive treatment, which includes removal of the prostate gland and some surrounding tissue. This treatment may involve removal of one or both of the nerves that allow for a man to achieve an erection. Depending on the skill of the surgeon and state of the prostate cancer, a man may be able to regain full or partial sexual function. Discussion with your doctor on this procedure and the after effects should take place.

A more advanced operation, known as a robot prostatectomy involves the use of a robotic tool that more precisely removes the cancer, leaving the surrounding tissue and nerves intact, which will allow the patient to regain full or partial sexual function after the removal of the prostate gland.

A male who has had his prostate gland removed should not engage in sexual activity for 4 weeks after the the surgery. Full sexual function and the ability to get and maintain an erection can take up to 9-12 months to return, so the male may need to be patient while your body heals.

Men who have had their prostate removed are still able to conceive a child. If the prostate cancer treatment involves radiation or chemotherapy, it is recommended that the man have his sperm frozen for future use. To conceive after prostate surgery, the sperm can be harvested from the man and either implanted in the woman's uterus, or both an egg and sperm can be harvested and conception achieved through Invitro Fertilization (IVF).

So, while the prospect of having a prostatectomy can be traumatic, armed with the right information, a man faced with having his prostate removed can not only have a full and healthy sex life, can also conceive a child.

For more information on prostate health, please visit www.menshealthcures.com