Does Prostate Cancer Treatment Cause Erectile Dysfunction
Prostate cancer treatment can affect the body in many different ways, including affecting your sexual health. Located near the prostate gland are the nerves, blood vessels, and muscles needed to achieve and maintain an erection. The various methods of treating prostate cancer can affect all of these and can result in erectile dysfunction (ED).
How Can Prostate Cancer Treatment Cause Erectile Dysfunction?
Prostate cancer treatment can cause erectile dysfunction in the following ways:
- Surgery – Prostate cancer surgery, more specifically a radical prostatectomy, is a surgery to remove the prostate gland. The nerves, blood vessels, and muscles needed to get an erection are located near the prostate gland and all of these may be weakened by surgery, resulting in not being able to get an erection for a period of time. For some men, they may not be able to get an erection even a year after surgery.
- Radiation Treatment – Radiation therapy can damage the nerves near your prostate gland that are essential in getting an erection. Over the course of radiation therapy, erectile dysfunction issues are likely to increase. Many men notice erectile dysfunction issues six months or more after radiation treatment. These issues are unlikely to be resolved on their own and will require medical intervention.
- Hormone Therapy – While the hormone therapy used in prostate cancer treatment does not affect the nerves, blood vessels, and muscles that assist with erectile function, it can lower your testosterone levels. Testosterone is the essential hormone for male sexual health and low levels can cause erectile dysfunction.
Treatment Options for Erectile Dysfunction
With the help of a medical professional, prostate cancer related erectile dysfunction can be treated. The first and most common treatment usually involves oral ED medications such as Viagra or Cialis. These medications work by increasing the effects of nitric oxide in the body, relaxing the muscles in the penis, allowing the necessary blood flow to achieve and maintain an erection. What specific medicine will be best for treating your erectile dysfunction will need to be determined by a medical professional. Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is another option for treating erectile dysfunction especially if you are experiencing low testosterone levels due prostate cancer treatment hormone therapy. TRT works by supplementing your testosterone levels, bringing them back up to a more normal level. The only real way to know if you have low testosterone levels is to have them tested by a medical professional. If you do, your doctor can recommend a specific TRT treatment plan. The P Shot is a treatment that can help repair penile tissue and blood vessels damaged by prostate cancer treatment. The P Shot is a form of platelet rich plasma therapy that uses your own plasma, enriched in a centrifuge to increase the concentration platelets in the plasma, to alleviate erectile dysfunction. The P Shot stimulates growth factors that heal penile tissue and blood vessels, making it easier to achieve and maintain an erection.
Treating Erectile Dysfunction with Alpha Men’s Center
At Alpha Men’s Center, we know that each patient’s journey is different. We are men’s health specialists who are dedicated to providing the most effective and personalized treatment solutions for men suffering from prostate cancer treatment related ED. A one-size-fits-all approach does not work. You need a treatment plan that is designed for you, not the masses. With many treatment options available, our highly experienced team is committed to helping you achieve success in restoring intimacy and confidence. We are proud to report an outstanding 96% success rate in men with ED just like you. If you have ED and are seeking help, take the first step toward a brighter future by reaching out to Alpha Men’s Center today