Overview

Sexual function

Whether you are single or have a partner, changes in the way you see yourself, your family role, and your patterns of sexual intimacy often occur during and after prostate cancer treatment. Side effects of prostate cancer treatment associated with sexual function may include infertility, decreased libido, or erectile dysfunction. It is essential to remain open and honest and to get timely medical assistance and counseling to deal with these changes.

Infertility

Infertility is the inability to procreate. It can cause a problem for men who choose to treat their cancer with surgery or radiation therapy. The surgery used to treat prostate cancer causes infertility because the source of sperm (i.e. the prostate and seminal vesicles) is removed; the man can still have orgasms, but will not ejaculate. Infertility is also common after radiotherapy because the seminal fluid produced does not transport sperm properly. If you want to have children after your prostate cancer treatment, you should consider freezing your sperm.

Loss of libido

A decrease in sexual desire is a common mental and physical side effect of prostate cancer treatment, particularly with hormone therapy. Blocking the production of testosterone, a hormone that fuels the growth of cancer cells, causes the loss of sexual desire (libido), whether it is following surgical or chemical castration. If the hormone therapy lasts less than a year, it is very likely that the libido returns after treatment. But the longer the hormone therapy continues, the higher the risk that the testosterone level may never return to normal.

Drugs that make erection easier are not helpful when there is no more libido. Nevertheless, despite the absence of sexual desire, patients may still resort to medical means that allow erection (see below).

It is important to discuss this with your doctor. You may need to consult a sex therapist, either alone or with your partner. These professionals can help couples connect, communicate and explore different ways of having intimate relationships.

Erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is the inability to get or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse. Even when the surgeon preserves the erectile nerves during the radical prostatectomy, different degrees of erectile dysfunction are a common result. Most men who undergo surgery regain their ability to have an erection over time. However, some men may never regain the ability to have a natural erection.

Men undergoing radiation therapy also experience erectile difficulties that usually diminish with time. After five years, these men have the same percentage of erectile dysfunction as those who have opted for radical, conventional or robotic surgery.

Mechanisms of erection

The penis consists of two corpus cavernosa and a corpus spongiosum. The corpus cavernosum consists of two chambers that contain many blood vessels. The corpus spongiosum is a spongy chamber that contains the urethra, the tube that drains urine from the bladder. When the man is sexually excited, the blood vessels in both chambers of the penis relax, open, and fill with blood. This mechanism triggers a firm and rigid erection. Erectile dysfunction must persist for at least three months before being considered a medical problem.

The impact of erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction can have devastating effects on men struggling with this problem. It causes anxiety and psychological problems. From a young age, men today are exposed to the idea that masculinity is synonymous for an erect penis. That penis performance defines sexuality. This is why it is not surprising to find that the male identity is destabilized when the penis cannot perform.

What the man has taken for granted for so long is no longer feasible. Feelings of shame and mediocrity, loss of self‑esteem, and lack of confidence are negative emotions that only make their situation more unbearable. This is shy it is important for men to have a satisfying orgasm even in the absence of an erection. A weak erection does not mean the end of sexuality.

Talking openly about erectile dysfunction can help alleviate the tension. By living through an experience like this, many men find out just how strong their relationships are and discover that apart from the sex, there are other ways to live a fulfilling life as a couple.

NEVER LOSE HOPE! In most cases, erection problems can be treated. In the meantime, if you need help to get through this difficult period, do not hesitate to talk to your healthcare team, doctors, nurses, or healthcare professionals.

What I need to know

Prostate cancer causes changes in sexual function in general and particularly with respect to erectile function. It is important to keep in mind that the younger you are, the better your chances of regaining the ability to have erections after prostate cancer treatment. Be aware that if you suffer from erectile dysfunction (ED) before treatment, it will usually be aggravated by the treatment. However, it can be fixed or improved after surgery. The information below covers a variety of treatments that may cause sexual dysfunction.

Consequences of erectile dysfunction treatments

Radical prostatectomy

Damage to the nerves responsible for erectile function

• Erectile dysfunction presents immediately after surgery.
• The percent risk of ED will vary depending on the type of surgery, age, and patient’s state of health.
• Can last for 12 to 24 months before complete nerve recovery and the ability to have an erection is restored.
• In some cases, erectile dysfunction is permanent.
• Note – The percent risk of side effects may vary for each patient.

Radiation therapy / Brachytherapy

Damage to the nerves responsible for erectile function

• The percent risk of ED will vary depending on the type of treatment, age, and patient’s state of health.
• Erectile dysfunction can manifest gradually after treatment. Deterioration can occur over the years.
• At five years, men have the same rate of ED as those who opted for radical surgery.
• Note – The percent risk of side effects will vary depending on the patient.

• During treatment, no sexual appetite in most patients.
• After treatment, possible restoration of libido, but not in all cases.

Penis shrinkage

Some men get the impression that radical prostatectomy or external radiation therapy has caused their penis to shrink. This may not actually be the case. This impression may be due to the fact that, if you do not have an erection for a while the penis can retract from the lack of blood flow.

In order to prevent the lack of blood flow and oxygen from causing fibrosis (hardening) of the penile tissues, men are encouraged to have an erection as soon as possible after the operation or during and after radiotherapy treatments. This increases the changes of regaining the ability to have a natural erection.

Penile rehabilitation

This involves restoring erectile function in the penis, particularly through with the aid of erectile medications. Be aware that this approach is not universally accepted due to the lack of research on the subject. It is best to have this discussion with your doctor. If your urologist or treating physician does not discuss the subject with you, don’t hesitate to bring it up.

What you also need to know

Consequences such as erectile dysfunction, retrograde ejaculation, dry orgasms, and the decrease or loss of libido go beyond the physical and impact our own body image. The impact of these consequences can appear in a number of ways.

Different physical changes resulting from certain treatments

• Changes in body weight and muscle mass with hormone therapy
• Breast enlargement with hormone therapy
• Testicular loss or atrophy due to certain drugs
• Loss of bladder control with radiation therapy
• Erectile dysfunction following surgery, radiotherapy / brachytherapy, hormone therapy

Some are temporary, others last for a long time, and some are permanent. Regaining your ability to have an erection is not enough, masculinity itself needs to be redefined and rebuilt.

Non‑physical consequences

• Loss of self‑esteem
• Isolation
• Depression
• Performance – obligation
• Perception of sexuality
• Unrealistic expectations – high demands
• Impact on marital life / sexuality
• Financial impact: oral treatments, injections, pumps, etc.

Psychological care from a sex therapist includes sexual education and support. Do not hesitate to ask for references for this health professional. Some are accessible within the hospital center you are visiting while others will be in private practice. The advantage of the private sector is that you will have a get an appointment faster than in the public sector. The disadvantage is the cost. If you can afford it or if your insurance covers this type of consultation, do not hesitate.

Sex therapy can give results on various levels

• Rehabilitation
• Regaining a virile body image
• Giving your partner pleasure despite ED
• Improving intimacy
• Redefining sexuality, despite a decreased libido
• Fighting against anxiety and depression

Management and treatment

Managing Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

A sexologist can help the patient and couples overcome and resolve their physical problems or learn to live with them. For example, sex therapists can help the patient integrate medical treatment with their sex life when the man is no longer able to have an erection naturally. The sexologist can also help them explore other facets of their sexuality and other way to express their affection.

Sexuality can take on different forms and remain just as fulfilling for both partners. When there is no sex drive because of hormone therapy, the sex therapist helps both the patient and couples deal with the situation in order to avoid suffering, discouragement, and guilt. You will have access to concrete strategies for resolving potential conflicts with your loved ones and those who care about you.

Treatment of ED

There are several treatments for erectile dysfunction. Talk to your urologist.

Sildenafil, vardenafil and tadalafil

The principal oral drugs in the treatment of ED. They act on the vessels to facilitate the blood flow and allow erection. All require sexual stimulation to be effective.

Advantage

• Minimally invasive treatment (easy to take)
• Maintenance of spontaneity
• Discrete

Disadvantage

• May not work
• Side effects (headaches, etc.)
• Cannot be taken with medication containing nitrate
• Does not work if erectile nerves have been removed
• Cost

Penile injections

These drugs are injected into the penis with a thin needle, before sexual intercourse. The drug increases the amount of blood flowing into the penis allowing for an erection.

Advantage

• High success rate
• Works even if erectile nerves have been removed or damaged
• Useful if men cannot take oral medication

Disadvantage

• Pain at the insertion point or in the penis
• Risk of an inappropriate prolonged erection
• May not work
• Scar tissue in 10–15% that causes the penis to curve
• Fainting (rare)
• Cost

MUSE Applicator

Application of medication through the meatus (or out the urine), then rubbing of the glans to help absorption. Administering the medication causes the muscles of the penis to relax, increasing the amount of blood flowing into the erectile tissue.

Advantage

• Average success rate
• No needle
• Works even if erectile nerves have been removed or damaged
• Useful if men cannot take oral medication

Disadvantage

• Pain in the penis, urethra, or testicles
• Painful erection
• Tingling in the urethra
• Risk of an inappropriate prolonged erection
• May not work
• Cost

Vacuum pump

The penis pump works by creating an air space that allows blood to flow into the penis. This process relaxes the erectile tissues of the penis under the pressure that is created.

Advantage

• Good success rate if used properly
• Does not require medication or surgery

Disadvantage

• May cause bruising
• Cannot be worn for more than 30 minutes
• Cannot be used with anticoagulants
• The penis can be cool to the touch, which may not feel natural
• Cost

Penile prosthesis (or implant)

Penile implants replace the erectile tissue of the penis. There are two types: a two-piece (semi-rigid) and 3-piece (inflatable). The pump is placed in the scrotum; it is activated to obtain an erection and deactivated after intercourse. Since they are surgically installed, they are used as a last resort.

Advantage

• High satisfaction rate
• Spot surgery
• Avoids the risk of a curved penis caused by penile injections
• More relaxed preliminaries that don’t change the feeling of the skin

Disadvantage

• Infection in about 2% of cases that require the removal of the prosthesis
• 15% of implants fail
• Surgery is required to repair/remove the prosthesis; this can be embarrassing with a new partner.
• 15% of men who opted for this type of surgery have never tried it with a partner.

For more information, you can view, download, or print the document (PDF) on the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Here are some additional links for more information on injections, penile pumps, and the MUSE applicator.

Before trying any of the treatments listed above, you should definitely talk to your urologist about which therapy option best suits your needs. The information given is for general informational purposes only. It is not a replacement for medical advice. Your health may prevent you from accessing the treatments we have described; some may even put your life in danger. As always, we ask you to discuss it openly with your urologist.

Alone or with a partner

Intimacy as a couple

After treatment, especially with radical prostatectomies, many men reported having feelings of happiness, sadness, and fear as well as mood swings.

It goes without saying that men need to continue having intimate relations with their partner despite their inability to have full sexual intercourse. It is completely normal and healthy. Touching, kissing, holding hands, walking together, talking to each other, or simply being together can be immensely satisfying and help you recover.

Maintaining a fulfilling sex life

Points to keep in mind when you are ready to have sex again

• It is advisable to wait 4 weeks before having sex for the first time after surgery. You do not need to wait after radiation therapy.
• Sexual intercourse will not cause recurrence.
• Be prepared to laugh at the unexpected. Sex should not be a “serious affair” or a “marathon”. Allow yourself to stop and rest if you are tired.
• Sexual intercourse should not cause discomfort or pain. If this happens, talk to one of our doctors or nurses. Fear of pain can lead to sexual problems.
• Performance anxiety can occur if you are too focused on your erection.
• Skin is the biggest sexual organ and the brain is the most important. By using them, the sexual possibilities are limitless.
• Being diagnosed with cancer should not dictate what a man can or cannot do. Use your imagination and humour to explore new ways to maintain intimacy.

You should know that very few couples separate because of prostate cancer. In fact, this ordeal can actually bring you closer together since cancer forces you to communicate, break taboos, and use your imagination.

If you are single

Several men who have had prostate cancer can tell you that their life has never been the same.