Introduction:
Regardless of whether nerves were spared during surgery or the most exact dosage planning was done during radiation therapy, erectile dysfunction remains the most common post-treatment adverse effect. The nerves and blood arteries that govern the physical element of an erection are extremely fragile, and any trauma to the area might induce changes. Even if you do have treatment-related adverse effects, there is reason to be optimistic: there are many effective solutions for regulating erectile function on the market today.
How does prostate cancer affect your sexual health?
Various prostate cancer treatments may have either short- or long-term side effects.
- Surgery: Many men who undergo radical prostatectomy, which removes the prostate before the malignancies spread, endure at least temporary erectile dysfunction (ED). However, recent advances in nerve-sparing prostatectomy may lower the risk of ED and allow patients to resume a healthy sex life after prostate removal.
- Radiation therapy: Prostate cancer is also treated using radiation therapy, including brachytherapy, external beam radiation, and stereotactic body radiation therapy. Side effects differ based on the therapy employed.
- Hormone treatment: Sexual adverse effects may occur in prostate cancer patients treated with hormone therapy, which lowers male hormone levels (the androgens testosterone and dihydrotestosterone). Hormone therapy is intended to decrease and/or inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells powered by androgens. However, some men report that after treatment, they have lost their libido (sex drive).
- Surgical removal: The surgical excision of cancer tissue or the prostate increases the risk of harming the nerves that govern erections. Erectile dysfunction can occur when these nerves are damaged.
- Cryotherapy: Prostate cancer cells are frozen using probes during this process. This treatment has a high chance of causing erectile dysfunction.
- Brachytherapy: During this surgery, physicians implant radioactive seeds into the prostate gland. Brachytherapy has a decreased risk of erectile dysfunction compared to other types of radiation treatment.
Managing prostate cancer and sexuality
If prostate cancer therapy causes difficulty attaining or keeping an erection, a variety of treatments can be used to assist a person in achieving previous levels of sexual function.
Medications
Some drugs are effective in treating erectile dysfunction. These include the following:
- Oral medications such as sildenafil (Viagra), avanafil (Spedra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra)
- Topical creams like Alprostadil (Vitaros)
- Alprostadil comes in injections and pellets.
Find out more about the various treatments for erectile dysfunction here.
Non-pharmacological treatments
People can also try various physical or “mechanical” therapies. This category includes vacuum pumps and implantable devices.
All of these methods indicate that recovery is achievable following prostate cancer treatment. Rehabilitation can help a person regain an erection and engage in sexual activities with delight.
Psychotherapy
Anxiety, despair, rage, and stress are frequent reactions to prostate cancer. All of these factors can have an impact on a person’s desire for sex or sexual performance.
Some people may also benefit from psychological support, such as from a sex therapist. This may be useful if the impacts of disease and treatment put a strain on relationships. Couples therapy may help people alter their sex and other areas of their relationships to accommodate physical changes.
Understanding the potential of sexual dysfunction following prostate cancer therapy may assist patients in coping with the changes they encounter.
Prostate glands and prostate cancer
The prostate gland is a male reproductive organ located right below the bladder and surrounds the urethra, the urine outflow tube. The gland’s surface is typically smooth and consistent.
After skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most frequent cancer in men in the United States.
Symptoms
Symptoms of prostate cancer are uncommon. When symptoms appear, they may include:
- Urine flow is inconsistent or weak.
- Urine leaking.
- Urinary hesitation
- Straining to generate urine.
- Blood in the Urine
Factors Influencing Erection Problems
The prostate is located near nerves, muscles, and blood vessels that help control erections. These can sustain harm during treatment. If the nerves are removed during surgery, erection issues develop immediately. Problems may emerge gradually with radiation therapy and ADT.
Seeking assistance and solutions
Dealing with erection issues as a couple may be an opportunity to strengthen the relationship. Open and honest communication, seeking professional help, and exploring various treatment options can all help to address the problem and reconnect sexually and emotionally.
Begin by being upfront and honest with your partner about your concerns, desires, and needs. Discussing your ideas and concerns may result in increased understanding, empathy, and the opportunity to collaborate to discover solutions.
It’s crucial to remember that Tadalafil 20 Mg, like any other ED medication, will affect different people differently. Sex therapy is a sort of treatment that focuses on healing sexual problems and boosting sexual pleasure.
What’s the cause of prostate cancer?
All cancers are caused by an uncontrolled proliferation of malignant cells in the body. A person’s cancer risk can be determined by a variety of factors, including age, ethnicity, family history of particular malignancies, and hormone levels.
Lifestyle variables such as smoking, weight, and diet can all increase the chance of cancer, although no preventive risk factors have been conclusively linked to prostate cancer.
They can evaluate your specific situation, make an accurate diagnosis, and recommend appropriate treatment solutions, such as Sildenafil Citrate 100 Mg or other alternatives.
Prostate cancer treatment-related side effects
Side effects may occur depending on the treatment you take.
- Diarrhea
- Tiredness and weakness
- Urinating excessively or having difficulty urinating
- Soreness in the treatment region.
- Hair loss around the pubic area
- Erectile dysfunction owing to testosterone deficiency
Does Viagra still work after cancer?
Men who have undergone prostate surgery can take Viagra and other erectile dysfunction drugs safely, albeit their effectiveness will be determined by the damage done to their nerve endings. If Viagra doesn’t work for you, talk to your doctor about other alternatives.
- Vacuum pumps
Vacuum pumps are a terrific alternative to Viagra. They are made out of a plastic tube that fits over the penis, a battery or hand-powered pump that is attached to the tube, and a constriction band. The pump works by creating a vacuum surrounding the penis, which promotes blood flow and results in an erection.
- Implants for the penis
Penis implants, an alternative to Viagra, typically consist of a cylinder placed in the penis and connected to an air or saline reservoir in the scrotum. Implants can simulate an erection and facilitate intercourse by using the reservoir to ‘pump’ air or saline into the cylinder.
Recovery following treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED)
Because a prostatectomy can create ED problems early, some patients may be offered penile rehabilitation soon after their procedure. This is also known as an ED recovery kit.
It entails utilizing one or more therapies daily, such as pills or a pump, to improve blood flow to the penis. This is to aid in the recovery of the penis; it is not for sex.
When you’re ready to start having sex, your chances of getting an erection should be higher. Your doctor or nurse can provide additional information.
Last Words:
Prostate cancer and cancer therapies may affect a man’s ability to acquire and sustain an erection, as well as cause a decrease in sexual desire. Different cancer treatments may disrupt the ejaculation process.
Erectile dysfunction can be treated with drugs and physical treatments such as Cialis and similar tablets and lotions. This category includes vacuum pumps as well as implants.
Inquire with your online Medypharmacy.com pharmacy about your medication’s earliest delivery time.