Is There Sex after Prostate Cancer?

Yes, there can be intimacy after prostate cancer. Many factors go into determining whether or not a man’s libido will be the same after prostate cancer. Of all the research done unfortunately its different for each man, it depends on the surgeon and what nerves are cut, it depends on the prior sexual relationship of the man and it also depends on having a supportive partner. There is an emotional aspect of it as well, a mans first reaction when finding out he has prostate cancer is wondering if he’s going to die from it. His life is being challenged, it’s normal to fight. After tests are done and typical questions arise a mans sexual activity is questioned. Will he be able to achieve an erection, will he be able to perform as he did before, and will he lose his manhood if he doesn’t?

All these questions, at least for men, usually need a definite answer; just the facts won’t do in this case because fact is based on factors. Men define themselves by their virility, and if they focus solely on themselves to be the man they were it only separates them from their partner, remember sexually active men have somebody else to think about during intimacy. Men are under enough pressure to perform their best, but what happens when their edge is taken away? Many men who undergo a radical prostatectomy loose their ability to achieve an erection without some type of aide. Viagra, injections or pumps become the aphrodisiac, and spontaneity is gone from the sexual relationship. This doesn’t mean that men who undergo this procedure loose their sex drive. Its still there, it just doesn’t show proof like before.

If a man undergoes an easy prostate cancer surgery intimacy returns and so does an erection. It does depend on a supportive partner though, I think that many women who see the struggle a man faces with his sexual vigor are more appreciative and want to help their partner feel their best. Some factors that really need to be looked at are age, potency before surgery will usually ensure potency afterwards. The skill of your surgeon, your life is in his hands in more ways than one. You really can’t blame your surgeon if you can’t perform at the same level sexually as before, his main goal is to rid you of the life threatening cancer, life isn’t just about sex.

Another issue that men face after prostate surgery is continence, even though you’ll have full use of your urinary track a little leakage might occur. Its best to let your doctor know if you have more than you think is normal. Men and their sexual activity are derived from their ability to perform. If a man cannot achieve an erection after prostate surgery they should remember to give their body time to heal. Mental and physical activity during sex are challenged no doubt. There is life after prostate surgery, and sex for a man is life. Talk with your surgeon and your partner about what to expect and what to not to expect.