Prostate Cancer Impotence – How to Handle Patients

When it comes to prostate cancer treatment, fear of Prostate Cancer Impotence is a big obstacle. As men as usually very concerned with this issue, it is best that this should be openly discussed with the patient and his partner before any form of prostate cancer treatment shall be undertaken. Particularly in the first 3 to 12 months after treatment, most prostate cancer treatment causes impotence. During prostate cancer surgery, prostate cancer radiation treatment and other forms of cancer cell removal or suppression methods, the nerves that allow men to have an erection may be damaged. Damaged nerves will have problem of performing their normal functions thus the tendency of the patient to be impotent.

Prostate Cancer Impotence: Erectile Dysfunction

Normally, men who had undergone prostate cancer treatment usually have an erectile dysfunction without taking medicine or other form of medication. For younger patients, this case of impotency may be temporary and the patient will soon be able to have an erection devoid of drugs and other forms of medications. However, for those patients who are older, recovery may be less likely and depending on the prostate cancer treatment type he has undergone, impotence may become permanent.

Although the patient may not be able to get an erection, that doesn’t necessarily mean that he can enjoy the feeling of pleasure or orgasm during sexual intercourse. Most people would always relate orgasm with erection and ejaculation. In prostate cancer patients, the removal of the prostate may prevent the male organ from producing semen and seminal fluids. In this case, the man can still experience but it will be dry orgasm because of the failure of the prostate to produce the required fluids. However, even if there is no “ejaculation” taking place, feeling of enjoyment will still be there even. Make sure to consult your doctor if you have any questions concerning this issue prior to take the prostate cancer treatment.

Prostate Cancer Impotence: Difference between Impotence and Sterility

One thing that should be made clear to the patient is that there is a difference between impotence and sterility.

Note that impotence is the failure to have an erection long enough to enjoy sex. On the other hand, sterility is the breakdown of the sperms to fertilize. In other words, even though a man can have and erection and enjoy sex, he cannot give birth to a child. For older men who want to have child, this may become a very delicate issue so it is best to consult your doctor about the options you have. Where sterility cannot be avoided, you might consider sperm banking prior to you undergo treatment so that even if you do become sterile due to the treatment, you still have a chance of fathering the child.

Prostate Cancer Impotence: Involve the Spouse or the Partner

Concerning every decision on prostate cancer treatment, from the very beginning, it is best to involve the spouse or the partner. The involvement of the spouse in the treatment process in prostate cancer patients is very significant, as they are the ones whom the patient will depend on for strength. In addition, the prostate cancer treatment will also have a big effect on the couple’s married life. Thus, it is very vital that with all the consequences of the prostate cancer treatment, both parties will be psychologically ready.