Prostate Cancer: sex drive after surgery or other treatments

@john57, thanks for starting this discussion. I'm tagging @fmh1 and @semeon, who have mentioned similar side effects related to hormone therapy. @jmccabe51 had a colon resection for colon cancer and is also experiencing low sexual desire and erectile dysfunction.

Do you find that the lack of sex drive also stops you from being intimate or talking about intimacy with your partner? Cuddles can be important for both of you right now.

Good morning, I just finished 2 years of Lupron treatments. Without testosterone in your body you will experience not only less sex drive - you will have no sex drive. It is a long road for sure. Talk to your doctor about the other side effects as they arise.

two years on Lupron... WOW.. I only had 1 shot at Mayo MN to shrink the prostate before radiation Oncology was to commence... after the shot 2 months... I had my 6 months since graduating from radiation treatment and the Doc said the Lupron would be still doing its "thing" for another 6 months... I have seemed to lose body hair as well as not much "sex drive"... having an understanding partner is key.. and at 82 years old.. I have developed a philosophy that takes things as they are and puts a positive spin on it... Conversation is a Good thing...

We faced the same issues, and finally wrote a book, "Making Love Again - regaining intimacy after prostate surgery" By Virginia and Keith Laken. It is available at Amazon.com. I hope this helps. By the way, Mayo has specialists that deal with male sexual disfunction. They helped me understand the processes that were probably impacted by the procedure.

I just had my nerve sparing Radical Prostectomy in late January (at 49). Just crossed the 1 month mark with another 2 months before by follow up. In reading other past patients stories all over different blogs, many were on a regiment of viagra, cialis, etc to promote blood flow and alleged healing. Beyond doing my kegels should I be doing or taking anything. Just wanting to make sure I am not missing the boat on reducing my chances of ED by not taking action early in the healing process.

Hi @voodoo5500 and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You'll notice that I moved your message to this recent discussion. I did this so you can meet other members like @klaken @ken82 @dmadi61 and @john57 talking about sexual function post treatment for prostate cancer.

You ask a good question. What can you do to reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction as you heal after surgery?

While we wait for others to weigh in, you might find this article from the Prostate Cancer Foundation useful:
- Help for ED after Prostate Surgery: The Basics https://www.pcf.org/c/help-for-ed-after-prostate-surgery-the-basics/

Thank you @colleenyoung. I have been appreciative of the networking and information sharing that I have experienced so far with The Mayo Clinic. It’s been a eye opening journey since my diagnosis in Sept/Oct and ultimate journey to Scottsdale for my surgery. I know the journey will be long but taking it all in stride.

I went on Sildenafil (20¢ per pill from Honeybeehealth.com) immediately after the catheter was removed. I also splurged for a restorex® lengthening device (developed by Mayo physician). That cost me almost $500 but shortening during the healing process was not an option I was willing to accept. Let me know if you need more specifics.

that is part of the problem colleen my wife has no desire for it and in my condition not much happens

It helps to have a partner who is willing to help with your "therapy". The sildenafil or tadalafil will not act to increase your libido but rather, stimulate blood flow to specific locations. Manual manipulation is required to complete the process. I was informed that "therapy" at the earliest opportunities would be beneficial to maintaining healthy tissue and function. Some men "take matters into their own hands" in order to maintain proper tissue health and function. It is very challenging to commit to a process this sensitive but you are your own best friend when it comes to recovery.