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Abnormal sensation and shorter penis after radical prostatectomy

Posted by havhav @havhav, Nov 28, 2022

My husband is about two weeks out after a radical prostatectomy. He had his urinary catheter removed today. Still has small amount of edema along lower abdomen and possible a bit in his scrotum though the initial edema he had there has resolved. Incision doing well. He is quite disturbed by the fact his penis appears shorter and its sensation is abnormal so it doesn’t feel like the same body part as before. Have others had this experience? Is it temporary related to surgery still and possibly some swelling left around the area or is a shorter penis and abnormal sensation more of a permanent thing? 😳

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Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jul 22 8:16pm
In reply to @lesley392 "Hi. My husband suffered in pain for 12 months with a catheter, often ending up in..." + (show)
Profile picture for lesley392 @lesley392

Hi. My husband suffered in pain for 12 months with a catheter, often ending up in tears. We had to get a new bedroom carpet because he forgot to close his nightbag properly on night. My husband is a big strong powerful (physically) man and I would see him in tears with the pain and frustration knowing there was a long waiting list for the prostate op, he just wanted to rip it out at times because he coukdnt stand it anymore. He felt he'd lost his masculinity, wouldnt want to go anywhere and when we did, it had to be somewhere where he could empty his bag. He wasnt an easy man to live with, he also worried because I had to go without intercourse. Having a new cartheter every 3 months would see him pale, sweating and virtually unable to walk. Ill never understand why men aren't given a sedative or something for this procedure.
Anyway, in January he finally had his prostate removed and when that final catheter came out, he was overwhelmed. Few months on now, his willy is a bit smaller, his orgasms, he says, seem to be more intense though dry but his sensation isnt good. He cant get a full erection and intercourse is more of a miss then a hit. He's on the waiting list to see somebody about this, he has tried 2 over the counter generic viagra pills which dont work. He stresses about this but I have my husband back, healthy, pain free and after exercises, strong bladder control. We are in our early 60s, healthy and looking forward to our retirement. Ive got the man I want back and im sure in time Mr Willy will rise to the occasion. If it doesnt, Ive still got my husband back.

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@lesley392, welcome. It must've been heart-wrenching to see him suffer. I'm glad you got your husband back. You might also like to participate in these related discussions:
- Any suggestions for the wife on how to support my husband?https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/any-suggestions-for-the-wife/
- Sex after Prostatectomy - I'm the wife https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/sex-after-prostatectomy-im-the-wife/

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tattodice | @tattodice | Jul 22 8:45pm

Beachflyer makes solid suggestions. Penile rehab a valuable thing. You will be amazed by the progress he makes while recovering. Unfortunately time takes time. Praying for you and your husband!!

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bwjb | @bwjb | Jul 23 6:47am

While the scrotum is swollen the penis looks shorter because the scrotum engulfs the penis. After the swelling subsides, the penis after a prostatectomy will be somewhat shorter but the shortening can be minimized with penile rehab.

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