Are you experiencing dry orgasm after prostate cancer treatments?

Posted by jc76 @jc76, Apr 7, 2024

For me this is a very embarassing question and subject. I think MCC is a great place to ask.

I have seen some past post but don't remember much about the discussion. I had 30 rounds of proton radiation and no ADT. It will be 1 year since my last treatment in July 2024.

I am not sexually active (intercourse wise due to back and medical problems with both spouse and I). My spouse and I enjoy each other with manual arousal love making.

I noticed orgasms are dry with little or no liquid. I plan to discuss with my R/O in July but would like to see if this is something that has happen with others who did not have RP. I am not sure if I should be concerned about it or that is a common issue after radiation.

Bear with me was not easy to ask. I have found MCC a place where I can ask embarassing (at least for me) questions where I would never do so in person or in a in-person group.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Prostate Cancer Support Group.

@seasuite

The only warning I got was from my cousin who had a RP. He made it sound like he was happy to have even that given that ED drugs didn't work for him. My main RO ran thru the side effects list at the same speed as the drug vendors on TV, a total blur of useless details. Regrettably, she did not 'net it out' and tell me those side effects that are most likely and how I should be prepared.

After my radiation and Orgovyx, I am also 'shooting blanks'. I should add that I had an unnecessary orchiectomy, right side, since my Dr. decided that I likely had testicular cancer that turned out benign, and ejaculation was weak to begin with.

I now get about 80% of a normal erection 3 months post completion of all therapies. I was offered a Cialis prescription, but, my pharmacy just sent: Price*
Tadalafil 20mg Tablets
30 $1501.09
Total: $1501.09

I don't know it that is the final price, but, I'll have to decide if it's work it or not.

Jump to this post

Check GoodRX for pricing. There is a HUGE difference.

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@seasuite

The only warning I got was from my cousin who had a RP. He made it sound like he was happy to have even that given that ED drugs didn't work for him. My main RO ran thru the side effects list at the same speed as the drug vendors on TV, a total blur of useless details. Regrettably, she did not 'net it out' and tell me those side effects that are most likely and how I should be prepared.

After my radiation and Orgovyx, I am also 'shooting blanks'. I should add that I had an unnecessary orchiectomy, right side, since my Dr. decided that I likely had testicular cancer that turned out benign, and ejaculation was weak to begin with.

I now get about 80% of a normal erection 3 months post completion of all therapies. I was offered a Cialis prescription, but, my pharmacy just sent: Price*
Tadalafil 20mg Tablets
30 $1501.09
Total: $1501.09

I don't know it that is the final price, but, I'll have to decide if it's work it or not.

Jump to this post

I don't know the details of my drug coverage - I have Medicare Advantage with Kaiser as well as Part D. But I get all the generic Viagra I want for free...

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@spino

At Walmart, the Good Rx price, which they automatically give me when insurance isn't better, is about $20-30 for 30 tablets, small enough that I don't remember the exact price, especially since the pills give me very unpleasant GERD. And since I've tried both sildenafil and tadalafil, I know the price is roughly in the same ballpark. I don't have that particular dosage, though.

Jump to this post

I've never used GoodRx before. However, when I put in the drug, I get:

$21.06
Retail price:$853.85
Show this coupon at the pharmacy.
BIN 015995
PCN GDC
Group DR33
Member ID EYN832197

For PCa, I had a transperineal biopsy and all the other stuff (decipher grid, PSMA PET, many doctors and institutions, etc.). After the aforementioned unnecessary surgery, I practice a great deal more due diligence on anything that I hear from the Medical 'Practitioners'. The Dr. claimed that you could not safely biopsy a testicle and, sadly, I accepted that and understand it is rarely done. However, there are many other tests that provide conclusive evidence that were not done.

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https://www.goodrx.com/tadalafil-cialis?form=tablet&dosage=20mg&quantity=30&label_override=tadalafil-cialis
seasuite, if you are in the states you might try goodrx. You don't have to join anything or have a low income; it doesn't involve your insurance.
You have to watch the side effects with this drug, though. Still might not be worth it.
I'm sorry about your experience. No biopsy?

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@seasuite

The only warning I got was from my cousin who had a RP. He made it sound like he was happy to have even that given that ED drugs didn't work for him. My main RO ran thru the side effects list at the same speed as the drug vendors on TV, a total blur of useless details. Regrettably, she did not 'net it out' and tell me those side effects that are most likely and how I should be prepared.

After my radiation and Orgovyx, I am also 'shooting blanks'. I should add that I had an unnecessary orchiectomy, right side, since my Dr. decided that I likely had testicular cancer that turned out benign, and ejaculation was weak to begin with.

I now get about 80% of a normal erection 3 months post completion of all therapies. I was offered a Cialis prescription, but, my pharmacy just sent: Price*
Tadalafil 20mg Tablets
30 $1501.09
Total: $1501.09

I don't know it that is the final price, but, I'll have to decide if it's work it or not.

Jump to this post

At Walmart, the Good Rx price, which they automatically give me when insurance isn't better, is about $20-30 for 30 tablets, small enough that I don't remember the exact price, especially since the pills give me very unpleasant GERD. And since I've tried both sildenafil and tadalafil, I know the price is roughly in the same ballpark. I don't have that particular dosage, though.

REPLY

The only warning I got was from my cousin who had a RP. He made it sound like he was happy to have even that given that ED drugs didn't work for him. My main RO ran thru the side effects list at the same speed as the drug vendors on TV, a total blur of useless details. Regrettably, she did not 'net it out' and tell me those side effects that are most likely and how I should be prepared.

After my radiation and Orgovyx, I am also 'shooting blanks'. I should add that I had an unnecessary orchiectomy, right side, since my Dr. decided that I likely had testicular cancer that turned out benign, and ejaculation was weak to begin with.

I now get about 80% of a normal erection 3 months post completion of all therapies. I was offered a Cialis prescription, but, my pharmacy just sent: Price*
Tadalafil 20mg Tablets
30 $1501.09
Total: $1501.09

I don't know it that is the final price, but, I'll have to decide if it's work it or not.

REPLY

I find this interesting in that my emulators volume had already decreased before my biopsy and after a few bloody emasculations (which the did warn me about) it pretty much stopped completely. Since I’ve really not had any treatment yet I attributed it to the cancer.

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@slick64
Thanks to you and the others. I don't remember it being discussed by R/O at either Mayo or UFHPTI. It maybe in the handout information as side affects so will have to check. If it is not something of a medical problem that needs to be fixed or addressed I can live with it versus having prostrate cancer.

I thank all that responded with information as it help see it is a side affect. I agree should have been discussed with me. One of the pre questions I had from UFHPTI was on intercourse and I answered not active. Maybe that had a implact on UFHPTI but was not asked that question at Mayo.

I will say again "thank you Mayo Clinic for having such a forum to asked questions and get feedback." And again, thanks guys for that feedback.

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I received 5 High dose Proton blasts and 3 hormone shots, and it will be a year in May. I still have dry orgasims. Some times I’ll get fluid, just clear and at times a drip or two, sometimes a little more, other times nothing. I attended a webinar on the subject thru the PCF and the concern is that it could be at least 12 to 18 mths, maybe to recover. I have not gotten anymore shots since last year. The shots were given to me by my surgeon and alternating visits with my oncologist. Before, during or after, not a word on the subject. They looked surprised when I brought up the subject and was told, yeah the shots are stronger than stated and it “should” fade in time.
Yes, my brothers, there is a lot they don’t tell you and should, but then how would they know when they haven’t actually experienced it. The old walk a mile in my shoes quote. I guess take faith that we aren’t alone in this and draw strength from our mutual understanding and experiences. Stay strong.

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It’s a common issue after radiation treatments. If you consider the anatomy - the seminal vesicles are located on top of the prostate - they’re difficult to miss. It doesn’t always happen, but enough that it should have been discussed between you and your RO.

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