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How does the loss of the bladder effect travel and intimacy?
I still am under chemical treatment for bladder. If I ultimately do lose my bladder, how does that situation affect my ability to travel on long flights, for example? How does it affect physical intimacy? I would appreciate comments,
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It depends on male or female. It depends on nerve sparing male surgery or not. Sadly, traditionally, there was no nerve sparing which meant no erections. Everyone deals differently with how they are affected.
I cannot speak to the female experience.
Travel is not an issue. Leg bags. Spare clothing. Having all supplies with you.
@yellowjacket, I added your question to the Ostomy support group so that people living with a urostomy can share their experiences. Good questions to ask.
As @jaxfl mentioned, responses may differ regarding intimacy or sex for male or female surgical options. Another factor to consider is the urinary diversion that you and your surgeon choose after your bladder is removed:
- Ileal conduit
- Neobladder reconstruction
- Stoma and pouching system
How is treatment going? Is cystectomy (surgery to remove the bladder) part of your treatment plan?
Hello @yellowjacket. My husband had radical cystectomy with neobladder 4 years ago. He had a myriad of complications and went from having postop fair ability to urinate normally to now relying mostly on catheter drainage 3-4 times daily. He travels with pre-lubed catheters which are easy to use and dispose of, depends for night use, and protective bed pads. It becomes the new normal and is better than dying of bladder cancer. As far as sexual function, there should be a discussion prior to surgery about nerve sparing surgery to have the best results. Since the prostate is removed during this surgery, there are lasting effects. It is good that you are educating yourself about future possibilities now, not making a hurried decision under pressure.