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Erectile Dysfunction
Prostate Cancer
Prostate
cancer is not a cause of erectile dysfunction; however, treatments
for the disease can cause ED. The current methods of treating
prostate cancer, including surgery with radical prostatectomy
(removal of the entire prostate gland), radiation therapy,
whether by external beam or brachytherapy (seed implant),
and hormone therapy, can cause ED.
When
Can ED Occur Following Prostate Cancer Treatment?
Radical
prostatectomy. Erectile dysfunction can begin immediately
following the removal of the entire prostate and surrounding
tissues, whether the nerve-sparing or non-nerve-sparing technique
is used. If the nerve-sparing technique is used, recovery
from ED may occur within the first year following the procedure.
Recovery of erectile function after a non-nerve-sparing technique
is unlikely but is possible.
Radiation
therapy. The onset of ED following radiation therapy is gradual
and usually begins about six months following treatment. Without
ED treatment, ED is usually permanent.
Hormone therapy. When hormone therapy is used, ED may occur
approximately 2-4 weeks following the initiation of the therapy
and is usually accompanied by a decreased desire for sex.
Without ED treatment, ED is usually permanent.
How Is Erectile Dysfunction Treated Following Prostate
Cancer Treatment?
The current treatment options for erectile dysfunction for
people who have received treatment for prostate cancer include:
Pills,
including Viagra, Cialis and Levitra
Intracavernous injection therapy
Vacuum constriction device
Intraurethral therapy
Penile prosthesis
Learn more about prostate cancer in The Cleveland Clinic Prostate
Cancer Guide.
Reviewed
by the doctors at the Glickman Urological Institute at The
Cleveland Clinic.
Edited
by Charlotte Grayson, MD, WebMD, May 2004
Portions of this page © The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2004
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