In men with prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction is a common complication. Erectile dysfunction may occur pre- and post-treatment. However, new treatments and procedures have made it possible to successfully reverse erectile dysfunction.
Newly Developed Medical Procedures for Erectile Dysfunction
As of April 2019, researchers from the University of Melbourne have developed a new procedure to treat prostate cancer patients with erectile dysfunction. The study was published in European Urology and demonstrated a success rate of 71 percent in patients who had undergone prostate cancer surgery. The procedure involves removing nerves in the legs and grafting them to the femoral nerve area in the thigh. After surgery, new nerve tissue grew in the area. Within 12 months, the majority of patients regained sexual function with two of the men having their first erections after 12 years.
New medical procedures being tested for prostate cancer treatment is also helping eliminate the risk of erectile dysfunction. High intensity focused ultrasound or HIFU is targeting cancer cells while minimizing side effects. Early research has demonstrated as few as two percent of men developed erectile dysfunction following HIFU treatments.
Prescription Medications
Medications from providers can be ordered discreetly online are also utilized to treat erectile dysfunction. Oral medications for erectile dysfunction have demonstrated a successful treatment rate of 70 percent and more for men who have undergone surgery for prostate cancers. The most well-known name brand erectile dysfunction prescription is Viagra. However, other types of medications are useful for patients with prostate cancers. Cialis and Levitra are other two medications frequently prescribed to patients with erectile dysfunction complications. These are also available through local pharmacies with a prescription or online pharmacies. If oral prescriptions are ineffective, doctors may recommend injecting medications directly into the penis to regain function. If all other treatment options fail and erectile dysfunction has occurred for more than a year, penile implants may be discussed.
Not all prostate cancer patients will experience erectile dysfunction. High-risk patients including those with advanced stages of prostate cancer. Additional factors include what types of treatments are used to combat the cancer. For instance, surgery may make it difficult to achieve an erection, but hormone therapy and radiation therapy can also contribute to the issue. Radiation therapy sessions may lead to erectile dysfunction after six months or longer. After the start of hormone therapy, erectile dysfunction symptoms may appear after a month.
Patients should always work with their physicians to discuss what types of treatments they should undergo to improve sexual function. Erectile dysfunction may be temporary and normal function may occur naturally.
