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What Causes Erectile Dysfunction After Radiation Therapy For Prostate Cancer?

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Posted on Mon, 2 Jan 2017
Question: After radiation therapy for prostate cancer, I am not able to get an erections--what can I do
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Answered by Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Proper assessmnt by urologist, baseline testosterone, drugs, follow up

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,

I understand how disturbing this could be. However, this is not uncommon with the therapy you are just from receiving.

The good news is there are many options for you to get a remarkable improvement in your sexual life. It is however imperative to get a baseline assessment from your treating physician. this is so because some of the medication could interact with other drugs, if any that you are taking , or with some health issue.

Your partner needs to be implicated in the care process to give you the necessary support. A good and enjoyable sexual encounter always has the role of the psychological component very important. You might to talk to your partner about it.

After a proper assessment, drugs like Sildenafil are always good beginning options. The doses however shall depend on the initial assessment by your doctor, and your response to initial doses. Topical creams like Alprostadil also do exist. However, this drug in some persons do irritate the penile area. It is however uncommon as a side effect but worth knowing. In case of failure, a device called the vacuum erection device could be tried. This is however used only when you might proof not to respond to Sildenafil or present with conditions that not compatible for the drug to be used.

Your doctor will get a baseline level of testosterone. If its too low, administering some testosterone might improve sexual function.

Exercise and maintaining a good body weight do affect positively erectile function. Thus , regular exercise is very helpful.

The earlier you start the therapy, the better the results. However, a clinical assessment by your treating physician, and setting up a management plan specific to you is of utmost importance. Involve and discuss this with your partner and book an appointment with your urologist.

Thanks and kind regards as I wish you the best of health. Please, do feel free asking further questions in case of need. I will be glad contributing my thoughts for your well being.

Dr Bain

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
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Answered by
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Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 3092 Questions

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What Causes Erectile Dysfunction After Radiation Therapy For Prostate Cancer?

Brief Answer: Proper assessmnt by urologist, baseline testosterone, drugs, follow up Detailed Answer: Hi and thanks for the query, I understand how disturbing this could be. However, this is not uncommon with the therapy you are just from receiving. The good news is there are many options for you to get a remarkable improvement in your sexual life. It is however imperative to get a baseline assessment from your treating physician. this is so because some of the medication could interact with other drugs, if any that you are taking , or with some health issue. Your partner needs to be implicated in the care process to give you the necessary support. A good and enjoyable sexual encounter always has the role of the psychological component very important. You might to talk to your partner about it. After a proper assessment, drugs like Sildenafil are always good beginning options. The doses however shall depend on the initial assessment by your doctor, and your response to initial doses. Topical creams like Alprostadil also do exist. However, this drug in some persons do irritate the penile area. It is however uncommon as a side effect but worth knowing. In case of failure, a device called the vacuum erection device could be tried. This is however used only when you might proof not to respond to Sildenafil or present with conditions that not compatible for the drug to be used. Your doctor will get a baseline level of testosterone. If its too low, administering some testosterone might improve sexual function. Exercise and maintaining a good body weight do affect positively erectile function. Thus , regular exercise is very helpful. The earlier you start the therapy, the better the results. However, a clinical assessment by your treating physician, and setting up a management plan specific to you is of utmost importance. Involve and discuss this with your partner and book an appointment with your urologist. Thanks and kind regards as I wish you the best of health. Please, do feel free asking further questions in case of need. I will be glad contributing my thoughts for your well being. Dr Bain