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What Causes Erectile Dysfunction Post Radiation Treatment?

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Posted on Tue, 30 Sep 2014
Question: I have taken radiation treatment about 6 months back for prostate cancer and also Eligard injections 6 months ago. I am not able to get erection. My age is 56 years. I tried Slidenafil -- get erection some times but not able to sustain more than 5 / 7 minutes. Please advise.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Naveen Poola (26 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
loss of libido is an expected side effect of it

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thank You for consulting HealthcareMagic!

The injection Eligard contains Leuprorelin which is a Gnrh analogue and it reduces testosterone levels. So, loss of libido is an expected side effect of it. Please let your reating doctor know this and you both can sit and decide, how to plan further management keeping in mind about prostate cancer.

Stay healthy and thank you for consulting! You can contact me again anytime, if you need clarifications or further assistance in future. Kindly rate the answer if you are satisfied.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Naveen Poola (7 days later)
1) While I am thankful to Dr Poola for his prompt reply , unfortunately , the main problem remains underwaserd.

2) The main query is how to to get good strong erection and maintain it. I am now now 56 years old.

3) During my routine check up in February 2012 , it was found that the PSA value is 16.

So , doctors suggested biopsy of prosate. It was then confirmed with biopsy about Prostate cancer. The XXXXXXX score then was 4+4.

4) The doctors therefore suggested Harmone injections with radiation.treatment

5) The first Eligard 22.5 Injection was given in April 2012.

The Injections were then repeated in July 2012 , Sept 2012, Dec 2012 , March 2013, XXXXXXX 2013 and Sept 2013. The injections were then stopped.

6) A radiation treatment for about 40 days was given June/July 2012.

7) Today no specific medicine is on going

8) The PSA value then monitored continuously and it was 0.09 during XXXXXXX 2014 and is at nearly same level today as well.

9) But since then (after Oct/Nov 2013) , there has been very very low libido and practically no erection.

10) The radiation doctor advised to try Slidenafil. But it works only very very few times and the erection lasts for only 5-7 minuets. It subsides before condom is put on.

11) Your specific advise on above is requested.

12) The regular on going medicine for BP is Nussar 25. (My usual BP is 140-90 and with Nussar , it is 120-125 and 80-85).

But basic question is also that , if Slidenafil and Nussar can be taken together?

13) A friend of mime , who is physician as well (MBBS) , suggested to try (for few days -- 30/45 days) Ignitor Tablet by M/s Zydus (to increase libido) and Vigomax forte Tablet (to increase blood flow to penis).

But I wonder , if Ignitor can be taken as it will enhance testosterone. And basic thing in treatment of prostate CA is to limit testosterone level so as to capture/arrest prostate CA.

Please specifically comment on this

Awaiting your valuable reply

Thanks and regards
doctor
Answered by Dr. Naveen Poola (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Slidenafil and Nussar cannot be taken together.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

All the treatment you have undergone for Prostate cancer like usage of Eligard injections is to reduce testosterone levels to very very low levels. So, decrease in libido is expected. So, now increasing the same with another drug is not good as you too can think.

Slidenafil and Nussar cannot be taken together.

Your doctor may increase the dosage of Sidanefil but based on physical exam and other investigations.

Thanks!
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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Answered by
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Dr. Naveen Poola

Urologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 421 Questions

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What Causes Erectile Dysfunction Post Radiation Treatment?

Brief Answer: loss of libido is an expected side effect of it Detailed Answer: Hello, Thank You for consulting HealthcareMagic! The injection Eligard contains Leuprorelin which is a Gnrh analogue and it reduces testosterone levels. So, loss of libido is an expected side effect of it. Please let your reating doctor know this and you both can sit and decide, how to plan further management keeping in mind about prostate cancer. Stay healthy and thank you for consulting! You can contact me again anytime, if you need clarifications or further assistance in future. Kindly rate the answer if you are satisfied.