Can you have intimacy after prostate removal? Yes. It just might feel a little different.
Recovery takes time, and everyone heals at their own pace. Some changes in intimate function are common after prostate removal, but with time and patience, many men return to a satisfying personal life.
Let’s break down what you need to know about intimate function, performance, and drive after prostate removal.
Can You Still Be Intimate After Prostate Removal?
First, let’s do a male anatomy refresher. The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland that sits just below your bladder and in front of your rectum.
It wraps around the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine and semen out of your body. The prostate’s main job is to produce fluid to nourish and protect sperm.
Because the prostate is near important nerves and structures, any surgery involving this organ (like a prostatectomy, or prostate removal) can potentially affect urinary control and intimate function.
The most common reason to have a radical prostatectomy is prostate cancer treatment. This procedure involves completely removing the prostate gland and some of the surrounding tissues, including the seminal vesicles.
But, doctors may also recommend prostate removal for:
-
Severe benign prostatic hyperplasia (in rare cases)
-
An infected prostate abscess
-
Severe and untreatable chronic prostate inflammation (prostatitis)
-
Traumatic prostate injury
Whatever the case may be, there’s good news: You can still be intimate after prostate removal. But for some men, it might feel a bit different.
Removing the prostate doesn’t stop your personal life forever, but it can change how things work. For instance, you might experience ED, especially if the nerves around the prostate were affected by surgery.
Pleasure is still on the table, but you might experience dryness. Your drive might also fluctuate after prostate removal.
How Prostate Removal Affects Arousal Function
You can still be intimate after a prostatectomy and likely achieve pleasure, but surgery might impact your arousal function.
Will you still be able to get a reliable arousal after prostate removal? Maybe (hopefully). The experience varies from person to person.
Some estimates suggest dysfunction following prostatectomy affects between 14 to 90 percent of men to varying degrees.
Let’s break down what can affect arousal function post-prostate removal.
Nerve Damage
The ability to achieve and maintain an arousal after prostate removal can take a few months to a few years. It mostly depends on whether the nerves around your prostate were spared during surgery.
If your surgeon was able to perform a nerve-sparing prostatectomy, your chances of developing ED are much lower. In one study, when nerves were spared, between 87 percent of men eventually recovered arousal function.
If you do have nerve damage, don’t worry—there are options to help, which we’ll get into later.
Other Treatments
Hormone therapy and radiation therapy are two common treatments for prostate cancer that your doctor may recommend before or after a prostatectomy. These can also affect intimate function.
Hormone therapy reduces testosterone levels, sometimes drastically. Since testosterone is the primary male hormone, this can have a direct impact on desire and arousal function.
Radiation targets and destroys cancer cells, but it can also damage surrounding healthy tissues, including the nerves and blood vessels involved in arousal function.
Psychological Impact of Prostate Removal on Intimacy and Health
Loss of or changes in your ability to perform can feel like losing part of yourself.
It can stir up anxiety, frustration, or even a sense of grief. Your confidence might take a hit, and you may find yourself avoiding intimacy out of fear of “failing”. These are all normal feelings.
One study found that one in three men experienced feelings of depression after prostatectomy — and there’s a link between depression and lower drive.
An important first step is to talk about your concerns with your partner, because intimacy isn’t just about desire — it’s about connection.
It can also be helpful to seek outside support from a therapist, who can provide a safe space to work through the emotional impact of surgery and help you find new ways to connect with your intimate self.
Recovery Time: How Long to Wait to Be Intimate After Prostate Removal
For most men, it takes around six weeks after prostate removal before it’s safe to attempt any intimate activity. But, that’s just a general guideline — your specific timeline might look a little different, so please follow your personal physician’s guidelines.
Factors like the type of surgery you had (nerve-sparing or not), your overall health, and how quickly your body is healing can all play a role.
Here’s what you can expect during recovery:
-
Initial healing (weeks 1-4). This period is all about rest and recovery. Focus on letting your body heal and following your doctor’s instructions. No heavy lifting, no strenuous activities, and definitely no intimacy yet.
-
Reintroducing intimacy (weeks 4-8). If your doctor gives you the green light, you can begin exploring gentle intimacy. But keep your expectations realistic, as things may not work perfectly at first.
-
Long-term recovery (months 2-12). For some men, intimate function gradually improves over the months following surgery. For others, it can take longer, especially if the nerves around the prostate were affected.
Privates Rehabilitation
Many experts think it’s important for men to try achieving an arousal as soon as possible once the body has healed, usually several weeks after the procedure.
This is sometimes called “privates rehabilitation.”
The most important thing you can do while you heal? Stay in touch with your urologist, who can provide personalized guidance based on where you are in your recovery.
Medical and Surgical Treatment Options for Enhancing Intimate Function
You’ve got options to address post-surgery intimacy and/or arousal problems.
Here are some science-backed solutions to gradually help restore your function.
PDE5 Inhibitors
PDE5 inhibitors — like sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra) — work by increasing blood flow to your privates, making it easier to achieve and maintain an arousal.
You generally take these medications between 30 minutes and a few hours before intimacy, but be sure to follow your provider’s instructions.
Vacuum Arousal Devices (VEDs)
This is essentially a vacuum pump for your privates. You place a clear plastic cylinder over your privates, use a pump to create a vacuum, and blood rushes in, giving you an arousal.
A VED is a non-drug option and you can use it even if you have reduced nerve function. You’ll need to use a rubber ring around the base of your privates to maintain the arousal once it’s pumped up.
Privates Injections
This is a small injection of medication (usually alprostadil) that goes directly into the side of the privates. It increases blood flow and causes an arousal within minutes.
If oral medications aren’t effective, privates injections are a next-step option that many men find helpful. Just be sure to follow your provider’s instructions, since injecting too much can lead to a prolonged, painful arousal.
Privates Implants
This is a surgical solution where an inflatable or semi-rigid device is placed inside your privates. When you want an arousal, you activate it.
Privates implants are an option for men who haven’t had success with medications, VEDs, or injections. It’s a last resort, but it’s also one of the most effective solutions for severe ED.
This is a surgical procedure, so there is some downtime afterward.
Topical Alprostadil Cream
You apply alprostadil cream directly to the tip of the privates. It helps increase blood flow to the area, similar to injections, but without the needle.
This can be a good option for men who don’t want to take oral meds or use injections. Just note that it comes with potential side effects, like mild pain or irritation where you apply it.
Intimacy After Prostate Removal: The Bottom Line
Intimacy after prostate removal may come with some changes, but it’s not the end of your private life. With patience, communication, and the right support, many men regain satisfying intimacy, an important aspect of men’s health and quality of life.
Here are the key things to remember:
-
Expect adjustments. It’s common to experience changes in arousal function, pleasure, and even libido after prostate removal. But with time and support, many men can rediscover intimacy, even if it feels a bit different from before.
-
There are medical (and surgical) options. From PDE5 inhibitors to vacuum devices, creams, injections, and even implants, there are effective solutions to help you regain intimate function. Talk to your provider about what’s appropriate for you.
-
Mental health matters. Don’t underestimate the emotional impact of intimate changes. Consider therapy or talking to a counselor if you’re feeling anxious, frustrated, or disconnected — on your own or with your partner.
If you’re struggling with intimate function after prostate removal, it’s important to talk about it and seek support.
Talk to your urology specialist or healthcare provider about your concerns and explore the options that can help you reclaim a satisfying personal life. They can help you weigh the pros and cons of different treatment options.
Related:
Can I take Viagra if I have high blood pressure?
When does Viagra stop working?
Like MediaFeed’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article originally appeared on Hims.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org
Featured Image Credit: Ridofranz/istockphoto.
