Help! I’ve had my prostate removed and am unable to have an erection

Q: I have had my prostate removed, which has resulted in me not being able to have an erection. Is there some way or some procedure to rectify this situation?

Managing erectile dysfunction following surgery must seem like the extra blow you didn’t need. Luckily erection, pleasure, orgasm and ejaculation are not a package so you can experience some without all! Learning new ways to engage in, experience pleasure and enjoy sex, may help overcome some of the feelings you may be experiencing. 

The main function of the prostate is to produce semen, so while there may be no fluid to ejaculate, it is still possible to experience orgasms and pleasure. Erectile dysfunction following prostrate removal varies widely among men. Your overall health, age and psychological well-being can also have an impact. 

The good news is there are things you can do to improve or strengthen your erections; however, I strongly recommend talking to your doctor before trying anything new. These include: 

• Penis pumps and rings: Vacuum-style pumps can promote blood flow to the area. After removing the device, gently slide a cock ring around the base of the penis to help hold the blood.
• Oral medication: Sildenafil (Viagra), vardenafil (Levitra), and tadalafil (Cialis) all increase blood flow to the penis.
• Penile injections: Certain medications can be injected directly into the penis.
• Penile implants: An inflatable or flexible rod can be placed in the penis during surgery.
• Pelvic floor exercises have also had some success in helping patients recover their erectile function.

Alternatively, rethinking what sex means for you and your partner(s) given erections and ejaculating are just one part of sex. You might like to try approaching sex as though it is your first time and explore your body, new positions, tools and sensations you have not yet experienced. You can bring in parts of your body you have not considered before, including your neck, ears, and thighs that now have heightened sensation. The entrance to your anus is also a highly sensitive area that responds well to touch.

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IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This article is of a general nature and FYI only, because it doesn’t take into account your personal health requirements or existing medical conditions. That means it’s not personalised health advice and shouldn’t be relied upon as if it is. Before making a health-related decision, you should work out if the info is appropriate for your situation and get professional medical advice.