Penile Rehabilitation After Prostatectomy

One of the most common treatments for prostate cancer is a radical prostatectomy, which is the removal of the entire prostate gland. While this surgical procedure is effective, it can also have side effects such as erectile dysfunction (ED). Here’s everything you need to know. 

Penile rehabilitation is a therapy aimed at helping men regain their ability to have erections after getting a radical prostatectomy. This procedure can damage the nerves and blood vessels responsible for erections, leading to trouble getting or maintaining an erection. Penile rehabilitation aims to improve blood flow and nerve function in the penis to help men regain erections. 

There are various treatments and therapies for penile rehabilitation after prostatectomy. These include oral medications, injections, penis pumps, intraurethral pellets, and pelvic floor muscle training. Oral medications, such as PDE5 inhibitors, are the most commonly used treatment, followed by injections and penis pumps. 

Researchers are also looking at experimental treatments such as low-intensity shock waves, stem cell therapy, gene therapy, acoustic wave therapy, and platelet-rich plasma.

As with any treatment, penile rehabilitation may have some side effects. Oral medications can cause skin reddening, headache, upset stomach, and vision changes. Injections may lead to scar tissue formation and the development of Peyronie's disease, a condition that causes a painful deformation of the penis. Other side effects include priapism (a prolonged erection, which is a medical emergency) and changes in penis color and temperature. 

Research on the effectiveness of penile rehabilitation after prostatectomy is mixed. Some studies have shown that it can help improve erectile function and penis length, especially when started soon after surgery. But it's not clear which treatment or combination of treatments is the most effective. 

Penile rehabilitation can be a valuable tool for men who have had a radical prostatectomy and are having problems with their erections. Communicating openly with your doctor about concerns, side effects, and preferences can be critical in finding a treatment plan that works for you.