Enjoyable sex is possible after prostate surgery

A looming question all men who undergo surgery for removal of a cancerous prostate gland is “Will I be able to have an orgasm after the procedure?”

The answer to this is a resounding yes.  Almost all men are able to achieve an orgasm following prostate cancer treatment.  Prostate cancer treatments may damage nerves and blood vessels that are important for achieving an erection but are not necessarily important for reaching an orgasm.  One thing a man should know is that the prostate is the gland that produces most of the fluid that makes up semen.  Once the prostate has been removed by surgery or destroyed by radiation, a man’s orgasm will be nearly or completely dry and are known as a “dry orgasm” or retrograde ejaculation.  However, they can be just as pleasurable and fulfilling as they used to be before prostate cancer. 

It’s important for men to be able to feel confident and assured that after going through prostate removal surgery, their sex life will come back and can be enjoyable as well. The innovative surgical technique to help men have an active sex life is called SMART robotic prostate removal surgery.  SMART stands for Samadi Modified Advanced Robotic Technique created by Dr. David Samadi.  Recognized as one of the best prostate surgeons in the world, Dr. Samadi has performed more than 7,000 robotic prostate surgeries using his custom SMART surgery thanks to his years of research helping him develop this unique procedure.  Called RALP for robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy, this minimally invasive, low risk surgery aims to achieve a prostate cancer trifecta: complete removal of the cancerous prostate, zero continence issues, and full sexual potency.

The SMART technique is a valuable tool for men who are good candidates.  The precision of the robotic surgical arm results in little blood loss due to the small and minimal incisions I make barely touching the sexual nerves. This significantly helps preserve sexual functioning and a faster recovery. The majority of men (85%) who undergo the removal of the prostate gland with the SMART technique, will regain sexual potency in just 12-24 months.

Men should realize that sex most likely will be different but again, it doesn’t mean it will be worse.  There are specific suggestions for men to help them improve their sexual performance after prostate cancer to achieve a satisfying sex life once again.  Here’s how:

·      Masturbate

Solo sex is a great way to help you relax, build confidence, and find out how your body will respond after surgery.

·      Kegel Exercises

Mastering these pelvic flood exercises before surgery can actually improve your orgasm after surgery. They may even help you achieve multiple orgasms. An added bonus is they also help strengthen urinary control too.

·      Involve your partner

Remember that sex is best as a team sport so the sooner you work together, the better. Use physical and emotional intimacy to build up to penetration.

·      Stay ahead of erectile dysfunction (ED)

Oral medication for ED is a great way to speed sexual recovery. Using prescriptions such as Viagra or Cialis, even for a short time, can give you the confidence and sexual potency you need.

·      Have sex

The more sex you have, the more sex you’ll get. Meaning, penile rehabilitation through touching, intimacy, and erection “practice” will actually get you back in the game faster.

No matter whether a man has had prostate cancer surgery or not, every man will experience sexual changes throughout their life. For men who’ve had prostate cancer, they can and do return to leading healthy sexual lives.

 Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy.  Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.