Last Updated on October 31, 2025 by

Men who have prostate removal surgery often worry about how it will affect their health, prostate removal survival, and life expectancy. Medical News Today says that removing the prostate won’t shorten your life. But it can change how you urinate and have sex.

After the surgery, men might face erectile dysfunction and urinary control issues. Knowing these possible side effects is key before you decide to have surgery. For more details on what to expect after prostate removal, check out Healthline’s guide on life after prostate surgery.

Key Takeaways

• Prostate removal surgery does not affect life expectancy.
• Men may experience erectile dysfunction and urinary control issues.
• Understanding the possible side effects is important before surgery.
• Resources are available to help manage post-surgery challenges.
• Men can adapt to life without a prostate with proper care.

The Essential Functions of the Prostate Gland

The prostate gland is key to men’s reproductive health. It helps make seminal fluid, which is vital for sperm to move and for fertility.

The prostate gland is around the urethra, below the bladder. It mainly makes prostatic fluid to feed and protect sperm. This fluid is about 20-30% of semen, showing how important the prostate gland is for fertility.

How the Prostate Contributes to Male Reproductive Health

The prostate gland helps in many ways:

• It makes prostatic fluid full of enzymes, zinc, and more to keep sperm healthy.
• The prostate’s muscles push seminal fluid through the urethra during ejaculation.
• A healthy prostate is key to normal urine and reproductive functions.

The American Urological Association says, “The prostate gland is vital for men’s health, and problems can cause big issues.”

Common Reasons for Prostate Removal Surgery

Prostate removal surgery, or prostatectomy, is done for prostate cancer or BPH. It’s chosen after other treatments fail.

Reasons for prostate removal surgery include:

1. Prostate cancer can be treated with surgery.
2. BPH that causes bad urinary symptoms.
3. Other conditions that cause long-term pain or discomfort.

“Prostatectomy is a big surgery that can greatly affect a man’s life quality.”

” Urology Care Foundation

Inability to Produce Seminal Fluid After Prostatectomy

Removing the prostate gland can cause several side effects. One of them is not being able to make seminal fluid. This greatly impacts a man’s ability to reproduce and enjoy sex.

The Prostate’s Role in Semen Production

The prostate gland is key in making seminal fluid. This fluid is vital for sperm health and moving them during ejaculation. Medical News Today says the prostate makes fluid that helps sperm leave the body during ejaculation.

Dry Orgasms: What to Expect After Surgery

Men often have “dry orgasms” after prostate surgery. This means they feel orgasm but don’t ejaculate. It’s important for men to talk to their doctors about this side effect.

Fertility Challenges: Why Natural Conception Becomes Impossible

Prostate removal surgery is lifesaving but can cause infertility. The prostate gland is key in the male reproductive system. It helps make seminal fluid.

The seminal fluid is vital for sperm survival and movement. The prostate gland makes a big part of this fluid. This fluid nourishes sperm and helps them travel.

How Prostatic Fluid Supports Sperm Function

Prostatic fluid has enzymes, proteins, and more that help sperm. It makes semen liquid after ejaculation. Without it, sperm can’t move well.

Medical studies show prostate removal always causes infertility. Without prostatic fluids, sperm can’t survive or move. This makes natural conception hard.

Fertility Preservation Options Before Prostate Removal

Men facing prostate removal should think about saving their fertility. Sperm banking is a common choice. It freezes sperm for later use in fertility treatments.

“Sperm banking allows men to preserve their fertility before treatments that may make them infertile.”

Men should talk to their doctors about saving their fertility. Knowing the options helps men make smart choices about their future.

Changes in Sexual Function and Performance

Men who have prostate removal surgery often worry about its impact on their sex life. This surgery, or prostatectomy, can change a man’s sexual health. These changes can affect his overall quality of life.

Erectile Dysfunction Following Prostate Surgery

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common side effect of prostate removal surgery. Up to 40% of men face some degree of ED after the surgery. The severity and likelihood of ED depend on several factors.

The nerves around the prostate are key to erectile function. During surgery, these nerves can get damaged. This can make it hard for a man to get or keep an erection. The risk of ED is higher with traditional surgery compared to nerve-sparing techniques.

Nerve-sparing techniques try to save the nerves for erectile function. This reduces the risk of ED. But some men might experience erectile dysfunction even with these advanced methods.

Treatment Options for Restoring Sexual Function

Fortunately, there are many ways to help restore sexual function after prostate removal surgery. Medical News Today says these include medications, mechanical devices, and implants.

• Medications: PDE5 inhibitors, like sildenafil, can improve erectile function by boosting blood flow to the penis.
• Mechanical Devices: Vacuum erection devices work by creating a vacuum around the penis. This draws blood into the area.
• Implants: Penile implants are for men with severe ED. These are surgically implanted and can be inflated for an erection.

Aside from these treatments, counseling and therapy can help with the emotional side of erectile dysfunction. Men should talk to their healthcare provider to find the best treatment for them.

Life Expectancy After Prostate Removal and Long-term Health Considerations

Men often wonder about their life expectancy after prostate removal surgery. Prostatectomy, or the removal of the prostate gland, is a common treatment for prostate cancer. It’s important to understand its effects on health and well-being

Urinary control is a big concern after prostate removal. About 6-8% of men experience ongoing incontinence after the surgery. This can greatly affect a man’s quality of life. Finding ways to manage this condition is key.

Impact on Urinary Control and Management Strategies

Urinary incontinence after prostatectomy can be tough to deal with. Pelvic floor exercises, or Kegel exercises, can help. These exercises strengthen the muscles that control urination. Regular practice can improve control and lower the risk of incontinence.

“Pelvic floor muscle training is a highly effective treatment for urinary incontinence following radical prostatectomy,” research shows. This non-invasive method can greatly enhance urinary function and quality of life.

Psychological Effects and Mental Health Support

The psychological impact of prostate removal is significant. Men may feel anxious, depressed, or feel less masculine after surgery. It’s vital to address these feelings with mental health support.

• Counseling or therapy can help men cope with the emotional aftermath of prostatectomy.
• Support groups offer a chance to share experiences and connect with others who have gone through similar surgeries.
• Mental health professionals can guide on managing stress and anxiety related to prostate removal.

By recognizing the psychological effects and seeking support, men can better handle life after prostate removal.

In conclusion, prostate removal surgery has long-term health implications. Understanding these effects and finding ways to manage them can help men adjust to life without a prostate. Focusing on urinary control and mental health support can improve overall well-being and quality of life.

Conclusion: Adapting to Life Without a Prostate

Men can adjust to life without a prostate. It’s important to know the side effects of prostate removal and how to handle them. Prostatectomy, or removing the prostate, is a big surgery. It can affect a man’s sex life and how he controls his urine.

Men can live well without a prostate with the right care. Knowing the effects of prostate removal, like changes in semen and fertility issues, is key. This knowledge helps men take steps to lessen any negative effects and improve their quality of life.

Adjusting to life without a prostate is not just about physical changes. It also involves dealing with the emotional impact of the surgery. By getting support and looking into treatment options, men can face the challenges of prostate removal. They can also keep living a fulfilling life.

FAQ

Reference

• Erectile Dysfunction: AUA Guideline (2018) ” American Urological Association