Last Updated on November 27, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir

Knowing permanent side effects after prostate surgery is key for men with prostate cancer. Deciding to undergo prostate removal surgery is a significant and impactful choice. It’s important to understand what might happen next, including the permanent side effects after prostate removal such as urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and potential changes in sexual function and fertility. Understanding these permanent side effects after prostate removal helps patients make informed decisions and prepare for life post-surgery.

A study shows that men who have radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy can live more than 10 years. This news helps patients and their families make better choices about treatment.

The importance of knowing life expectancy after surgery is huge. It affects how well you live and your health in the future.

Key Takeaways

• Men treated with radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy should have a life expectancy exceeding 10 years.
• Understanding life expectancy after prostate surgery is crucial for making informed treatment decisions.
• Deciding to undergo prostate removal surgery is a significant and impactful choice.
• Life expectancy after prostate removal varies based on individual health factors.
• Discussing life expectancy with a healthcare provider is essential for patients.

Understanding the Prostate and Its Function

Knowing about the prostate gland is key for men’s health. It’s linked to both urine and reproductive functions. The prostate gland is a vital part of the male reproductive system.

The Purpose of the Prostate Gland

The main job of the prostate gland is to make seminal fluid. This fluid feeds and protects sperm during ejaculation. It’s essential for male fertility, helping sperm survive and move through the reproductive system.

Why Men Need a Prostate

Men need a prostate gland for reproductive reasons. The prostate’s secretions are a big part of semen, helping sperm stay healthy. It also helps control urine flow by surrounding the urethra, the tube for urine.

Common Prostate Conditions Requiring Surgery

Deciding to undergo prostate removal surgery is a significant and impactful choice.

It’s important for men to understand these conditions and their impact on prostate health. This helps them make better choices for their care.

Types of Prostate Surgery

Radical Prostatectomy

Radical prostatectomy removes the prostate gland and nearby tissues. It’s mainly for prostate cancer. There are open, laparoscopic, and robotic-assisted ways to do it.

Benefits: It can cure prostate cancer if it’s caught early.

Risks: It might cause trouble with urinating or sex.

Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy

This surgery uses a robotic system for better control. It’s less invasive than traditional surgery.

Advantages: It has smaller cuts, less blood loss, and faster healing.

Potential Complications: Risks include infection, bleeding, and damage to nearby organs.

Open Prostatectomy

Open prostatectomy uses a bigger cut to reach the prostate. It’s for complex cases or when other methods fail.

Benefits: It gives direct access to the prostate.

Drawbacks: It leads to a longer recovery and more scarring than other methods.

Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)

TURP treats BPH by removing prostate parts that block urine flow. It’s done through the urethra, without cuts outside the body.

Advantages: It’s less invasive, reducing risks and speeding up recovery.

Potential Side Effects: It might cause short-term urinary problems.

Surgical Procedure	Benefits	Risks/Side Effects
Radical Prostatectomy	Effective treatment for localized prostate cancer	Urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction
Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy	Minimally invasive, less blood loss, quicker recovery	Infection, bleeding, injury to surrounding organs
Open Prostatectomy		Longer recovery, significant scarring
Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)	Minimally invasive, reduces urinary obstruction	Temporary urinary issues

Life Expectancy After Prostate Removal

How long you live after having your prostate removed depends on a few things. These include the cancer’s stage and your overall health. Each person’s situation is different, affecting their outcome.

Survival Rates for Prostate Cancer Patients

Many studies have looked into how long prostate cancer patients live. A big study found that those who had their prostate removed lived about 75.3% of the next 10 years. This is compared to 36.7% for those who got radiation therapy.

This shows that removing the prostate can lead to better survival rates. But, it’s important to remember that each case is unique. The specifics of your cancer and health matter a lot.

Factors Affecting Life Expectancy

Several things can change how long you live after prostate removal. These include:

• Cancer Stage: When prostate cancer is found can greatly affect life expectancy.
• Overall Health: Being healthier can lead to better outcomes.
• Age: Your age at surgery is a big factor.
• Treatment Choices: Whether you have surgery or radiation can impact your life expectancy.

Age Considerations for Prostate Surgery

Age is a key factor when deciding on prostate surgery. Older patients might have more health issues. This can make surgery and recovery harder.

Prostate Surgery for Elderly Patients (80+ Years)

Deciding on prostate surgery for those over 80 is complex. Age itself isn’t a reason not to have surgery. But, other health problems can affect the outcome.

A study looked at how different ages fare after surgery. Here’s what they found:

Age Group	Survival Rate	Complication Rate
65-69	80%	10%
70-74	75%	15%
80+	60%	25%

The table shows that even those over 80 can live a significant amount of time after surgery. But, the risk of complications goes up with age. This highlights the need for careful selection of patients for surgery.

What Happens When the Prostate is Removed

Physiological Changes in the Body

Removing the prostate gland changes your body. It can affect how you pee. This is because the prostate is near the urethra.

Urinary Function: You might pee more or leak right after surgery. But most men get better over time.

Impact on Urinary Function

Urinary function can change a lot. Some men might pee too much or have trouble controlling it. But, with exercises and time, most men get better.

Effects on Sexual Health

Removing the prostate can also affect sex. You might have trouble getting an erection because of nerve damage. How much it affects you depends on the surgery.

Nerve-sparing surgery tries to avoid this problem. But, it doesn’t work for everyone.

Hormonal Considerations

Removing the prostate doesn’t stop hormone production. The testes keep making testosterone. But, treatments for prostate cancer can change hormones.

Knowing about these changes helps manage what to expect after surgery. It can improve your life quality.

Hospital Stay Duration

The time you stay in the hospital varies. It depends on the surgery type and your health. Most patients go home in a few days.

• Robotic-assisted surgeries usually mean a shorter stay, 1 to 2 days.
• Open surgeries might keep you in the hospital a bit longer, 2 to 3 days.

Always follow your surgeon’s advice on post-op care and when to leave the hospital.

Pain Management

Managing pain is crucial for recovery. You’ll get pain meds to help with discomfort.

Key pain management tips include:

• Stick to your pain meds as directed
• Report any severe pain to your healthcare team
• Slowly reduce pain meds as your doctor advises

Initial Mobility Restrictions

There are mobility rules to follow early on. They help with a smooth recovery.

These rules are:

• Avoid heavy lifting, bending, or hard work
• Take short walks to keep blood flowing and prevent clots
• Start doing more as your doctor says it’s okay

Catheter Management

A urinary catheter is used after surgery. It helps with healing and managing urine.

Know this about catheters:

• How long you’ll have it in
• How to keep it clean and safe
• Watch for signs of infection or problems

Understanding these recovery aspects helps patients manage their care. It leads to a better recovery.

Permanent Side Effects of Prostate Removal

Deciding to undergo prostate removal surgery is a significant and impactful choice.

Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is a common side effect. It can be mild or severe, even leading to losing bladder control. 

Managing Urinary Incontinence

There are ways to manage incontinence. These include exercises, lifestyle changes, and using special products. Sometimes, surgery is needed for severe cases.

Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is another serious side effect. The risk depends on nerve damage during surgery. Using nerve-sparing techniques can help, but ED is still common.

Treatment Options for Erectile Dysfunction

There are treatments for ED. These include pills, vacuum devices, and implants. 

Infertility

Prostate removal surgery makes men infertile. This is because the prostate and seminal vesicles are removed or changed. Men should talk to their doctors about keeping their fertility before surgery.

Changes in Orgasm and Sexual Function

Changes in orgasm and sexual function are also possible. Some men may have “dry orgasms,” where they ejaculate but no semen comes out. This happens because the prostate and seminal vesicles are removed.

“The psychological impact of these changes should not be underestimated, as they can significantly affect a man’s self-esteem and intimate relationships.”

Support and Counseling

Support and counseling are key for men facing these changes. Talking about these issues can help improve life quality. It helps men adjust to their new situation.

Temporary Side Effects After Prostatectomy

Knowing about the temporary side effects of prostatectomy can make recovery easier. After surgery, patients face various short-term issues.

Pain and Discomfort

Pain is a common side effect after prostatectomy. Effective pain management is key for a smooth recovery. Doctors usually give pain medication to help with discomfort.

Bleeding and Bruising

Some bleeding or bruising is normal after surgery. This usually goes away in a few weeks. It’s important to keep an eye on it and follow up with a doctor.

Urinary Issues

Urinary problems, like incontinence or difficulty urinating, can happen temporarily. These issues usually get better as the body heals. Doing pelvic floor exercises, like Kegel exercises, can help with bladder control.

Fatigue and Weakness

Feeling fatigued or weak is common after prostate surgery. Rest and a balanced diet help the body recover. Slowly increasing physical activity can also help regain strength.

It’s crucial for patients to follow their healthcare provider’s advice on managing these side effects. With the right care and time, most men fully recover and get back to their normal lives.

Can You Live Without a Prostate?

The prostate gland is key to men’s health. But, losing it doesn’t mean a big drop in life expectancy. Many men live well after having their prostate removed.

Long-term Physiological Adaptation

After the prostate is gone, the body changes. The urethra is fixed back to the bladder. Men might see better urine flow, but some still face issues like incontinence.

Adaptation Process: The body is amazing at adapting. The first few months can be tough, but most men get better control over their urine.

Impact on Overall Health

Removing the prostate can affect health in different ways. Some men might face erectile dysfunction, while others won’t. Most men can get back to their usual activities in a few weeks.

It’s essential to note that everyone’s experience is different. Age, health, and other conditions play big roles in how well a man adjusts.

Life Expectancy Without a Prostate

Research shows men who have their prostate removed for cancer live as long as those without it. It’s not the removal that matters, but the cancer’s stage and how aggressive it is.

Health Status	Average Life Expectancy
Men without prostate cancer	Normal life expectancy
Men with prostate cancer (localized)	Similar to men without prostate cancer
Men with advanced prostate cancer	Variable, depending on cancer aggressiveness and treatment response

In summary, losing the prostate gland changes life, but it’s possible to live without it. Thanks to medical progress and care, men can stay healthy and active after surgery.

Knowing what to eat after prostate surgery is key to a smooth recovery. Eating foods rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helps a lot. It supports your health and aids in getting better.

Foods to Avoid After Prostate Surgery

There are foods you should steer clear of after surgery. These can upset your bladder or slow down healing. Here are some to avoid:

• Spicy foods: They can bother your bladder and cause pain.
• Caffeine: It can make you urinate more and irritate your bladder.
• Alcohol: It can irritate your bladder and slow down healing.
• High-sodium foods: They can cause water retention and swelling.

Recommended Nutritional Intake

Eating a balanced diet is important for recovery. You should focus on:

• Fruits and vegetables: They’re full of antioxidants and fiber.
• Whole grains: They give you essential nutrients and fiber.
• Lean proteins: They help with healing and keeping you healthy.

Here’s a meal plan that follows these guidelines:

Meal	Foods	Benefits
Breakfast	Oatmeal with fruits and nuts	Rich in fiber and antioxidants
Lunch	Grilled chicken with quinoa and vegetables	High in protein and fiber
Dinner	Baked salmon with brown rice and steamed broccoli	Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber

Hydration Importance

Drinking plenty of water is crucial. It helps flush out toxins and aids in healing. Try to drink 8-10 glasses of water a day.

Supplements That May Help Recovery

While a good diet is key, some supplements can help too. These include:

• Omega-3 fatty acids: They may reduce inflammation.
• Probiotics: They support gut health and the immune system.
• Vitamin D: It’s important for health and bone density.

Always talk to a healthcare provider before taking any supplements.

Quality of Life After Prostate Removal

Life after prostate removal brings many changes. These changes affect physical health, mental well-being, and relationships. It’s important for men to understand these changes to live well after surgery.

Physical Well-being and Daily Activities

Men often face physical changes after prostate removal. Common issues include urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. But, many men regain their strength and daily activities over time.

Most men improve physically within a year. Regular exercise and pelvic floor exercises help regain urinary control.

Psychological Impact and Coping Strategies

Prostate removal can deeply affect a man’s mind. Men might feel anxious, depressed, or lose their sexual identity. Coping strategies like counseling, support groups, and stress management are helpful.

It’s key for men to get support from healthcare, family, and friends. This helps manage the mental changes.

Sexual Relationship Changes

Prostate removal surgery can impact sexual function. Medications, penile implants, and treatments are available to help. Talking openly with partners about these changes can keep intimacy alive.

Treatment Options	Description	Success Rate
Medications	Oral drugs to enhance erectile function	60-70%
Penile Implants	Surgical implants to enable erection	80-90%
Counseling	Professional guidance for sexual health	50-60%

Divorce Rate After Radical Prostatectomy

Studies show the divorce rate after radical prostatectomy is higher. The stress and changes can put a strain on marriages. But, many couples can work through these challenges with counseling.

Keeping communication open and seeking support helps couples adjust to life after prostate removal surgery.

Long-term Follow-up Care

Long-term follow-up care after prostate surgery is very important. “It’s key to ensuring patients live healthy lives without complications.” Regular check-ups and quick action are crucial for the best results.

Regular PSA Testing

Regular PSA Testing is a big part of follow-up care. The Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test checks for a substance in the blood. After surgery, the PSA level should be very low or not found at all. This test helps find any cancer coming back early.

“PSA testing is essential for prostate cancer patients. It helps us find any cancer early, when it’s easier to treat.” How often you get tested depends on your risk and surgery details.

Monitoring for Cancer Recurrence

Watching for cancer to come back is also key. This means more than just PSA tests. It includes regular doctor visits, imaging tests, and other tests as needed.

Managing Ongoing Side Effects

Dealing with ongoing side effects is also important. Patients might face issues like not being able to control their urine or having trouble with erections. Doctors can help find ways to manage these problems.

• Pelvic floor exercises can help with urinary issues.
• Medications or devices can help with erectile problems.
• Changing your lifestyle can help with other side effects.

When to Contact Your Doctor

It’s important to know when to see your doctor. If you have pain, trouble urinating, or other concerns, go see your doctor. Follow-up visits are set based on your needs and risk.

By being careful and keeping up with follow-up care, patients can greatly improve their life after prostate surgery.

Comparing Prostate Removal With Alternative Treatments

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is a common choice instead of surgery. It uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. There are two main types: external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and brachytherapy. EBRT sends radiation from outside the body, while brachytherapy places radioactive seeds in the prostate.

Benefits: It can treat localized prostate cancer well. It might also have fewer side effects than surgery for some.

Considerations: It can cause urinary and bowel problems. There’s also a risk of getting secondary cancers.

Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy, or androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), lowers male hormones that help cancer grow. It’s often used with other treatments.

• It can slow cancer growth.
• It’s used before other treatments to shrink tumors.
• Side effects include hot flashes, loss of libido, and osteoporosis.

Active Surveillance

Active surveillance is not a treatment but a way to watch the cancer. It uses regular PSA tests, exams, and biopsies. The goal is to avoid unnecessary treatment and its side effects while still treating the cancer if it grows.

Advantages: It lets men with low-risk cancer avoid the side effects of aggressive treatments.

Risks: There’s a chance the cancer could grow undetected and become harder to treat.

Life Expectancy Comparisons Between Treatment Options

It’s hard to compare life expectancy with different treatments because of many factors. However, studies show that for many men, life expectancy is similar across treatments, especially for localized disease.

Treatment Option	5-Year Survival Rate	Common Side Effects
Prostate Removal	Nearly 100%	Urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction
Radiation Therapy	90-100%	Urinary issues, bowel problems
Hormone Therapy	Varies by cancer stage	Hot flashes, loss of libido, osteoporosis
Active Surveillance	Nearly 100% for low-risk cancer	Anxiety, potential for delayed treatment

Conclusion

Knowing how long you might live after prostate surgery is key for those with prostate cancer. The cancer’s stage, your health, and the surgery type all play big roles. These factors greatly affect how long you might live.

Removing the prostate, or prostatectomy, can lead to issues like not being able to control your urine, trouble getting an erection, and not being able to have kids. But, new surgical methods like robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy can lessen these problems.

Your life expectancy after surgery depends on your age, health, and cancer stage. It’s also important to keep up with follow-up care. This includes PSA tests to watch for cancer coming back and manage any ongoing side effects.

In short, while removing the prostate can change your life, knowing what to expect can help you choose the best treatment. This knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions about your health.

FAQ

Reference:

1. Jeldres, C., et al. (2009). Survival after radical prostatectomy and radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer: a population-based cohort study. PMC, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2645889/