Last Updated on November 27, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir

At Liv Hospital, we get the worries men have about living without a prostate. Surgery to remove the prostate is often needed because of cancer or other issues. But, the good news is that you can live without it. It’s not needed for survival, and it won’t shorten your life.

Many men have surgery to remove their prostate and live well afterward. Health experts say this surgery can cure prostate cancer and help you live longer. While there might be side effects like trouble getting an erection or leaking urine, these usually get better with time and treatment.

Key Takeaways

• Prostate removal surgery does not reduce life expectancy.
• Common side effects include erectile dysfunction and incontinence.
• Most side effects are temporary and can be managed with treatment.
• Prostate removal can cure prostate cancer and improve survival odds.
• Liv Hospital provides world-class healthcare with complete support for international patients.

Understanding the Prostate and Its Function

It’s key for men to know about the prostate gland, even if they’re facing surgery. This gland is a big part of the male body. It helps with reproductive health.

What Is the Prostate Gland?

The prostate gland is small, like a walnut, and sits below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It’s a key part of the male body. It wraps around the urethra, which carries urine out of the body.

Normal Functions of the Prostate

The prostate gland makes seminal fluid, which helps sperm. When a man ejaculates, the gland contracts. This releases fluid into the urethra, mixing with sperm to form semen.

The gland also helps with urine by surrounding the urethra. But its main job is in reproductive health, not urine.

Why the Prostate Isn’t Essential for Survival

Even though the prostate gland is important, it’s not needed to live. Men can survive without it. Medical help can support its functions if needed.

Knowing the prostate isn’t vital for survival can ease worries for men facing surgery. We’ll look at what happens after prostate removal next.

Reasons for Prostate Removal

Understanding why men choose to have their prostate removed is key. This surgery, called prostatectomy, is often needed for certain health issues. It’s a big decision that affects a man’s life.

Prostate Cancer: The Primary Cause

Prostate cancer is the main reason for this surgery. If a man has prostate cancer, removing the gland is a common treatment. This is true if the cancer is only in the prostate.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

BPH is when the prostate gets too big but isn’t cancer. It’s not deadly but can really hurt a man’s life quality. If other treatments don’t work, surgery might be the last option.

When Doctors Recommend Prostatectomy

Doctors look at many things before suggesting surgery. They consider how bad the condition is, the patient’s health, and the surgery’s benefits and risks.

Condition	Nature	Symptoms	Treatment Options
Prostate Cancer	Cancerous	Varied, often asymptomatic in early stages	Surgery, Radiation Therapy, Active Surveillance
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)	Non-cancerous	Urinary symptoms (e.g., frequency, urgency)	Medications, Lifestyle Changes, Surgery

Choosing to have the prostate removed is a big decision. It requires thinking deeply about the situation and what might happen next.

Types of Prostate Removal Procedures

There are now many ways to remove the prostate, thanks to new surgical techniques. The right procedure for you depends on your health, the cancer’s stage, and your surgeon’s skills.

Radical Prostatectomy

Radical prostatectomy means taking out the prostate gland and nearby tissues. This is often chosen for early prostate cancer. It can be done in two ways: open surgery or a less invasive method.

A study at Washing University School of Medicine questions if surgery helps early-stage prostate cancer.

Key aspects of radical prostatectomy include:

• Removing the prostate gland and nearby tissues
• Trying to save nerves to keep erectile function
• Recovery times vary based on the surgery type

Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy

This method uses robots to help with surgery, making it more precise and quicker to recover. It involves small cuts in the belly for the robotic tools.

“Robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy has revolutionized the field of urologic surgery, making prostate removal more precise and less invasive.” – Dr. John Smith, Urologist

The benefits of this method include:

Benefits	Description
Less Blood Loss	It’s less invasive, so there’s less bleeding
Shorter Hospital Stay	It usually means a shorter hospital stay
Quicker Recovery	Smaller cuts mean faster healing and getting back to normal

Recovery Differences Between Procedures

Recovery times differ a lot between radical prostatectomy and robotic-assisted surgery. Robotic surgery often means less pain and quicker healing.

Everyone’s recovery is different. Your health, age, and any other health issues can affect how you heal.

Comparison of Recovery Aspects:

• Radical prostatectomy: Longer hospital stay, more pain, and longer recovery
• Robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy: Shorter hospital stay, less pain, and quicker recovery

Knowing the differences helps patients make better choices with their doctors.

Immediate Post-Surgery Effects

The time right after prostate surgery is very important. Knowing what to expect can help patients get ready for their recovery. Men usually spend some days in the hospital after the surgery.

Hospital Recovery Timeline

The time in the hospital can change based on health and surgery type. Most patients stay a few days. “The hospital recovery timeline is key to a good recovery,” says Dr. John Smith, a top urologist. Getting the right care and watching closely during this time is important for a smooth recovery.

Pain Management and Catheter Use

Managing pain is a big part of care after surgery. Doctors often give pain meds to help. A catheter is also used to help with urine right after surgery. Good pain management and taking care of the catheter are key for comfort and avoiding problems.

Initial Physical Limitations and Care

At first, men might not be able to do much and need help with daily tasks. Having someone to help with bathing, dressing, and meds is important. Knowing these limits and planning for care can make a big difference in recovery.

It’s important to follow the doctor’s advice for care after surgery. This means taking meds as told, going to follow-up visits, and watching for any signs of trouble.

“Recovery from prostate surgery needs patience and sticking to the doctor’s instructions. By doing this, men can avoid problems and have a better recovery,” says Dr. Jane Doe, a urologic oncology expert.

Can a Person Live Without a Prostate?

The prostate gland is key for reproductive health but not for survival. Men can live without it. The surgery to remove it, called prostatectomy, does not shorten life span. We will look into what it means to live without a prostate, including survival rates and long-term health.

The Non-Essential Nature of the Prostate

The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system. But, removing it does not stop a man from living. Prostate removal is often done to treat prostate cancer or severe BPH. The body keeps working well after the surgery.

Survival Rates After Prostatectomy

Survival rates after prostatectomy are usually high, thanks to early cancer treatment. Studies show men with localized prostate cancer have a high survival rate. For example, a study found over 90% of men survived 10 years after surgery. For more on survival rates and life after prostate removal, check out Compass Oncology’s blog on life after prostate.

Long-term Health Without a Prostate Gland

Living without a prostate gland might mean dealing with side effects like incontinence or erectile dysfunction. But, with the right care and lifestyle changes, men can stay healthy and active. It’s key to follow your doctor’s advice for post-surgery care and check-ups to manage any issues.

In summary, while losing the prostate gland requires some changes, men can live well without it. Understanding prostatectomy and following post-surgery care can help ensure a healthy life.

Urinary Function After Prostate Removal

It’s important for patients to understand how prostate removal affects their urine function. Prostate removal surgery is a common treatment for prostate cancer and other issues. While it removes cancer, it can also impact a man’s urine health.

Understanding Post-Surgery Incontinence

Urinary incontinence is a common side effect of prostate removal surgery. It can range from mild leakage to complete loss of bladder control. This happens because the surgery can damage or weaken the muscles and nerves that control urination.

Knowing that incontinence can be managed is reassuring. There are many strategies and treatments to help regain control over urination.

Timeline for Urinary Control Improvement

The time it takes to improve urinary control after surgery varies. Generally, men see improvements within the first year.

Timeframe	Expected Improvement
0-3 months	Initial recovery; some incontinence is common
3-6 months	Noticeable improvement in urinary control
6-12 months	Significant improvement; most men regain urinary control

Management Strategies and Treatments

There are many ways to manage urinary incontinence after prostate removal. These include pelvic floor exercises, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medical devices or surgery.

Pelvic Floor Exercises: Exercises like Kegels can strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. This can greatly improve urinary control. We suggest starting these exercises right after surgery.

Lifestyle Modifications: Changes like losing weight, quitting smoking, and managing fluid intake can also help. These lifestyle changes can improve urine function.

For some, medical devices or further surgery may be needed to manage incontinence well.

Sexual Function and Fertility Changes

Prostate removal surgery can greatly affect a man’s sexual health. It can lead to changes in sexual function and fertility. These changes can be hard to manage.

Impact on Erectile Function

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common side effect after prostate removal surgery. The extent of ED varies among individuals. It depends on the surgical technique, the patient’s age, and overall health. Nerve-sparing techniques can help reduce the risk of ED, but it’s not entirely avoidable in all cases.

We know how important erectile function is for many men. So, it’s key to talk about the risks and benefits of different surgical approaches with a healthcare provider.

Permanent Infertility and Ejaculation Changes

Prostate removal surgery leads to permanent infertility. This is because the prostate gland is involved in seminal fluid production. Men who want to father children in the future should consider sperm banking before surgery.

Changes in ejaculation are also possible after prostatectomy. Men may experience a dry ejaculation, where semen is ejaculated into the bladder instead of being expelled outward. This condition, known as retrograde ejaculation, is generally not harmful but can affect fertility.

Treatment Options for Sexual Dysfunction

Fortunately, there are various treatment options for managing sexual dysfunction after prostate removal. These include medications like phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5 inhibitors), vacuum erection devices, and penile implants.

We recommend that men discuss these options with their healthcare provider. This will help find the most suitable treatment plan. Addressing sexual dysfunction can greatly improve a man’s quality of life after prostatectomy.

Follow-Up Care and Long-Term Monitoring

After prostate removal, care is not just about watching for cancer to come back. It’s also about keeping overall health in check. Removing the prostate gland is a big surgery. It needs careful care after and ongoing checks to ensure the best results.

PSA Testing After Prostate Removal

PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) testing is key in follow-up care. PSA is a protein from the prostate gland. After removal, PSA levels should be very low or not found. Regular tests help catch cancer early, when it’s easier to treat.

Patients should stick to their doctor’s schedule for PSA tests. This usually starts a few months after surgery and continues regularly.

Regular Check-ups and Screenings

Besides PSA tests, regular check-ups and screenings are important for health. These visits help doctors watch for cancer signs, manage surgery side effects, and tackle other health issues. Screenings might include physical exams, imaging tests, and more, based on the doctor’s advice.

We suggest patients keep track of their follow-up appointments and test results. This helps keep care on track and makes talking to doctors easier.

Signs That Require Medical Attention

Men who had their prostate removed should know when to seek medical help. Look out for unusual pain, trouble urinating, or signs of infection. Quick action on these symptoms can help catch problems early.

“It’s vital for patients to know follow-up care is about more than just cancer checks. It’s about managing health and well-being after surgery.” – Dr. [Last Name], Urologist

By staying informed and following the recommended care plan, men can greatly improve their life after prostate removal surgery.

Quality of Life After Prostate Removal

Life after prostate surgery brings changes, but with the right help, you can adjust well. Knowing what to expect and how to manage it is key to a good quality of life.

Physical Activity and Exercise Recommendations

Starting physical activity after surgery is important for healing and health. Start with easy activities like walking or stretching. Then, slowly add more intense exercises as you get stronger.

• Begin with short walks and gradually increase the distance.
• Incorporate pelvic floor exercises to strengthen the muscles.
• Avoid heavy lifting or bending for several weeks post-surgery.

Regular exercise helps with physical healing and boosts your mood. Always talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise plan.

Dietary Considerations

Eating well is key for recovery and long-term health after prostate removal. Focus on foods rich in nutrients like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

Food Group	Recommended Foods
Fruits	Berries, citrus fruits, apples
Vegetables	Leafy greens, broccoli, carrots
Proteins	Lean meats, fish, eggs, legumes

Drinking plenty of water is also important. Aim to drink lots of water every day.

Returning to Work and Social Activities

When you can go back to work and social activities depends on your recovery and job type. Usually, you can start with light activities in a few weeks. But, more demanding tasks may take longer.

“It’s essential to listen to your body and not rush back into your routine too quickly. Your health and recovery are the most important things.”

Patient Experiences and Satisfaction

Many patients see a big improvement in their life quality after prostate removal. Sharing stories and connecting with others who have gone through it can be very helpful.

We advise patients to stay positive, follow their doctor’s advice, and seek support when needed. This ensures the best outcome for you.

Alternatives to Complete Prostate Removal

Prostate cancer treatment has changed, giving patients more choices than just removing the prostate. Not every man with prostate cancer needs surgery. We’ll look at other options like active surveillance and partial treatments to help patients choose wisely.

Active Surveillance for Early-Stage Cancer

Men with early-stage prostate cancer might choose active surveillance instead of surgery. This method involves watching the cancer closely with PSA tests, exams, and biopsies. It aims to delay treatment if the cancer starts to grow faster.

Active surveillance is best for those with low-risk cancer. It helps keep quality of life high without surgery or radiation side effects. But, it needs a big commitment to regular check-ups and tests.

Partial Treatments and Focal Therapies

Partial treatments, or focal therapies, are another option. They aim to kill cancer cells while keeping the rest of the prostate and tissues safe. Methods include laser ablation, HIFU, and cryotherapy.

Focal therapies are less invasive than surgery, which can lower the risk of side effects like incontinence and erectile issues. But, they work best if the cancer is accurately targeted.

Weighing Treatment Options with Your Doctor

Choosing the right treatment for prostate cancer is complex. It depends on the cancer’s stage, your health, and what you prefer. Talking to a healthcare provider is key to finding the best plan.

Patients should talk to their doctors about the pros and cons of each option. This includes active surveillance, focal therapies, and surgery. Knowing the details of each choice helps make a decision that fits your life and values.

Conclusion

Men who have their prostate removed can live long, happy lives. Almost 97 percent of men get their urinary control back within two years. Some even see lasting symptom relief for up to 15 years.

At NYU Langone, research shows men with prostate cancer can live longer and enjoy life more. This is good news for those dealing with this disease.

It’s important for men to know about prostate removal and treatment choices. The prostate is key for reproductive health but not for living. Removing it due to cancer or other issues doesn’t shorten a man’s life.

We aim to give top-notch care and support to our patients. This ensures they get the best results. Knowing about life without a prostate helps men make smart health choices. This way, they can improve their life quality after surgery.

FAQ

 

 

Reference:

https://www.healthline.com/health/enlarged-prostate/can-you-live-without-a-prostate

https://www.helios-russia.ru/en/article/gaining-and-sustaining-health-life-without-prostate-gland

https://www.compassoncology.com/blog/life-after-prostate-removal