Last Updated on November 25, 2025 by
Many men worry about an erection after prostate removal. Whether you can keep an erection depends on your age, your sexual health before surgery, and the surgery method.
Mohit Khera, MD, a urologist, says, “Erectile dysfunction rates after prostate removal vary a lot.” Your overall health and the surgeon’s skill matter a lot, too.
It’s important to understand how the prostate affects sex and how recovery works. We’ll look at the emotional and psychological sides of prostate removal and its effects on sex.
Key Takeaways
- Erectile dysfunction rates after prostate removal vary widely.
- Age and overall health can increase the risk of erectile dysfunction.
- The ability to achieve and maintain an erection can improve over time.
- Surgical techniques and the surgeon’s expertise can impact outcomes.
- Various treatments are available to help improve erectile function.
The Prostate’s Role in Erections and Sexual Function
The prostate gland is key to male sexual health, impacting erections and ejaculation. It’s vital to grasp how the prostate aids in these areas.
What the prostate contributes to sexual activity
The prostate mainly makes seminal fluid, which feeds sperm during ejaculation. Jordan Soper, PsyD, notes, “The prostate is heavily involved in the creation and secretion of the ejaculatory fluid.” This fluid is essential for sperm to travel through the urethra and out of the body. The prostate’s role in seminal fluid is critical for reproductive health, but its part in erections is often misunderstood.
How erections work with and without a prostate
Erections are mainly controlled by the nervous system and blood flow to the penis. The prostate, the surrounding part of the urethra, plays a role in ejaculation but not in erections. Men can have erections after prostate surgery, though quality and frequency might change. The ability to have an erection without a prostate depends on nerve preservation during surgery.
Common misconceptions about prostate removal and sexuality
Many think removing the prostate means the end of sex. But prostate removal can affect sexual function, not eliminate it. Many men can have erections and enjoy sex after surgery, with some changes in sensation and ejaculation. Understanding these changes and exploring ways to manage erectile dysfunction is key to maintaining intimacy after surgery.
Sexual function after prostate removal varies greatly among individuals. The surgical method, nerve preservation, and overall health play big roles. Men considering surgery should talk to their doctor to make informed decisions about their sexual health.
Recovery Statistics: What the Research Shows
Studies on prostate removal surgery recovery offer insights into sexual health. Knowing these stats is key for those facing prostatectomy. It helps manage hopes about getting back to normal after surgery.
Erectile Function Recovery Rates
Research shows that 33% to 60% of men regain erectile function after prostate surgery. This range varies based on age, health before surgery, and the surgery method. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that some men can regain function in 3 months to 3 years.
Recovering erectile function is complex. It depends on several factors. Key ones include:
- Age: Younger men tend to recover better.
- Baseline Sexual Health: Better health before surgery means faster recovery.
- Surgical Techniques: Nerve-sparing surgery improves recovery chances.
Long-term Outcomes
Long-term results after prostate surgery vary. Some studies show up to 60% of men face impotence 18 months or more post-surgery. Yet, results can differ greatly. The surgeon’s skill and the surgery method greatly affect long-term function.
Factors Influencing Statistical Outcomes
Many factors affect erectile function recovery after prostate surgery. These include:
- Surgical Technique: Nerve-sparing surgery improves recovery rates.
- Patient Health: Conditions like diabetes can affect recovery.
- Post-Surgery Care: Programs for penile rehabilitation help in recovery.
Knowing these factors helps patients and doctors make better choices about prostate surgery and care afterward.
Sex After Prostate Removal: What to Expect
Understanding how prostate removal affects sexual health is key for patients. Prostate removal, or prostatectomy, can change a man’s sex life. But how much it changes varies from person to person.
Timeline for Possible Erectile Function Recovery
Recovering erectile function after prostate removal takes time, often up to two years or more. The recovery time depends on several factors. These include the patient’s age, health, and whether nerve-sparing techniques were used during surgery. Nerve-sparing prostatectomy can greatly improve the chances of recovering erectile function.
Changes in Sensation and Sexual Response
Men may notice changes in sensation and sexual response after prostate removal. Some may feel less intense orgasms, while others might have dry orgasms without ejaculatory fluid. According to Searah Deysach, a sex educator, “Most people will enjoy penile orgasms after prostate removal.”
Can You Ejaculate Without a Prostate?
Ejaculatory orgasms are usually not possible after prostate removal. This is because the prostate is key in making ejaculatory fluid. Yet, men can have dry orgasms. These can feel like normal orgasms but without the ejaculation.
Fertility Concerns After Prostatectomy
Fertility is a big worry for men after prostate removal. The prostate’s role in making seminal fluid is important. Its removal can affect fertility. Men wanting to father children may need to consider sperm banking before surgery.
Getting a woman pregnant after prostate removal depends on many factors. This includes if sperm banking was done before surgery. It’s vital for patients to talk to their healthcare provider about their concerns and options.
Surgical Techniques That Preserve Erectile Function
New surgical methods, like robotic-assisted surgery, help keep sexual function after prostate surgery. Advances in urology make techniques like nerve-sparing prostatectomy key for keeping erectile function.
Nerve-sparing prostatectomy explained
Nerve-sparing prostatectomy tries to save nerves around the prostate that help with erections. This surgery aims to keep these nerves intact, which can improve your chances of keeping erectile function. Research shows that saving both nerve bundles can lead to a 73% recovery rate.
The success of this surgery depends on the surgeon’s skill and your health. It’s a precise procedure that needs a deep understanding of the body’s anatomy.
Advances in robotic-assisted surgery
Robotic-assisted surgery has changed urology, making it more precise and less invasive. This technology helps surgeons better preserve nerves, which is vital for keeping erectile function. The robotic system’s clear view and precise tools make complex surgeries easier and more accurate.
Questions to ask your surgeon about erectile function preservation
Talking about keeping erectile function after prostate surgery is important. Here are some questions to ask your surgeon:
- What nerve-sparing techniques do you use during prostatectomy?
- What are the chances of recovering erectile function after surgery?
- How will you ensure the preservation of my sexual function?
- What are the possible risks and complications with nerve-sparing surgery?
The importance of surgeon experience and hospital protocols
Your surgeon’s experience and the hospital’s protocols are key to a good outcome. Surgeons who do many prostate surgeries tend to do better, as they get better with practice. Also, hospitals with good post-op care can help a lot with recovery and keeping erectile function.
Choosing a skilled surgeon and a well-known hospital can help you have a successful surgery. This includes keeping your sexual function intact.
Treatment Options for Erectile Dysfunction After Prostatectomy
After a prostatectomy, men often face erectile dysfunction. But there are many treatments to help restore sexual function. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is common after prostate removal surgery, affecting many men.
Fortunately, several effective treatments can help men regain their erectile function. These treatments can improve their overall sexual health.
Oral Medications
Oral medications, like Viagra (sildenafil), are often prescribed for erectile dysfunction after prostatectomy. It’s important to wait until a healthcare provider recommends starting Viagra. Men usually start using these medications a few months after surgery, once they’ve fully recovered.
“The use of PDE5 inhibitors, like sildenafil, has been shown to be effective in treating erectile dysfunction in men post-prostatectomy,” says a leading urologist. “Success rates can vary based on individual factors, such as the extent of nerve damage during surgery.”
Mechanical Aids and Devices
For men who don’t respond to oral medications, mechanical aids and devices are alternatives. Vacuum erection devices (VEDs) are a non-invasive option. They work by creating a vacuum around the penis, drawing blood into the penis, and then using a constriction ring to maintain the erection.
- VEDs are available without a prescription and can be used with other treatments.
- They are a good option for men who cannot use oral medications due to health reasons.
- Proper use and sizing are key for comfort and effectiveness.
Penile Rehabilitation Programs
Penile rehabilitation programs combine various treatments to restore erectile function. These programs include oral medications, mechanical devices, and lifestyle modifications. The goal is to promote blood flow to the penis, prevent tissue damage, and enhance erectile function over time.
Data from UCLA Health’s Men’s Clinic shows promising results for penile rehabilitation programs. “A well-structured rehabilitation program can significantly improve outcomes for men post-prostatectomy,” notes a specialist.
Advanced Treatments for Severe Cases
For men with severe erectile dysfunction, advanced options are available. Penile implants are a surgical solution that involves placing inflatable or semi-rigid devices within the penis to enable erections. These implants are highly effective and can significantly improve the quality of life.
Another advanced treatment is low-intensity shockwave therapy. It’s being explored for its ability to regenerate penile tissue and improve erectile function. While research is ongoing, this therapy shows promise as a non-invasive treatment for ED.
In conclusion, various treatment options are available to manage erectile dysfunction after prostatectomy. Men should discuss these options with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment for their individual needs.
Conclusion: Maintaining Sexual Intimacy Beyond Erections
It’s possible to keep sexual intimacy alive after prostate surgery, even with changes in erections. Many people worry about sex after prostate removal.
Orgasms and feelings might change after surgery. But there are many ways to keep intimacy and a fulfilling sex life alive.
Yes, you can have sex after prostate removal. The experience might be different, but many men find ways to keep their sex life satisfying. It’s important to talk to a healthcare provider about treatments for erectile dysfunction.
Sex after prostate surgery needs patience and understanding. It often involves medical treatments and emotional support. By facing these changes and seeking help, people can move forward in their sexual health journey.
FAQ
Can you have an erection without a prostate?
Yes, it’s possible to have an erection without a prostate. But the quality and likelihood of erections can change after surgery.
How soon can you take Viagra after prostate surgery?
When to take Viagra after surgery depends on your recovery and the doctor’s advice. It’s usually after the healing starts.
Can you ejaculate without a prostate?
No, you can’t ejaculate like usual without a prostate. The prostate is key in making semen.
Can you have sex without a prostate?
Yes, many men can have sex after removing the prostate. But erections and sexual responses might not be the same.
How does prostate removal affect fertility?
Removing the prostate usually makes a man sterile. This is because the prostate is vital for semen production.
Can a man with no prostate get a woman pregnant?
Generally, no. A man without a prostate can’t get a woman pregnant naturally because he can’t produce seminal fluid.
What are the treatment options for erectile dysfunction after prostatectomy?
Treatments include Viagra, mechanical aids, and penile rehabilitation programs. For severe cases, there are advanced treatments.
How do nerve-sparing surgical techniques impact erectile function recovery?
Nerve-sparing surgery can greatly improve the chances of regaining erectile function. Recovery rates can reach up to 73% in some cases.
What changes in sensation and sexual response can be expected after prostate removal?
You might notice less sensitivity, changes in orgasm, and trouble getting or keeping an erection.
Are there any advances in robotic-assisted surgery that help preserve erectile function?
Yes, robotic surgery has gotten better at preserving nerves. This can help improve the chances of regaining erectile function.
What questions should be asked of a surgeon about preserving erectile function?
Ask about the surgeon’s experience with nerve-sparing surgery. Also, ask about the chances of keeping erectile function and post-op care plans.
Reference
- Lin, C., Cai, C., Mao, Y., Liang, X., & Wang, H. (2018). Enhanced recovery after surgery protocol for prostate cancer patients undergoing laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Journal of Cancer Research and Therapeutics, 14(Suppl), S115“S121. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6384482/
- American Cancer Society. (2023). Surgery for prostate cancer | Prostatectomy. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/treating/surgery.html
- Cancer Research UK. (2025). After prostate cancer surgery. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/prostate-cancer/treatment/surgery/after-surgery
- University of California Davis Health. (2018). Recovery after prostate cancer surgery. https://health.ucdavis.edu/urology/specialties/male_infertility_and_sexual_dysfunction/Male-Reproductive-Sexual-Health/prostate_cancer_surgery_recovery.html
- Australian Prostate Centre. (n.d.). Preparing for and recovering from prostate cancer surgery. https://www.australianprostatecentre.org.au/patients/prostate-cancer-survivorship-at-apc/preparing-for-recovery-from-prostate-cancer-surgery
