After prostate cancer

In another thread titled "Urethral Suppositories" the use of a suppository to achieve erection was discussed. The comments posted led me to believe there are a number of men here who have ED for various reasons. I searched the site and haven't found that it was previously discussed. I'd like to relate my own experience and see if it generates any interest.

In '06 I chose external radiation to treat an early case of prostate cancer. I thought that if I kept my prostate, rather than have it surgically removed, my bodily functions would remain unchanged. Nothing was further from the truth and if I had it to do over again, I would have the microscopic surgery.

First, I was put on Lupron for a year and a half that totally killed my libido, gave me hot flashes and made me irritable. The radiation made it impossible to have an erection and ejaculate. It also caused scar tissue and inflammation that didn't manifest itself until a year later that resulted in chronic rectal bleeding. Two cauterizations by a Gastroenterologist helped greatly but not completely. Earlier this year some blood vessels popped in my urethra and caused me to suddenly bleed profusely and pass clots as I tried to urinate, scaring the hell out of me. This was also blamed on the radiation. It only happened once but can happen again.

I resisted any more Lupron and my libido slowly returned but all the little blue pills don't work very well. I get a partial erection but nothing close to being capable of penetration. I can enjoy sex and am living proof that you don't have to be hard or ejaculate to reach a very satisfactory orgasm. Being married to a good woman for over 4 decades is a gift and we have all sorts of ways to pleasure each other.

Still, a real live hard-on would be wonderful and I think I'm going to try the injections. My urologist says they have a good chance of working and explained a way to obtain everything inexpensively.

How about it, guys? Have any of you had prostate cancer or related problems and experienced any of the same things I have?

I have been blessed that I do not have prostate cancer. My PSA went from undetectable to 11.4 in about six months! A trans-rectal biopsy showed I have/had granulatomous prostatitis, which mimics prostate cancer. I am convinced that the best treatment for most men with prostate cancer is the daVinci robotic prostatecomy. This procedure produces better clear margins with less colateral damage than any other commonly available treatment. Even better is the high intensity intermittent brachytherapy, but this is available at only a few medical centers. Anyway, you need help with one of the problems that your treatment left you facing.

Now all that being said, I am diabetic and, as a consequence suffer from low testosterone and ED from the usual circulatory issues of most diabetic men.

I would not suggest testosterone treatments for a post prostate cancer patient, but I would strongly urge you to try the injections for ED. They work for almost all men. Using a tiny 30 or 31 gauge insulin syringe, they do not hurt badly at all. And the erections can be very nice and long lasting.

I've used prostglandin injections, both compounded and brand name. This is the same drug in the Muse urethral inserts which have a much less useful delivery system. I never got a usable erection from that product, just a large waste of money and a lost of frustration with my former doctor. I have not used a tri-mix, but it was considered the best possible treatment for ED before the oral meds came along.

I currently am using the blue pill as I've found I can get it to work pretty well for me in conjunction with my tight blood sugar control and testosterone injections. I will go back to the injections if necessary. Try them, they will probably help you a lot.

If you would like to discuss this more, you can send me a private message.

Speed

Regarding natural erections and sex after prostate removal. Prostate removal in 2008 and PSA undectable since - thank God . Married and great sex for 41 years prior to the removal. Even had only our second mutual orgasm just a few weeks before the PC surgery - so I was healthy where I was hard and it was still pointing upward and strong up to the end. Had 2/12 cancer locations, so decided to do DaVinci. Never a natural erection since. Tried manual stimulation, cialis, levitra, viagra, muse to no avail. Trimix injections proviode an adequate erection 6 or 8 out of ten, but it is a pain to schedule and when the urge hits you just want to get to the action NOW and not wait for an erection. I LOVE the erections whenever they happen and sorely miss the ejaculate. Orgasms are illusive. Short, sharp and acute but not lasting and sometimes (usually) I'm not sure I had one. What is it that all of you have found that is enjoyable to reach orgasm without an erection with your wife if I may ask? Thank you for an honest and caring response.

Fred72