Post Cystectomy ED

I found this report from the National Cancer Institute which also states that nerve regeneration for erectile function can continue 2 and a half years after surgery

Hang in there

Here's the full report. Not all relevant but there's some ineteresting bits

cancerweb.ncl.ac.uk/cancernet/310207.html

Regs

tim

Belle
Im a similar age to your bloke (43). I've been experimenting with various meds (viagra, levitra and cialis). I had my cystectomy october last year and have found erectile function to be "unreliable" even with the meds. It's funny but sometimes i'll get an erection thats just like the old one in the middle of the night even without meds. Other times I can take meds and not get anything. It's pretty frustrating. I do think it IS improving over time though. I was advised by my doc to take the meds not just for sex but to get back to having the nighttime erections I used to get prior to the surgery. I think Wendy is right and it takes a while for the nerve damage to heal and 6 months is still early days. I was told to expect "something" by 4 months but was able (on one occasion) to have penetrative sex even before this. It was a bit weird really, like the "old me" returned for one night only! I was also told that the people who get back better erectile function are those that persevere and keep using "it"! My advice would be to not give up and please post any findings you have to this forum. I think it's an area a lot of people have issues with but maybe are understandably reticent about coming forward which makes your contribution even more valuable.

I think with me there's a big psychological component. I personally haven't felt the same about sex since my op in other ways (not just the ED). My libido isn't really what it was. Part of this, is down to the invasiveness of the surgery and how delicate I've felt down there, some of it's the fear of leakage during sex (I drain the neo but it's still a thought). I think this is also getting better with time though. I bloody hope so anyway! I'm blessed in that my partner has been incredibly patient as I don't think having any added pressure would help me. I think it'll be a while before I get back to normal - whatever that was!

All the best to you guys

Tim

Hi Belle,

6 months is a bit soon, give it a year, then. Also, some men have received hydraulic implants, which is also a possibility. Roni Olsen wrote a 'survival guide' about post-cystectomy impotence, here:
blcwebcafe.org/impotenceguide.asp , Impotence, Penile Prostheses and Alternatives

Best to you and your husband,
Wendy

My husband (late 30's) was dx with bladder cancer last May. Did 3 mos of MVAC before radical cystectomy (nerve spearing) in August. We are 6mos post sx. Using Viagra 100mg. doesn't work. Dr added Muse, doesn't work. Doesn't create enough for penetration. Other methods work & he enjoys that. I am thankful I have my husband here for our family. I crave penetration though. Anyone have similiar experiences? Does time help the nerves? He does have an appt with his Urologist later this month. I tried to get him to go back sooner to address and he wasn't ready yet.