Question:
I was diagnosed with prostate cancer last week. I had a meeting with
my Eurologist yesterday but have now some questions that I did not
think to ask at the time and woud appreciate input:
1. Do you need both nerves to get a sound erection or is it a
redundnant system i.e one will do?
2. I have had trouble getting and keeping a strong erection for some
time now ( a couple of years) - could this be related to the cancer?
3. When I do get an erection - albeit second rate - I get pain in the
gland and from the foreskin which makes both the erection itself and
intercourse uncomfortable. Could this be related in any way to the
cancer?
Answer:
Please give us some particulars; age, Gleason Score, Stage and PSA are
really important as you discuss your situation with us and your urologist
and other medical personnel.
> I had a meeting with
> my Eurologist yesterday but have now some questions that I did not
> think to ask
I would say this is a universal concept. First, you're in shock. Second,
you're still in denial. Third, you don't know enough to ask all questions.
We stand ready, willing and able to help you with all of these.
> 1. Do you need both nerves to get a sound erection or is it a
> redundnant system i.e one will do?
It is not redundant per se, but then you don't need both nerve bundles,
necessarily. However, even when saved, the nerves experience an insult that
will usually cause temporary, sometimes permanent, impotence. If both are
saved, you will still be impotent for some time. If one is lost, a seral
nerve implant may help. In my case, both were lost and, 2½ years later, I
started having usual erections without help.
Oh, and then there is the help. Viagra and other meds are usually,
eventually successful regardless of nerve loss.
> 2. I have had trouble getting and keeping a strong erection for some
> time now ( a couple of years) - could this be related to the cancer?
I'd wonder what your prostate size is and what your Stage is. Certainly, if
the cancer has invaded the nerves, it can have an effect on erections. But,
so can enlarged prostates and other physiological and psychological
problems.
> 3. When I do get an erection - albeit second rate - I get pain in the
> gland and from the foreskin which makes both the erection itself and
> intercourse uncomfortable. Could this be related in any way to the
> cancer?
Never heard of that prior to prostate surgery, but I experienced it after
prostate surgery (for a little while), so I guess cancer could duplicate the
feeling.
