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No Nerve Sparing possible

User
Posted 06 Jan 2022 at 13:19

I wondered who has had RP on here who could not have nerve sparing and what was the state of erectile function afterwards? Is it possible to get back to some sort of function after say a year or so WITHOUT nerve sparing? Or will it be forever on a pump, viagra and injections?

User
Posted 06 Jan 2022 at 21:15
I have replied on your other thread. If the nerves are removed, there is no function. Viagra will not work if he has all nerves removed.

We have one member who regained erections after non nerve-sparing RP and the surgeon's view was that perhaps some remnants had been left behind and were able to regrow. Internationally, the data is that less than 2% of men regain natural erections if all nerves have been removed and for many of the 98%, the only thing that works is the vacuum pump.

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User
Posted 06 Jan 2022 at 22:14

ShadyP 

I describe my operation as "supposedly" non nerve sparing, because my surgeon told me it would be non nerve sparing. A few weeks after surgery I was getting some stirrings and was put on a 100mg daily dose sildenafil, it didn't do a great deal.

My surgeon said there was a network of nerves in the area and perhaps the messages were still getting through. As lyn says if the operation is truly non nerve sparing nothing should work.

At one point I was probably getting a 70 percent swelling, I have not had any success with the few oral medications. Alprostadil in the Muse format worked for me but it was a bit hit and miss. Caverject Injections also work but I do no like injecting my penis.

My prescription for Caverject was sent to Boots three days ago and I picked it up today.

My surgery was nearly eight years ago and salvage RT was nearly five years ago. With enough stimulation I can still achieve a 70 percent swelling, an accidental puncture of my urethra during a dilatation gave me a 110 percent swelling. 

The pump works for me and thanks to advice from CJ using the durex rings makes the experience far better. We have mastered the technique of flacid intercourse which I describe as out of this world.

Thanks Chris

User
Posted 07 Jan 2022 at 17:03

H Colwickchris,

Thanks so much for sharing your experience with me. It will give my husband some hope. 70% swelling sounds good to me. We will no doubt be experimenting with pump, rings and injections when he has started to get better. As long as we are alive, we can keep kicking!

User
Posted 07 Jan 2022 at 17:17

Great attitude Shady P! Keep thinking positive! X

User
Posted 08 Jan 2022 at 10:21

Having already had my treatment the answer to this question is only of academic interest but I'm sure will help others, I don't know the answer and hoping someone does.

I know there is no need for an erection to have an orgasm. My penis is not very reliable on erections, but I still have amazing orgasms.

I know that ejaculation isn't necessary for orgasm, as mine were dry post treatment, but do seem to be becoming wetter. I still get the feeling the prostate is pumping whether dry or wet.

I am going to assume an orgasm happens in the brain, probably in the brain stem, as I assume orgasm are fundamental to life.

My guess is three sets of nerves are involved in sex:

1. brain to penis "get an erection"

2. (Tip of) penis to brain "this feels nice, I must be in the right place"

3. a. Brain to penis "shoot your load, and have fun whilst you're there". 

b. Brain to face "do the really silly expression (and hope she has her eyes closed)"

c. Brain to toes "curl"

With none nerve sparing I know the the first set of signals "get an erection" are lost. 

Do the second signals from penis to brain get through?

Does an orgasm happen in brain?

Do signals 3a happen? Is there a pleasurable sensation in penis during orgasm?

3b, Do I still get to do the funny face?

3c Do toes still curl?

I think knowing the answer to these questions would help people make an informed choice.

 

Dave

User
Posted 08 Jan 2022 at 17:23
I have to agree with Dave64 analysis and experience post op. Although tbh I did have nerve sparing. My orgasms are better and longer but more importantly my reload time is now about 6 hours rather than 48 hours! A game changer imho. Even if its a bit smaller and not quite so hard I am pretty happy with the situation and Im sure your OH will make the best of it too whatever the outcome. Try and stay positive shadyP
User
Posted 08 Jan 2022 at 20:21

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member
With none nerve sparing I know the the first set of signals "get an erection" are lost.

Do the second signals from penis to brain get through?

Does an orgasm happen in brain?

Do signals 3a happen? Is there a pleasurable sensation in penis during orgasm?

3b, Do I still get to do the funny face? 3c Do toes still curl?

Sensation in penis is handled by different nerves, which are not usually impacted by any prostate treatments. Some of this is carried to the brain as pain, but converted in the context of sexual arousal into pleasure. Pleasurable sensations are all a figment of the brain.

Yes, orgasm happens in the brain, but obviously has implications in the body too. Some of these are triggered by the brain, some are more primitive arc reflexs generated in the spine.

Note that although you don't need an erection to reach orgasm, it can be very much more difficult to do so without one, and some people struggle to manage to do so at all.

User
Posted 09 Jan 2022 at 01:45

Thanks for the answers. I had Brachy and RT and I'm happy with the result so far. I am having some ED issues, but I'm working on that.

My main reason for asking the questions is to make sure that if I express my opinions on RT vs RP particularly non nerve sparing RP; I know what someone having non nerve sparing RP is sacrificing. Permanent ED would be fairly bad but something one could live with, permanent loss of orgasm, and most likely sexual frustration would be very bad. 

I am very pleased I did not have a choice of treatment, my cancer could not have been cured by surgery. 

People who have a choice are effectively making that decision with a gun to their head. I think it is very difficult in that situation to make a decision which you may regret in the cold light of day, after all treatment is over and hopefully you are cured.

 

Edited by member 09 Jan 2022 at 13:33  | Reason: Not specified

Dave

User
Posted 09 Jan 2022 at 10:37
Don't feel bad about chasing things up Shady P. Sometimes you absolutely need to to get things done! It's a horrible time waiting for the op but once its done you can start focusing on recovery. And like you say, the main thing is that your OH is cancer free! Sorry can't comment on the nerve sparing element and ED as we are still very early days ourselves. My husband had RARP on Dec 8. He had full nerve sparing on one side and an incremental nerve spare on the other side. We're hoping for the best, but also worried that things might not work out with that side of things. The uncertainty is the worst part of it all for us. But while sex is important it's not the be all and end all. I'd far rather my husband were alive and here with me having a laugh and a few glasses of wine, than the alternative which is unimaginable for me. We'll take what we can get! After what we've been through we're just grateful for life whatever it throws at us! Good luck with everything and feel free to PM me if you need any more support with anything X
User
Posted 11 Jan 2022 at 17:21

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member
Even without a prostate I get ejaculate sometimes - and it's definitely not urine.

 

Not ejaculate, it is a lubricant produced by the Cowper's glands. Not many men still produce this fluid post-RP (or at least not in sufficient quantity to notice) but interestingly, it can contain measurable PSA - this can be critical when assessing forensic evidence in rape cases.    

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

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User
Posted 06 Jan 2022 at 21:15
I have replied on your other thread. If the nerves are removed, there is no function. Viagra will not work if he has all nerves removed.

We have one member who regained erections after non nerve-sparing RP and the surgeon's view was that perhaps some remnants had been left behind and were able to regrow. Internationally, the data is that less than 2% of men regain natural erections if all nerves have been removed and for many of the 98%, the only thing that works is the vacuum pump.

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User
Posted 06 Jan 2022 at 22:14

ShadyP 

I describe my operation as "supposedly" non nerve sparing, because my surgeon told me it would be non nerve sparing. A few weeks after surgery I was getting some stirrings and was put on a 100mg daily dose sildenafil, it didn't do a great deal.

My surgeon said there was a network of nerves in the area and perhaps the messages were still getting through. As lyn says if the operation is truly non nerve sparing nothing should work.

At one point I was probably getting a 70 percent swelling, I have not had any success with the few oral medications. Alprostadil in the Muse format worked for me but it was a bit hit and miss. Caverject Injections also work but I do no like injecting my penis.

My prescription for Caverject was sent to Boots three days ago and I picked it up today.

My surgery was nearly eight years ago and salvage RT was nearly five years ago. With enough stimulation I can still achieve a 70 percent swelling, an accidental puncture of my urethra during a dilatation gave me a 110 percent swelling. 

The pump works for me and thanks to advice from CJ using the durex rings makes the experience far better. We have mastered the technique of flacid intercourse which I describe as out of this world.

Thanks Chris

User
Posted 07 Jan 2022 at 16:58

Thanks so much for your ressonses Lyn.  You seem to be a font of knowledge for people here! No doubt I will have plenty of other questions as the operation comes closer/is over/the recuperation! The wait for the date is awful....

User
Posted 07 Jan 2022 at 17:03

H Colwickchris,

Thanks so much for sharing your experience with me. It will give my husband some hope. 70% swelling sounds good to me. We will no doubt be experimenting with pump, rings and injections when he has started to get better. As long as we are alive, we can keep kicking!

User
Posted 07 Jan 2022 at 17:17

Great attitude Shady P! Keep thinking positive! X

User
Posted 08 Jan 2022 at 10:21

Having already had my treatment the answer to this question is only of academic interest but I'm sure will help others, I don't know the answer and hoping someone does.

I know there is no need for an erection to have an orgasm. My penis is not very reliable on erections, but I still have amazing orgasms.

I know that ejaculation isn't necessary for orgasm, as mine were dry post treatment, but do seem to be becoming wetter. I still get the feeling the prostate is pumping whether dry or wet.

I am going to assume an orgasm happens in the brain, probably in the brain stem, as I assume orgasm are fundamental to life.

My guess is three sets of nerves are involved in sex:

1. brain to penis "get an erection"

2. (Tip of) penis to brain "this feels nice, I must be in the right place"

3. a. Brain to penis "shoot your load, and have fun whilst you're there". 

b. Brain to face "do the really silly expression (and hope she has her eyes closed)"

c. Brain to toes "curl"

With none nerve sparing I know the the first set of signals "get an erection" are lost. 

Do the second signals from penis to brain get through?

Does an orgasm happen in brain?

Do signals 3a happen? Is there a pleasurable sensation in penis during orgasm?

3b, Do I still get to do the funny face?

3c Do toes still curl?

I think knowing the answer to these questions would help people make an informed choice.

 

Dave

User
Posted 08 Jan 2022 at 12:17
Wow. Can you get someone to take a photo of your face at the critical moment so that we can let you know?
"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User
Posted 08 Jan 2022 at 12:46

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member
Wow. Can you get someone to take a photo of your face at the critical moment so that we can let you know?

ðŸĪŠ

Dave

User
Posted 08 Jan 2022 at 13:16
If I opened my eyes at the critical moment and your face looked like that, I would dial 999 🚑 😂😂😂
"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User
Posted 08 Jan 2022 at 17:23
I have to agree with Dave64 analysis and experience post op. Although tbh I did have nerve sparing. My orgasms are better and longer but more importantly my reload time is now about 6 hours rather than 48 hours! A game changer imho. Even if its a bit smaller and not quite so hard I am pretty happy with the situation and Im sure your OH will make the best of it too whatever the outcome. Try and stay positive shadyP
User
Posted 08 Jan 2022 at 17:54

Thanks to everyone who has responded, and to sumdumbloke for his message - I cannot yet respond privately to messages (sorry) as I am still too new and the sit doesn't allow. I guess we will just have to wait and see how it goes re the op and its aftermath ....but I really appreciate everyone's support on here and all your comments. I still wake up feeling sick just waiting for a date for the op for my husband. When we called on Thursday to chase (they are supposed to have called us), they said 'we are waiting for the paperwork' - well, surely it goes through email between clinic/surgeon/ appointments and is not just a pile of paper in a folder on someone's desk? Anyway, we keep doing those Kegal exercises, bum clenches etc in the hope of keeping us in working order. Too frightening to think otherwise, but hell, we are all just hoping to live our lives without any unwanted cells. Kick kicking.

User
Posted 08 Jan 2022 at 20:21

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member
With none nerve sparing I know the the first set of signals "get an erection" are lost.

Do the second signals from penis to brain get through?

Does an orgasm happen in brain?

Do signals 3a happen? Is there a pleasurable sensation in penis during orgasm?

3b, Do I still get to do the funny face? 3c Do toes still curl?

Sensation in penis is handled by different nerves, which are not usually impacted by any prostate treatments. Some of this is carried to the brain as pain, but converted in the context of sexual arousal into pleasure. Pleasurable sensations are all a figment of the brain.

Yes, orgasm happens in the brain, but obviously has implications in the body too. Some of these are triggered by the brain, some are more primitive arc reflexs generated in the spine.

Note that although you don't need an erection to reach orgasm, it can be very much more difficult to do so without one, and some people struggle to manage to do so at all.

User
Posted 09 Jan 2022 at 01:45

Thanks for the answers. I had Brachy and RT and I'm happy with the result so far. I am having some ED issues, but I'm working on that.

My main reason for asking the questions is to make sure that if I express my opinions on RT vs RP particularly non nerve sparing RP; I know what someone having non nerve sparing RP is sacrificing. Permanent ED would be fairly bad but something one could live with, permanent loss of orgasm, and most likely sexual frustration would be very bad. 

I am very pleased I did not have a choice of treatment, my cancer could not have been cured by surgery. 

People who have a choice are effectively making that decision with a gun to their head. I think it is very difficult in that situation to make a decision which you may regret in the cold light of day, after all treatment is over and hopefully you are cured.

 

Edited by member 09 Jan 2022 at 13:33  | Reason: Not specified

Dave

User
Posted 09 Jan 2022 at 10:37
Don't feel bad about chasing things up Shady P. Sometimes you absolutely need to to get things done! It's a horrible time waiting for the op but once its done you can start focusing on recovery. And like you say, the main thing is that your OH is cancer free! Sorry can't comment on the nerve sparing element and ED as we are still very early days ourselves. My husband had RARP on Dec 8. He had full nerve sparing on one side and an incremental nerve spare on the other side. We're hoping for the best, but also worried that things might not work out with that side of things. The uncertainty is the worst part of it all for us. But while sex is important it's not the be all and end all. I'd far rather my husband were alive and here with me having a laugh and a few glasses of wine, than the alternative which is unimaginable for me. We'll take what we can get! After what we've been through we're just grateful for life whatever it throws at us! Good luck with everything and feel free to PM me if you need any more support with anything X
User
Posted 09 Jan 2022 at 11:55

I had non nerve sparing surgery at the age of 46.

The pills will not work.

Pump was a nuisance but regardless of what product below you end up using (except the implant) use the pump for rehabilitation.

The creams didn't work for me.

The pellets you put in your urethra didn't work for me.

Caverjet was so painful it was unbelievable. 

Invicorp has been the best injection.  No pain whatsoever.  Some men get very hard with it and the erection lasts for at least an hour.

For me, I get about 20 minutes. 

So, I'm off soon to UCLH for a penile implant.  Just waiting on my surgery date.

My advice.  Don't fart about with this.  As soon as your able, start going through the various treatments.  My GP only prescribed invicorp, for example, once I had tried all other treatments.  Don't waste time.  Start experimenting as soon as it is safe to do so.

User
Posted 09 Jan 2022 at 13:41

Dave

the wetness maybe something to do with pre ejaculation lubricant being emitted form cowpers gland (experienced this myself). And quite possibly a small amount of urine.

User
Posted 09 Jan 2022 at 22:49

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

Dave

the wetness maybe something to do with pre ejaculation lubricant being emitted form cowpers gland (experienced this myself). And quite possibly a small amount of urine.

No almost certainly ejaculate. Don't forget I do still have a prostate, I had RT. I don't think I'll be making any babies but things are working reasonably well.

Dave

User
Posted 10 Jan 2022 at 10:25
Even without a prostate I get ejaculate sometimes - and it's definitely not urine.
User
Posted 10 Jan 2022 at 18:13
For interest, I still have my prostate, RT (37 sessions) completed Dec 2016, I definitely have completely dry orgasms.

Peter

User
Posted 11 Jan 2022 at 16:53

I too would rather have my husband alive for as long as possible. It is him I am worried about as he has always had a high libido and is worried about ED. I am really more bothered for him. I just want the cancer gone and his continence to be OK, but I know that ED is most important to him. I do appreciate your kindness in offering support. I think we all need it at these crucial times.  

User
Posted 11 Jan 2022 at 17:21

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member
Even without a prostate I get ejaculate sometimes - and it's definitely not urine.

 

Not ejaculate, it is a lubricant produced by the Cowper's glands. Not many men still produce this fluid post-RP (or at least not in sufficient quantity to notice) but interestingly, it can contain measurable PSA - this can be critical when assessing forensic evidence in rape cases.    

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

 
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