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HT and a sex life

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User
Posted 04 Jun 2016 at 01:13

Is  a sex life at all possible whilst on HT

I am in between cycle 4 and 5 of chemo before starting 37 sessions of Radiotherapy and on the 6th of June I will have my 2nd Zoladex injection.

Lucky enough to have started a relationship with a wonderful lass, who has been by my side through most of this journey.

My PSA has fallen to 1.2...

We are kind of managing sex..... Erection is about 60% and orgasm are dry.....Desire is still 100 %

My question is, Is there anything i can take to help the erection be harder?

Is my sex heading towards nothing as i progress on HT?

Shaun

 

User
Posted 04 Jun 2016 at 13:40

Hi Shaun, I have ed problems with HT (since Feb 2015)and had RT (ended Nov 2015)as well.

I knew nothing about what was available until I talked to my urology specialist nurse, she was also the ed nurse and straight away suggested Cialis and getting a vacuum pump on prescription through my GP. She wrote the note requesting what was needed and my GP obliged with the script.Since then there have been stirrings afoot( not the length) and the Cialis is working a bit and the pump has an impact and helps also but the loss of libido is the killer so no matter what I think I should be doing my mind is not focused and I have no interest. So will be carrying on with the rehab for now until HT ends next Feb.

Some areas/trusts do not agree with certain ways of dealing with ED and I am not sure if just being on HT only is enough even though you have had chemo and are having RT soon it would be worth talking to your specialist nurse before your GP. One of the reasons is that you need to prevent the loss of blood supply to your penis as it can gradually shrink with the lack of use so penile rehabilitation is the usual reason for getting treatment.

Not much attention is paid to HT/RT patients and nothing is told to you from the establishment about penile rehab whereas if you have had a Radical prostectomy it is discussed and acknowledged that there is a need for help.

Ask for help based on rehab rather than the need to have sex.

Best of luck Chris/Woody

Life seems different upside down, take another viewpoint

Edited by member 04 Jun 2016 at 13:45  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 04 Jun 2016 at 14:14
Shaun,

I am like Chris, a HT lad. I'm now 22 months into Zoladex and have at least another 14 to go. I started HT in August 14 and RT in November of that year. As I lost libido quite quickly the last thing on my mind was sex. I had the concerns of RT to get through , consider the impact on work and other parts of my life. It was only about 10 months after RT finished that I sought help for ED . My GP was very supportive and via a referral to the urology dept I have been prescribed a pump and am on daily 5 mg cialis. As much as anything this is for penile rehab and the benefits became apparent quite quickly.

However I have a friend from RT who saw the same consultant at the urology investigation department and he was only prescribed sidenafil and NO pump. He's at the same stage as me. His referral was from the Onco review.

I spoke to my GP re ED. she sent a referral letter to the same dept which may have explained my position better regards meds and a pump. I was offered pretty much anything I wanted med wise - Cialis , viagra , muse, claverject etc. The choice was between me and my GP. I know that I've been very lucky but if you get your GP on board with you and be referred with full details of your situation - including your new relationship, then this might help you.

Good luck .

John

User
Posted 04 Jun 2016 at 11:11

Bumping for you Shaun. It's usually quieter at the weekend but I'm sure somebody will advise you

We can't control the winds - but we can adjust our sails
User
Posted 04 Jun 2016 at 14:15
S

We are not quite in the same boat but we have adapted to the new normal, I am now a great believer in " you do not need an erection for vaginal intercourse". Google flacid insertion and you should find an extract from a book that gives a description of the technique. If you cannot find it let me know,i am on a mobile and cannot paste the link.

Thanks Chris

User
Posted 06 Jun 2016 at 11:56
George,

My doctor said to me that " the poor wee organ" is a muscle and must be exercised regularly ! Yes , use it or lose it. Within days of using Cialis I saw an immediate benefit to that part of my body in both length and girth. The pump has helped as well.

Shaun,

If the sidenafil doesn't work for you go back to your doc and ask to try something else, don't give up.

John

User
Posted 06 Jun 2016 at 12:19
Shaun...

I take Sildenafil... 50mg twice weekly.

Decent results and only slight headache and some "heartburn" - but nothing untoward. Suppose we all react differently.

User
Posted 08 Jun 2016 at 08:25

and... I hate putting things in bold as if one is shouting...

User
Posted 10 Jun 2016 at 07:20

I very much think you could get 8 per month if you are pushy , but 4 is the standard amount.
Mate , try Kamagra UK on the web. Generic forms of Viagra , Levitra , Cialis manufactured in India. Perfectly safe and the same results. I've just purchased 4 months of Cials and it cost me £46 , and unless my todger is tricking me , it's good stuff.

User
Posted 10 Jun 2016 at 20:13

Hi Shaun
Despite being able to obtain generic drugs , you must ensure your doctor is aware ( as mine is ) , due to possible interactions with other medical conditions you have or other meds you take. Both my doctor and ED nurse know I am buying from a website and haven't deterred me. As a rule of thumb , only three 100mg doses of Viagra per week , with 24 hrs in between doses I think. Don't quote me !! Levitra and Cialis are 20 mg doses but yet again only three per week. Never mix the drugs.
It is so apparent in many cases that doctors and hospitals and ED nurses aren't actually that helpful in aiding recovery. Some people can't even get a pump which is desperately needed. You need to help your own recovery along mostly , but read up on it all and never take risks if you're not sure ok.

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User
Posted 04 Jun 2016 at 11:11

Bumping for you Shaun. It's usually quieter at the weekend but I'm sure somebody will advise you

We can't control the winds - but we can adjust our sails
User
Posted 04 Jun 2016 at 13:40

Hi Shaun, I have ed problems with HT (since Feb 2015)and had RT (ended Nov 2015)as well.

I knew nothing about what was available until I talked to my urology specialist nurse, she was also the ed nurse and straight away suggested Cialis and getting a vacuum pump on prescription through my GP. She wrote the note requesting what was needed and my GP obliged with the script.Since then there have been stirrings afoot( not the length) and the Cialis is working a bit and the pump has an impact and helps also but the loss of libido is the killer so no matter what I think I should be doing my mind is not focused and I have no interest. So will be carrying on with the rehab for now until HT ends next Feb.

Some areas/trusts do not agree with certain ways of dealing with ED and I am not sure if just being on HT only is enough even though you have had chemo and are having RT soon it would be worth talking to your specialist nurse before your GP. One of the reasons is that you need to prevent the loss of blood supply to your penis as it can gradually shrink with the lack of use so penile rehabilitation is the usual reason for getting treatment.

Not much attention is paid to HT/RT patients and nothing is told to you from the establishment about penile rehab whereas if you have had a Radical prostectomy it is discussed and acknowledged that there is a need for help.

Ask for help based on rehab rather than the need to have sex.

Best of luck Chris/Woody

Life seems different upside down, take another viewpoint

Edited by member 04 Jun 2016 at 13:45  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 04 Jun 2016 at 14:14
Shaun,

I am like Chris, a HT lad. I'm now 22 months into Zoladex and have at least another 14 to go. I started HT in August 14 and RT in November of that year. As I lost libido quite quickly the last thing on my mind was sex. I had the concerns of RT to get through , consider the impact on work and other parts of my life. It was only about 10 months after RT finished that I sought help for ED . My GP was very supportive and via a referral to the urology dept I have been prescribed a pump and am on daily 5 mg cialis. As much as anything this is for penile rehab and the benefits became apparent quite quickly.

However I have a friend from RT who saw the same consultant at the urology investigation department and he was only prescribed sidenafil and NO pump. He's at the same stage as me. His referral was from the Onco review.

I spoke to my GP re ED. she sent a referral letter to the same dept which may have explained my position better regards meds and a pump. I was offered pretty much anything I wanted med wise - Cialis , viagra , muse, claverject etc. The choice was between me and my GP. I know that I've been very lucky but if you get your GP on board with you and be referred with full details of your situation - including your new relationship, then this might help you.

Good luck .

John

User
Posted 04 Jun 2016 at 14:15
S

We are not quite in the same boat but we have adapted to the new normal, I am now a great believer in " you do not need an erection for vaginal intercourse". Google flacid insertion and you should find an extract from a book that gives a description of the technique. If you cannot find it let me know,i am on a mobile and cannot paste the link.

Thanks Chris

User
Posted 05 Jun 2016 at 12:58

Hi Shaun,


Your GP will prescribe Viagra or Cialis. It's a normal prescription for PCa guys.

You need to try each type for a while, because one or the other can give you the 'headache from hell' when you wake next morning.

And of course, there are many other ways of keeping a decent sex life while on treatment. http://community.prostatecanceruk.org/editors/tiny_mce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-wink.gif


GOOD LUCK!

 

George

Edited by member 05 Jun 2016 at 12:59  | Reason: Not specified

B2PCa
User
Posted 05 Jun 2016 at 23:10

is the cialis tablet form George ?

User
Posted 06 Jun 2016 at 07:58

Shaun the Cialis is in tablet form I have 20 mg twice weekly and I know John(surr33) has 5 mg daily.

Regards Chris/ Woody

Life seems different upside down, take another viewpoint

User
Posted 06 Jun 2016 at 09:03
Shaun,

As Chris has said I'm on 5 mg Cialis daily. There were a few side effects initially ( low back pain, buttock pain) but they wore off after a week or so. However I have not suffered from any headaches at all. Just discuss your needs and all the options with your GP and take it from there.

John

User
Posted 06 Jun 2016 at 10:18

Thanks for all the reply's guys, Dr has given me 4 sidenafil   to try.....anybody used this and what success did you get?

Shaun

User
Posted 06 Jun 2016 at 10:56

Hi Shaun,

I found that sildenafil (Viagra) worked VERY well. My oncology nurse had advised back in 2005 that I take the 100mg blue pill when required, not the 50mg.one.
She was right, because the effect was excellent, (although the headaches next morning were bad).
Maybe they worked too well.

Anyway, I would use Viagra one month and Cialis the next. They were quite effective, and I had far less headaches.

I'm back on HT again, and read John's post with interest. I'll ask my GP if he'll prescribe a daily 5mg Cialis for me.

Guys, I think it's a good idea to keep trying these ED pills because as well as the obvious help with your sex life, it can only do some good having the blood pumping in that poor wee neglected organ.
I think that old saying is true: 'Use it or Lose it!".

However, please make sure you can take them safely. Have your blood pressure checked beforehand and take care that none of your current meds will cause any bad side effects if taken with them.

B2PCa
User
Posted 06 Jun 2016 at 11:56
George,

My doctor said to me that " the poor wee organ" is a muscle and must be exercised regularly ! Yes , use it or lose it. Within days of using Cialis I saw an immediate benefit to that part of my body in both length and girth. The pump has helped as well.

Shaun,

If the sidenafil doesn't work for you go back to your doc and ask to try something else, don't give up.

John

User
Posted 06 Jun 2016 at 12:19
Shaun...

I take Sildenafil... 50mg twice weekly.

Decent results and only slight headache and some "heartburn" - but nothing untoward. Suppose we all react differently.

User
Posted 06 Jun 2016 at 15:50

Thanks for the reply....KRO.....sorry to be a bit thick......taking it twice a week......does that help it rise to the occasion when you want or does it only work the days you take it.

Dr only gave me a pack of four 50mg......got the impression i could have more on a private prescrition.

 

Shaun

User
Posted 07 Jun 2016 at 01:56

No, those tablets only help it to rise on the days you take it. There is no research to support the idea that Viagra produces the same cumulative effect as 5mg Cialis. So don't waste those precious 4 tablets - take it when you feel you are going to be randy, take it on an empty stomach and give it enough time to work. My husband takes it about 2-3 hours before he is planning to have sex. Sometimes he has Levitra instead - this works in about an hour and doesn't cause as many side effects for him. It also means he doesn't have to starve :-)

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

User
Posted 07 Jun 2016 at 11:19

thanks Lyn,

                  think I  need to go back to The Dr and see if i can get Cialis or Levitra as 4 viagra tablets a month don't seem a lot.

 

Shaun

 

User
Posted 07 Jun 2016 at 17:58

The NICE guidelines dictate the 4 times per month - their view being that men with PCa or side effects of PCa treatment should be rationed to 1 s**g per week. Some GPS are more generous but don't go in assuming you have a right :-(

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

User
Posted 07 Jun 2016 at 19:24

Hi Shaun

 

"....We are kind of managing sex..... Erection is about 60% and orgasm are dry.....Desire is still 100 %..."

If your desire still 100% doesn't that mean your body still producing testosterone?

My guess is I had a very high testosterone level to start with... It took about 3 shots Zoladex to take the "desire" away completely....

Also...since you are still waiting for your MRI and Bone Scans why are you on Chemo?

 

Regards

User
Posted 07 Jun 2016 at 19:47
I love positive posts...

Bill.. where does it say he is still waiting for MRI and Bone Scans?

KRO...

User
Posted 07 Jun 2016 at 22:01

KRO, if you read Shaun's profile it says he is waiting for MRI and bone scan that was Feb 2016 and since then (latest news) has started chemo. No other info.

Chris/Woody

Life seems different upside down, take another viewpoint

User
Posted 07 Jun 2016 at 22:48
Originally Posted by: Online Community Member
Hi Shaun

"....We are kind of managing sex..... Erection is about 60% and orgasm are dry.....Desire is still 100 %..."

If your desire still 100% doesn't that mean your body still producing testosterone?

My guess is I had a very high testosterone level to start with... It took about 3 shots Zoladex to take the "desire" away completely....

Also...since you are still waiting for your MRI and Bone Scans why are you on Chemo?

Regards

Fortunately not Bill and it would be a shame to panic Shaun unnecessarily - there are some men who continue to maintain their libido even when they are at or below castrate level. Check the profile of Alathays who never had any problems having sex despite many years of HT ... he was an enigma in our midst.

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

User
Posted 08 Jun 2016 at 06:13

KRO and Lyn

"I love positive posts..." and "it would be a shame to panic Shaun unnecessarily"

We are MEN....If someone asks us a VALID and LOGICAL question...we will do some research and try to find out answers, solutions and strategies because..... that is how MEN are.  

Finding answers and sharing knowledge is why WE are here (besides from the occasional pat in the back)....if there are VALID questions that one should NOT ask because someone will get triggered, offended or panicky then perhaps I'm in the wrong place....This should NOT be a "safe space".... I'm not a troll.

Also if If Shaun has an issue with my questions I'm sure He can speak for himself...he is a big boy.

 

Bill

Edited by member 08 Jun 2016 at 06:44  | Reason: Not specified

User
Posted 08 Jun 2016 at 08:11

Sorry Bill, I have not updated my profile.....

had my scans at the beginning of this and all were clear, but because they consider my PC to be high risk, they offered chemo before radiotherapy......

up to now side effects from chemo have not been to bad.....memory loss and concentration are the worst part........had my 2nd Zoladex injection yesterday.

Think the libido is still there because I have just started a new relationship.

 

Shaun

User
Posted 08 Jun 2016 at 08:15

Hi Lyn,

          well we tried a single 50mg viagra...........it didn't really improve what already happened........going to try 2 next time and if that works try and get a private prescription for 100mg ones or try and get Cialis.

Will have to keep trying lol..

 

Shaun

User
Posted 08 Jun 2016 at 08:25

and... I hate putting things in bold as if one is shouting...

User
Posted 08 Jun 2016 at 09:38
Hello. I may be wrong here, but when my OH was prescribed cialis after his brachy, I read up on them. I'm sure I read that they work with the natural hormones, encouraging more testosterone to be made. Surely if you are on HT then this defeats the object. I also read that cialis won't work if there are not enough natural hormones in the body. I can't find where I read it as we have parental controls due to young children and I can't open the pages on my phone. I will unlock on my laptop later to see if I can find where I read. I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong anyway.
User
Posted 08 Jun 2016 at 10:47

Hi Shaun

Absolutely NOTHING to apologise for.......

I was curious because it amazes me how different treatments can be even if two guys have the SAME Gleason, PSA, Age etc....

 

"Think the libido is still there because I have just started a new relationship."

Yep...it always starts that way....and is all downhill from there!

The solution is of course to start a NEW relationship every two months or so.

 

Bill

User
Posted 10 Jun 2016 at 06:43

Well after the 50mg not working, I tried 2 of them and got the desired result......The only problem with that is that  the Dr only gave me a pack of 4 and said see you next month.

If I go back and explain that 100mg worked.....are they likely to give me some more........I don't mind paying for a private prescription?

User
Posted 10 Jun 2016 at 07:20

I very much think you could get 8 per month if you are pushy , but 4 is the standard amount.
Mate , try Kamagra UK on the web. Generic forms of Viagra , Levitra , Cialis manufactured in India. Perfectly safe and the same results. I've just purchased 4 months of Cials and it cost me £46 , and unless my todger is tricking me , it's good stuff.

User
Posted 10 Jun 2016 at 16:53

Thanks Chris,

                      went back to the Dr for a private prescription, she gave me 1 but only for 8 tablets.....just not worth the hassle so i have ordered some from the site you mentioned...

 

Shaun

User
Posted 10 Jun 2016 at 18:17

Shaun

Quite an interesting statement from a guest speaker at our local support group, "GPs are encouraged to issue only 4 sildenafil per month because, where the patient pays for his prescriptions the NHS make a profit". Obviously cancer patients, the over 60s and some other groups get free prescriptions but there many men outside these groups with ED problems, perhaps as many as 1 in 10 of all men.

Thanks Chris

 

User
Posted 10 Jun 2016 at 20:13

Hi Shaun
Despite being able to obtain generic drugs , you must ensure your doctor is aware ( as mine is ) , due to possible interactions with other medical conditions you have or other meds you take. Both my doctor and ED nurse know I am buying from a website and haven't deterred me. As a rule of thumb , only three 100mg doses of Viagra per week , with 24 hrs in between doses I think. Don't quote me !! Levitra and Cialis are 20 mg doses but yet again only three per week. Never mix the drugs.
It is so apparent in many cases that doctors and hospitals and ED nurses aren't actually that helpful in aiding recovery. Some people can't even get a pump which is desperately needed. You need to help your own recovery along mostly , but read up on it all and never take risks if you're not sure ok.

User
Posted 14 Jun 2016 at 08:07

Just a quick update guys, The 100mg Viagra is doing the trick.......thanks for all the help and advice.

 

Shaun

 
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