No Nerve Sparing possible

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

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!

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.

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.