Recovering erectile function with only one nerve spared

User

Posted 10 Dec 2025 at 11:59

I’m facing RALP in a few days and from discussion with the surgeon it is vey likely that only one nerve bundle is going to be spared,

What’s my chances of recovering full erectile function after this?

Has anyone on here had the same experience and can advise me.

Thanks

User

Posted 10 Dec 2025 at 14:29

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

What’s my chances of recovering full erectile function after this?

Let's hope it's as hard as the question you ask, Andy.

Joking apart, mate, the effects of a erectile dysfunction can vary enormously. The general rule of thumb is, the more nerves spared the better your chances of recovery.

I've been very disappointed in the lack of research into ED and incontinence following radical treatments. There's loads of research into the actual disease and treatment of it, but very little regarding the side effects.

Here's an interesting video by Dr Scholz of trying to avoid penile atrophy and rehabilitating your penis.

https://youtu.be/l2Mo3g8SDPw?si=JlO9otn2tj5uGRKs

Oddly he doesn't mention using pumps. Research indicates that they help, but to what level, is debatable.

Three years, ago I had non-nerve sparing RARP. I was told that I would never have a natural erection again. Sadly for me, but not necessarily the wife, this has been the case. However, Invicorp penile injections work for me.

I'm still hoping for a natural erection. It's all I want for Xmas. 🎄

I hope you recover well, mate. Fingers crossed you'll be in the lucky group who don't suffer too badly with ED. 👍

Edited by member 11 Dec 2025 at 07:49 | Reason: Additional text

User

Posted 10 Dec 2025 at 15:27

I had partial nerve sparing surgery. You could read my profile. I’m incurable now 10 years on ….

But back then I used daily 5mg Tadalafil and religious pump usage. Used injections for date nights etc.

Ok it took roughly 2 1/2 years to get natural functional ( but shorter ) erections back , but plenty of fun can be had in the meantime. Now I’ve been on HT I’m not that bothered but it’s still possible with a will.

Good luck mate

User

Posted 10 Dec 2025 at 20:48

Well we are all different, so no promises. But with only one side nerves spared I was getting reasonable erections around 9 months to a year - though obviously sex was different with no ejaculation. So fingers crossed.

I did take the tadalafil when offered, and used a pump.

User

Posted 10 Dec 2025 at 21:51

Hi andybeagla

'What’s my chances of recovering full erectile function after this?' I will try and answer your question based on my personal experience, reading about other men's stories and information from research papers.

I basically agree with the comments made by others. Everyone's recovery is on a spectrum from complete recovery to none – erectile dysfunction, incontinence and depression – I suffered from all. In my view many consultants tend to be unjustifiably optimistic. I had, supposedly, full nerve sparing surgery 15 years ago, a little older than you when I had my treatment. Despite doing everything possible - pelvic floor exercises, Viagra and similar drugs, VED for rehabilitation, masturbating, massaging my penis and scrotum as advised by my urologist - I never regained my erectile function; my age did not help although my pre-surgery my erections were quite good. I also suffer from arousal climacturia (leakage of urine when sexually excited and at orgasms). I had very little knowledge of side effects of surgery. In your case, there is a great deal of experience and improvements in treatments since my time.

On the positive side there is no reason why most men can’t recover to enjoy life, including sex My wife and I weren't ready to give up our sex life and are still enjoying our intimate life with unexpected benefits. I have written at some length on this site; you may want to have a look at the following link:

https://community.prostatecanceruk.org/posts/t28948-Re-establishing-Sex-Life

The most important thing to remember is that the recovery takes place in our mind as well as our bodies.

'Physics is like sex: sure, it may give some practical results, but that’s not why we do it.' Richard Feynman (1918-1988) Nobel Prize laureate

User

Posted 10 Dec 2025 at 22:27

Andy, perhaps another question could be, what is the chance of having a fulfilling and enjoyable sex life after non nerve sparing, in my case it was 100 percent. Never give up, take everything on offer and have fun finding a solution.

Thanks Chris

User

Posted 11 Dec 2025 at 07:03

Let's be honest nerve sparing on one side only is going to impact your sexual capability significantly. You will almost certainly require external assistance in the form of VEDs or injections, pills are unlikely to be effective.

If preservation of your sexual function is paramount you should be considering alternative treatment.

User

Posted 11 Dec 2025 at 07:08

As you may gather everyone is different and if you pardon the pun there is no hard and fast rule! I’m now over 2 1/2 years post surgery after being 50% nerve sparing. I use the pump and viagra regularly for rehabilitation and enjoyed intimacy in a different way. Several months ago after taking viagra but not bothering with the pump as it is a passion killer at times I got a surprise and my wife even more of a one when things happened unexpectedly! It has not been a one off since. It’s not what it was pre op but will suffice! Whether it lasts who knows but I’ll take it for now….I suspect that it’s a combination of rehab, time for what nerves are left to heal and relaxation through alcohol! All I can say is expect nothing but hope for a surprise in time. Good luck with the recovery.

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