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6 months post surgery

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User

Posted 21 Dec 2025 at 16:29

Hello all

I am 6 months post surgery and have very little in the way of erections. 1 out of 4 at best. The pump is working well.

I have just been prescribed 2 months of Tadalafil 20 mg 3 times weekly and then potentially 100mg Viagra for 2 months.

I would appreciate similar experiences, outcomes and any advice please.

I am 62 pretty fit and had fairly good nerve sparring surgery.

Thanks.

User

Posted 22 Dec 2025 at 02:46

Hi, Charlie.

Welcome to the forum, mate.

The effect of erectile dysfunction after RARP can vary enormously. Generally, the more nerves saved, the better the outcome.

Using a pump for rehabilitation is good. Research shows it helps, but to what degree is debatable.

Almost three years ago, I had non-nerve sparing surgery. There was absolutely 'no life down below'. I was devastated and felt completely emasculated. I thought I'd been given a life sentence of flaccidity.

About 6 months after the op, I was sent to the ED clinic. During this visit, I was shown how to use penile injections. Here's my story on Invicorp and how it has restored erections.

https://community.prostatecanceruk.org/posts/t29845-Hooray-for-Invicorp

If all else fails, mate, join the 'prick a dick club', and try injections, they've helped quite a few blokes on here.🙂

Here's an interesting video by Dr Scholz on penile atrophy and ED issues:

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

Watching it may benefit you.

Good luck, mate.👍

Edited by member 22 Dec 2025 at 02:53 | Reason: Add link

User

Posted 22 Dec 2025 at 07:35

Remember everyone is different. I’m now nearly 3 years post surgery. I was 50% nerve sparing. I was prescribed silendafil and used th pump regularly. Much to my wife’s shock and mine after about 2 years or so with the help of sildenafiil I suddenly started to get life sufficient to have fun without the help of a pump. There’s life Jim but not as we knew it! Don’t give up!!

User

Posted 22 Dec 2025 at 08:45

Hi Adrian,

Thanks for your kind message and sharing your story. Great that you have something that works for you.

Following the next 4 months of increased drugs and pump use the injection route is next if needed. So it’s great know that there are positive solutions possible.

Cheers for now

Charlie

User

Posted 22 Dec 2025 at 08:49

That’s fantastic news. Odd these things can take so long… but as you say everyone is different.

Thanks much

User

Posted 22 Dec 2025 at 21:15

Charlie, things do seem to differ between men. But erectile function is often quite slow to return. I only had 50% nerve sparing, and at six months there were hardly more than occasional hopeful signs, but between 9 months and a year things got going again. So don't feel pessimistic.

As Adrian says the pump is for "rehabilitation", in other words making sure the penis continues to experience the benefit of occasional erections even whwen they don't happen naturally. Apparently without that there is a risk of irreversible changes you don't want. Tadalafil (I think more usually 20 mg twice a week or 5 mg daily) maintains the blood flow when flaccid. Sildenafil is more an "event" medication.

User

Posted 23 Dec 2025 at 18:48

Thanks J-B

Appreciate you sharing your experience. It certainly provides some hope that in time nature with a good rehab program will help.

Cheers

Charlie

User

Posted 23 Dec 2025 at 20:13

Hi Charlie

I agree with everything others have said. One of the factors that appears to have a significant effect is your age and the pre-surgery erectile function. In my case my prostatectomy was carried out when I was 71 when my pre-surgery erectile function was beginning to wane a little and my consultant warned me that, in spite of nerve sparing surgery, my full recovery to pre-surgery level was doubtful; in the event that was the case. However after rehabilitation the situation improved but not sufficient for penetrative sex. So we decided to follow the VED route and we are still active 15 years after the surgery. It is very early days for you, you are relatively young so you should expect a good outcome. Continue using the pump and medication and I am pretty sure you will get there. Even if you don't it will not be the end of your sex life. Good luck.

Edited by member 23 Dec 2025 at 20:14 | Reason: Not specified

'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 24 Dec 2025 at 10:53

Hi Pratap,

Thanks for sharing and so pleased that you found a way.

I will follow your advice for sure ... and must admit there are worse ways to spend 10 minutes than in the company of my VED :)

Cheers

Charlie

User

Posted 24 Dec 2025 at 15:02

Hello charlie

It is a matter of horses for courses. My/our first choice wasn't a VED; in fact it was the last resort. Viagra and similar drugs did not work well and the side effects were unacceptable for little or no benefit. My consultant advised me against any long term use of injections and also our GPs would only prescribe 3 injections per month (why do people think older couples don't have much sex!). So it was a question of re-establishing our precious sex life. On the face of it a VED is a passion killer, of course, but with a willing wife/partner and a good level of libido it can work very well; it does for us, with unexpected benefits. We see the process of inflating my penis as an enjoyable experience for me and a part of our foreplay, my wife thinks the interruption and the wait is worth it!. It takes me about five minutes to achieve a strong and reliable erection for 30 minutes (at my age that is a great bonus) of amazing erection gives us a great deal more variety in the bedroom. Of course once I take the ring/s off I can repeat the process pretty much instantly and brag about it! Being on this and similar forums has amazed me how men will discuss and talk about their experiences which helps others. My strong advice to all men and couples is that if sex is important to you don't let prostate cancer come in the way.

'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 26 Dec 2025 at 09:02

Hello Pratap,

Thanks very much for your insights. At least for a period the VED is my way forward so it is great to hear how it works for you.

Can I ask what you have found works best for you for the ring or ring use? I have just tried one ring, a surefit Y but I don't think it might work after about 10 minutes or so.

Many thanks

Charlie

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