Radiation’s effects on erections
While radiation can be an incredibly effective tool for eradicating cancer, it can damage blood vessels that are vital in carrying blood to the penis. Without a steady stream of additional blood flowing to the penis, the chances of getting an erection are slim. But help is available.
Options for penile rehabilitation
Every man’s level of erectile dysfunction (ED) is different after radiation. Determining factors include age, overall health, how much radiation was used and how far the cancer had progressed, among other things
There are a number of options to help men regain sexual function after radiation for prostate cancer. Here are three to consider:
- Penile injections and suppositories: Prescription drug Alprostadil works by helping blood vessels expand, boosting blood flow to the penis. It can be injected into the penis or placed into the opening of the penis.
- Vacuum constriction devices (VCD): In most cases, a VCD is simply a cylinder with a constriction ring at one end and a hand (or battery-powered) pump. When the air is pumped out of the cylinder, a vacuum is created, drawing blood into the shaft of the penis and causing an erection.
- Erectile dysfunction drugs: More formally known as PDE-5 inhibitors, these prescription drugs are sold under the names Viagra, Levitra, Cialis and Stendra. These oral pills stop the breakdown of a chemical that’s produced during sexual stimulation, allowing more blood to get to the penis to produce an erection.
Since taking a pill is the easiest option, talk to your doctor about getting a prescription for Viagra, Levitra, Cialis or Stendra if you are experiencing erectile dysfunction. If the pills don’t help, then you may want to try one of the other options.
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