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An article has appeared in Perspecives on Prostate Disease which flies in the face of traditional advice dispensed to men recovering from a radical prostatectomy (complete removal of the prostate gland.)  The lack of erections following prostate surgery has been attributed to nerve damage which should heal over time. It has been advised that men should wait until the nerve damage has healed before they attempt to get an erection but it would appear that allowing the penis to remain flaccid for an extended period of time (sometimes up to 2 years before complete healing has taken place) could actually damage the prospects of ever being able to get a normal (i.e. unaided by drugs or other medical intervention) erection ever again.

By remaining flaccid for long periods of time, the penis becomes deprived of oxygen and will become similar to scar tissue where the lack of flexibility may prevent vessels within the penis from expanding as they become filled with blood.  If the penis is exercised then it is more likely that normal unaided function will resume with the passage of time.

Research into penile rehabilitation following prostate surgery is not perfect and we recommend that patients discuss this matter with their consultant before they embark on a course of action which could be damaging. If you are approaching The Online Clinic to discuss erectile dysfunction following a radical prostatectomy then it is important that you disclose this information.