Can prostate cancer treatment cause erectile dysfunction?
Yes, prostate cancer treatment can cause erectile dysfunction. The risk depends on the type of treatment used, age, baseline erectile function and overall health. Some men recover function over time, while others may have longer-term difficulties.
Key points:
- Radical prostatectomy can affect erections because nerves and blood vessels needed for erections run close to the prostate.
- Radiotherapy and brachytherapy may gradually affect erectile function by damaging blood vessels or nerves over time.
- Hormone therapy can reduce libido and erections by lowering testosterone levels.
- Treatments such as sildenafil, tadalafil, vacuum erection devices, injections and specialist support can help manage symptoms.
This text has been fact-checked for accuracy by Sorin Romaniuc, Pharmacist at medino.