Prostate removal surgery can lead to multiple side effects. Some, such as incontinence and erectile dysfunction, can be temporary. Others, such as infertility, may be permanent.
Prostate surgery can involve either partial or complete removal of your prostate. The type of surgery used to treat prostate cancer is a complete removal, also called a radical prostatectomy. Surgeons perform it to remove the tumor and keep cancer from spreading.
There are several known side effects of prostate removal, but not everyone experiences all of them. Factors such as your age and the extent of your surgery can influence these side effects.
Urinary incontinence
Urinary incontinence is one of the most common side effects of prostate removal surgery. Any of the following types of urinary incontinence may occur after prostate surgery:
- stress incontinence
- overflow incontinence
- urge incontinence
- continuous incontinence (loss of urine at all times)
According to research cited in a 2021 review, up to 90% of people who have had prostate removal surgery may experience some form of urinary incontinence.
Erectile dysfunction
Your ability to have an erection is controlled by two bundles of nerves on either side of your prostate. Prostate tumors sometimes grow very close to or even into these nerve bundles. When this happens, surgeons need to remove the nerve bundles.
Removal of the nerve bundles can lead to erectile dysfunction. Sometimes, only one nerve bundle is removed. It’s possible to get an erection with only one nerve bundle, but you may still experience some difficulties.
Infertility
During a prostatectomy, a surgeon will cut the vas deferens, which is the pathway between your testicles and your urethra. Sperm is produced in your testicles and released through your urethra. After the vas deferens has been cut, sperm does not have a way to leave your body as part of ejaculation. This means a radical prostatectomy will lead to infertility.
Complete prostate removal surgery may lead to other side effects, including those below. Factors such as your age and the extent of your surgery can affect your likelihood of experiencing these complications.
Lymphedema
Sometimes, the lymph nodes around your prostate need to be removed during prostatectomy. Because these lymph nodes help manage your bodily fluids, their removal may cause lymphedema. This condition causes fluid to build up in your legs and pelvic area, leading to swelling and pain. Lymphedema is a
Changes in orgasm
When the vas deferens pathway is cut, it changes the way an orgasm feels. You will experience “dry” orgasms, in which there is no longer any ejaculation of semen. Typically, while these orgasms are still considered pleasurable, the sensation is notably different. In
Inguinal hernia
Prostate removal surgery may
Surgery is the primary treatment for prostate cancer, but additional treatments, such as radiation and hormone therapy, are often necessary.
Radiation is used to kill cancer cells. Doctors may use radiation instead of surgery when a small tumor is contained in your prostate. Hormone therapy can reduce the spread of cancer cells by helping to reduce testosterone production in your prostate.
Erectile dysfunction is a potential side effect of both treatments.
Additionally, radiation can cause:
- fatigue
- discomfort in your pelvic area
- diarrhea
- loss of pubic hair
- pain while urinating
- frequent urination
Hormone therapy can cause:
Treatment depends on factors such as the severity of your symptoms, your age, your overall health, and whether you’re receiving any other treatments.
Erectile dysfunction treatment
Various medications can treat erectile dysfunction, including phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors like Viagra and Levitra. Vacuum devices are another option that may help treat erectile dysfunction. Sometimes, a surgically implanted device called a penile implant can be used as a long-term treatment option.
Incontinence treatment
Performing pelvic floor exercises and bladder training exercises may help with bladder control. Medical procedures that can help treat incontinence include:
- an implanted artificial urinary sphincter to help control how you pass urine
- transurethral resection of the prostate to relieve pressure in your urinary system
- implanted sacral nerve stimulation to stimulate nerves that control how you pass urine
Infertility treatment
Infertility after prostate removal is permanent, but saving sperm before prostate removal surgery is an option if you think you may want to have children in the future.
Lymphedema treatment
Lymphedema is treated with compression garments and massage.
Inguinal hernia treatment
Inguinal hernias are typically treated with surgery if the symptoms are causing significant pain or disrupting your quality of life or if a hernia is present all the time.
Research does not support claims that specific foods can raise or lower the chances of successful prostate cancer treatment.
Suggested dietary changes have included increasing consumption of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
Although studies linking the benefits of these changes directly to prostate cancer are inconclusive, eating a diet that’s low in trans fats and sugar and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can have many benefits for your overall health.
Foods to avoid after prostate surgery
Some evidence suggests that avoiding specific foods is beneficial after prostate surgery, but it has been inconclusive and more research is needed. Possible foods to avoid include:
- alcohol
- saturated fats
- dairy
- red and processed meats
Your life expectancy after prostate removal depends on multiple factors, such as:
- the stage of your tumor at removal
- your age
- your overall health
Prostate removal surgery itself is not linked to a shortened life expectancy. Some research
Here are answers to some common questions about life after prostate removal surgery.
What happens to a man’s body when the prostate is removed?
Your prostate makes semen. It also makes the fluid that moves sperm out of your body during ejaculation. When your prostate is removed, sperm cannot be ejaculated. This leads to infertility.
Prostate removal often changes how orgasms feel and can cause additional side effects, such as erectile dysfunction and incontinence.
Are there personality changes after prostate surgery?
Prostate removal does not directly cause personality changes, but It’s common for people who are being treated for any type of cancer to experience depression and anxiety.
Prostate removal can lead to a range of emotions. Let your doctor know if you’re experiencing depression or anxiety, and they can refer you to counseling or other mental health resources.
Are the side effects of prostate removal permanent?
Some side effects of prostate removal can be permanent, while others might resolve on their own. Urinary incontinence often resolves in
Can you lead a normal life after prostate removal?
Yes. Many side effects are treatable and will resolve with time. Permanent side effects, such as infertility, can be managed. The side effects of prostate removal surgery are not linked to a shortened life span.
It can be helpful to have a place to turn for support. If you’ve had prostate removal, you can talk with your medical team, local organizations, or nationwide resources, such as:
- Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF): PCF has multiple resources available, including support groups, financial aid, links to clinical trials, and tips for life after prostate cancer.
- Zero: Zero is dedicated to supporting people with prostate cancer through educational resources, connections to medical professionals, support groups around the country, and resources designed to support specific populations.
- CancerCare: CancerCare offers online support groups for people with prostate cancer. It can help you connect with people who share your experiences.
Prostate removal surgery can result in multiple side effects, but it’s not linked to a reduced life span, and you can lead a typical life after the procedure.