Prostate cancer is a common health issue affecting many men across the world. While there are several treatment options available, prostate cancer surgery remains one of the most effective ways to treat the disease. However, surgery can have a noticeable impact on a man's sexual health, which is why it's important to understand the implications of this treatment option. It is still a very vital tool to use in the fight against cancer, and as long as you understand the ramifications of prostate cancer surgery, then they can be managed, and you can have an excellent quality of life.  

Understanding Prostate Cancer Surgery: What The Procedure Will Entail

In essence, this surgery is quite simple. During prostate cancer surgery, the prostate gland is removed to eliminate cancerous cells. There are quite a few different variations of prostate surgery available, including open surgery, laparoscopic surgery, and robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery. Your doctor will recommend the most suitable option based on your individual case. Before the surgery, your doctor will discuss the procedure and what to expect during and after the surgery. You may need to undergo some tests to assess your overall health and ensure that you are a suitable candidate for the surgery.  At this point, you should ask any specific questions you have related to your case.

Sexual Health Implications After Prostate Cancer Surgery

The prostate gland has a pivotal role to play in male sexual function, so it's no surprise that prostate cancer surgery can have an impact on sexual health. Some of the most common sexual side effects of prostate cancer surgery include:

• Erectile Dysfunction
• Reduced Ejaculation
• Urinary Incontinence
• Reduced Sexual Drive

While that might seem like a lot, many men do not experience any of these symptoms, or some experience them only very mildly. When you consider just how deadly prostate cancer can be, these symptoms are very much the better alternative to not utilizing prostate cancer surgery. 

Managing Sexual Side Effects

The good news is that a lot of these issues are very treatable. Sometimes all it takes is a bit of time, while in rare instances, you may require a bit of medication to return to previous levels of sexual performance. The best way to find out the right path for you is to talk to your doctor about any side effects you are experiencing. Most of the time, at your check-ups after your surgery, your doctor will ask if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, which is a perfect time to let them know. They will have a lot of experience dealing with these issues and can suggest a path forward for you immediately, so there really is nothing to worry about. Prostate cancer surgery saves lives and can sometimes have a minor effect on your sexual health, but with the help of your medical team, this can be overcome as well.  

For more info about prostate cancer surgery, contact a local professional.