Prostate Cancer Treatment Commonly Causes Sexual Health Changes

It’s extremely common and normal for changes in sexual health to happen during and after prostate cancer treatment .

Both partners may experience:

• Shame
• Disappointment
• Fear

These feelings can lead to avoiding sexual activity and can creep into other aspects of relationship intimacy.

Sexual changes can include:

Erectile dysfunction (ED)

• Very common
• Occurs shortly after surgery and during hormone therapy
• Can resolve on its own within a year or two
• Peaks the 3rd year after radiation treatment

Low sex drive (libido)

• Very common during hormone therapy
• Can last after treatment

Inability to ejaculate

• Common after radiation and some medications
• More common in men ages 65+
• Can resolve on its own after radiation
• Happens to everyone after prostate removal because the prostate creates fluid for semen
• If fertility is an issue, discuss banking sperm before treatment

Pain before, during or after orgasm (dysorgasmia)

• Rare
• Usually stops a few months after treatment

Sexual incontinence (urine leakage) during orgasm or foreplay

• Common, with half of men reporting one or both at least once after treatment
• Typically temporary
• Emptying the bladder before sex can help prevent leakage

Rediscovery of sexual intimacy requires patience, creativity and practice

Intimacy is not just erectile performance and penetration. It can include:

• Kissing
• Massage
• Oral sex
• Mutual stimulation
• Erotic play
• Vibrators

Need support?

A sex therapist can help partners find ways to create intimacy both in and out of the bedroom.

This educational resource was created with support from Bayer and Johnson & Johnson.