3 Things You Can Anticipate After Your Prostate Cancer Surgery
Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in men, and thousands of people undergo prostate cancer surgery every year to solve this issue. Generally, prostate cancer surgery is quite successful in eliminating the cancer and it can fix the problem almost entirely. The surgery itself is also one of the least risky when it comes to the removal of cancer, as it is not in a part of the body that has a lot of vital organs that sustain life. However, there are often a few post-surgical issues that you will most likely experience and while none are as dangerous as the cancer itself, it is important to be prepared for them.
1. Dry Orgasms
In most cases, prostate cancer surgery will involve the removal of your ability to produce semen and thus result in dry orgasms from now on. However, most men still can reach orgasm after prostate cancer surgery, and you will always be asked to provide sperm samples before undergoing this surgery so the chance for fertilisation remains high. It is an unfortunate side effect that is simply unavoidable when the system for producing semen is so heavily intertwined with the prostate itself.
2. Incontinence
Immediately following prostate cancer surgery it is very common for men to experience some amount of incontinence due to the tenderness of the area and the loss of feeling due to surgery and anaesthesia. However, in most cases this incontinence resolves itself after a few days to a few weeks, depending on the type of surgery you had and your bodies specific reactions to it. If it doesn't, and you find yourself incontinent in the months following your prostate cancer surgery, you should see the surgeon or your local GP and discuss solutions, as there are many routes you can take in this fight.
3. Penis Reduction
While the penis itself is not cut or shortened deliberately during prostate cancer surgery, some men do report that their penis does get smaller by a few millimetres after the surgery. This change is nothing drastic, and it does not affect all men, but you should be aware of this so you are not confused or frightened after the fact. It is normal, as the removal of internal parts of your reproductive organs can have minor effects on the external size and shape, but it will not be significant or alter your ability to use it as you did in the past.
For more information, contact clinics that offer prostate cancer surgery services.