Domenico Savatta, M.D. writes:

Subject: Sexual function after prostate cancer surgery

I am a urologist that is specializing in robotic surgery, most of which is for prostate cancer.

Your article is informative and accurate for the most part.

One thing that you properly bring up is the effect of radiation on erections.

As for surgery, with robotics I am now seeing a quicker and complete return of erection with newer nerve sparing techniques that aren't possible to do with open surgery (in my opinion).

About 20% of my patients are having normal erections within 1-2 months of surgery without needing medicines.

I have a more complete listing of changes that will and may occur after prostate surgery on my blog: http://www.njurology.com/RoboticSurgeryBlog/2006/06/sexual_life_after_prostate_removal.php

Another important point is that younger men should be counselled that they can not have children naturally after surgery and may consider banking sperm.

Barbara BErger writes:

Subject: sex after prostate surgery

I am the girlfriend asking the question, Can we ever have sex again? My boyfriend, age 54, African AMerican, had his prostate removed, but the nerves were left. It has been two months and we have not have had intercourse. Will we ever again. He has had a few minor erections. I just want to know while we are waiting, does he feel sexual, does he still feel desire after the surgery. Even if we cannot have intercourse I guess I just want to know about desire, no article address this issue. I can deal with no intercourse since he knows how to please me, but I just want to know if the desire still exists.