Skip to main content
Site logo linking the user to the homepage Site logo linking the user to the homepage

Rob's Story

Ethnicity
White British
Age
60-69
Work
Manual work
Sexual Orientation
Straight
Geography
Wales
Relationship status
Married/In a Civil Partnership
Listen

Radical Prostatectomy (Surgery)

Tips and advice for any sexual side effects of treatment

Hi, I was diagnosed with Prostate cancer, Gleason score 4 + 3 = 7 Grade group 3. I think its important to remember that this isn't just your problem as it effects your partner as well, so I made a point of discussing this subject as soon as i knew which treatment I was going to have. My wife was amazingly supportive, and all she was concerned about was that I would be free of cancer, We enjoyed a very fulfilling sex life before I had the Radical Prostatectomy so this was going to be a big deal for us, which meant we did a lot of talking and reading about how we could still enjoy a fulfilling sex life after I had my treatment. We also attended a male health clinic which told us about what was available and I was put on their program. It's important to mention that there is no quick fix so patience is important. I have tried, Tablets, Creams, Vacuum Pump and Self Injections and a combination of the Vacuum Pump + Self injections. We had fun with all methods with us both achieving climax, (you don't need an erection to achieve climax) but I only had a strong enough erection to achieve penetration when using the combination of Self Injections and Vacuum Pump. Because the 20mcg dose injections aren't effective I have been referred back to the male health clinic/injection clinic, to discuss other injections.

How this treatment impacted my life the most

Not able to achieve a natural erection.

If I had to do it all over again, would I choose the same treatment?

Yes

Why did I give this answer?

Apart from the PSA tests I can live a normal life.

Share your story with others

By sharing your experience of prostate cancer on the infopool you can help others. Your experience is valuable as they go through their own journey. Help make the prostate cancer community stronger.

Share story

Prostate Cancer Research logo
  • Privacy
  • Terms
  • Policies
  • Contact us
  • About infopool
  • Accessibility statement
  • Info for HCPs

Prostate Cancer Research 

Suite 2, 23-24 Great James Street, 

London WC1 3ES

Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Youtube

Copyright 2025, All rights reserved. Registered Charity No: 1156027 

Site design by IE Digital

Main navigation
  • Home
  • Testing and Diagnosis
    • Prostate and you
    • Explore Diagnostics
    • Testing and diagnosis tool
    • Grading and Staging
    • Find services near me
    • Prostate Biopsy
    • Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)
  • Treatment and Care
    • Cancer Waiting Time Standards
    • Explore Treatments
    • Understand treatment choices
    • Prostate cancer treatment information webinars
    • Shared Decision Making
    • Palliative (supportive) care
    • End-of-life care
    • Mastering healthcare conversations
  • Stories
    • Share your story
    • Patient stories
    • Partners & carers
    • Living with side effects
  • Side Effects
    • Getting support for long-term effects of hormone therapy
    • Living with side effects
    • Emotional and Psychological Support
    • Getting support for peeing problems
    • Managing hot sweats and fatigue with hormone therapy
    • Getting support for sexual problems
    • Late effects of radiotherapy treatment
  • Partners and Carers
    • Partners and Carers
  • Research and Trials
    • Find clinical trials near me
    • Join Prostate Progress
Donate
User account menu
  • Log in
Powered by Prostate Cancer Research Prostate Cancer Research Logo