Does Prostate Removal Cause Impotence?

What Is Prostate Removal?

A prostatectomy is a surgery in which the entire or a portion of the prostate gland is removed.
It’s usually performed when a man has cancer of the prostate, but it’s occasionally performed to correct other prostate problems.
The prostate gland is located below the bladder and encircles some of the urethra (the tube through which you urinate).
The operation can be performed in various manners: open surgery, laparoscopically, or based on circumstances and the physician.

Can It Cause Impotence (Erectile Dysfunction)?

Yes, it can. But it doesn’t happen to everyone. It depends on where the cancer is, how the surgery is done, and your body’s health before surgery. It’s not a guarantee — some men recover full sexual function. Others don’t

Where Does Sexual Function Come Into This?

Close to the prostate are small groups of nerves that are accountable for the ability to achieve and maintain an erection.
These nerves do not control sexual desire directly, but they contribute a tremendous amount to blood flow in the penis.
They’re very fragile, and unfortunately, they’re in a crowded location, right beside where the surgeon is working.
So yes, if these nerves are damaged during surgery, erectile function can be impacted.

So, Can Prostate Surgery Cause Impotence?

Yes, it can. But it doesn’t have to. Temporary erectile dysfunction is common after surgery in many men.
For some men, sexual function returns gradually over time; for others, it won’t return without treatment.
Each man’s body reacts in its unique way. Some recover in months, some in a year or two, and some don’t regain natural erections at all.

 What Affects the Risk?

There is no single answer, but these are the largest factors that influence your likelihood of coping with impotence following surgery:

Whether nerve-sparing surgery can be done

A nerve-sparing prostatectomy attempts to leave one or both of the erectile nerve bundles intact. This is only possible if the cancer hasn’t spread too close to those nerves.
If the cancer is aggressive or large, the surgeon may need to remove the nerves to get rid of it completely.

Your age

Younger men tend to have a better recovery when it comes to erections. If you’re under 60 and otherwise healthy, your chances of regaining function are higher.

How healthy your erections were before surgery

If you already had erectile dysfunction getting or keeping erections before the surgery, that can also persist (and worsen) afterward. Conversely, those men who have had good sexual function before surgery tend to fare better afterward.

Your overall health

Certain conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and heart disease, can affect blood flow and nerve sensitivity. If you have any of these, recovery may be slower or more complicated.

The surgeon’s experience

Let’s face it—how skilled the surgeon is has a big impact. A surgeon who’s performed lots of nerve-sparing prostatectomies will be better able to preserve those important nerves.

What to Expect After Surgery

It’s highly normal for men to have erectile dysfunction immediately after surgery — it’s okay.
The majority of men can’t get an erection immediately after surgery, regardless of whether the nerves were preserved. Nerves may take months or more than a year to recover. Patience pays, and so does talking to your doctor. Order Now

✅ Final Thoughts

Prostate removal does cause impotence, but not necessarily. A lot of it is based on your age, your health, your surgical method, and your pre-surgery function. Even if you have ED, there are numerous treatment options available, and most men do manage to get back to an enjoyable sex life. It may not be the same, but that does not mean it cannot still be intimate, enjoyable, and fulfilling.