Care and Recovery After Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer survivorship refers to the journey after treatment, encompassing recovery, adaptation, and long-term health management.
While beating cancer is a major milestone, the aftermath often includes significant changes in physical, emotional, and sexual well-being.
Prostate cancer therapies, including surgery, radiation, and hormone therapy can impact erectile function, libido, orgasm, and urinary control, making survivorship a complex and deeply personal experience.
Survivorship is not just about being cancer-free; it’s about regaining quality of life, restoring confidence, and reclaiming sexual health. Dr Ross is here to provide expert care to help men navigate these challenges and re-access the care they need.
The Impact of Prostate Cancer Treatments on Sexual Health
From Survival to Life After Prostate Cancer
Detecting and treating prostate cancer early doesn’t just improve survival rates, it also preserves function and makes recovery smoother. When it is caught early, more (and less invasive) treatment options are available, erectile and urinary function are easier to regain, and the need for androgen deprivation therapy and its side effects is reduced.
Prostate cancer is a highly variable disease and treatment has become very effective. It is the second most common cause of cancer death in Australia, yet most men diagnosed do not die from it. Because these lifesaving treatments can have lasting effects on sexual function, care has shifted from survival to survivorship, with prostate cancer increasingly managed like a chronic condition.
The most common challenges in survivorship are sexual. Erectile dysfunction is a frequent consequence of prostate cancer therapies, with severity depending on the treatment and nerve preservation. Many men also experience loss of ejaculation, as radical prostatectomy removes the ability to ejaculate while radiation can reduce or alter ejaculate volume over time. Orgasm changes are common, including weaker orgasms, difficulty reaching climax, or orgasm-associated urinary leakage. Scar tissue can cause penile shortening and curvature, and androgen deprivation therapy lowers testosterone, reducing libido and energy.
Re-Accessing Care for Sexual Health After Prostate Cancer
Because the focus has been on treating the cancer and surviving it, many men are not offered proactive solutions for these issues after cancer treatment, leaving them to struggle in silence. Specialised care for the life-altering effects of cancer treatment do exist and we are here to help you access it.
Sexual rehabilitation is a critical aspect of survivorship. Dr Ross offers a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to help men regain function, improve confidence, and restore intimacy in their relationships.
Prostate Cancer Survivorship Consultation with Dr Ross
A Prostate Cancer Survivorship Consultation with Dr Ross is a personalised, comprehensive session designed to help men navigate life after prostate cancer treatment, with a strong focus on sexual recovery, emotional wellbeing and relationship health.
Prostate cancer is not just a personal disease, it is a couple’s disease. It affects not only the man undergoing treatment but also his partner, his relationships and his sense of self, so partner involvement is encouraged, ensuring both people feel supported in restoring intimacy and connection.
Just as importantly, care extends beyond the physical. Dr Ross helps couples navigate changes in their sexual relationship with practical strategies for communication and intimacy, and provides psychological and emotional support for the emotional and relationship changes that can follow treatment.
What If Penile Rehabilitation Isn’t Working?
Many men wait years hoping for natural improvement, but if erections have not returned within three to six months after treatment, further assessment and action is needed. Men who want to return to penetrative sex with firm, reliable erections should consider erectile restoration surgery.
Penile implants provide the most reliable, natural-feeling erections, helping men regain confidence and spontaneity. The best results occur when surgery is performed within twelve months of treatment, before penile atrophy and fibrosis set in.
Dr Ross specialises in advanced penile prosthesis surgery, offering a permanent and predictable solution to erectile dysfunction after prostate cancer. It is day surgery, can be performed under local anaesthetic and sedation, and most men are re-engaging in sexual activity two to three weeks afterwards. You do not have to simply accept erectile dysfunction after treatment.
A Clinical Environment That Welcomes Every Man
Support Without Judgment
At Dr Ross’s clinic, we focus on preserving penile function, optimising recovery, and providing long-term solutions for men who want to regain their confidence, sexual health and intimacy. Many men, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community, hesitate to discuss sexual concerns due to past experiences with discrimination or a lack of understanding from healthcare providers. Men from certain cultural and religious backgrounds may also feel stigmatised or uncertain about seeking care, making it even more challenging to access the support they need.
There are many reasons why men may delay or avoid discussing sexual health issues after prostate cancer treatment, whether it’s fear of judgment, cultural taboos, concerns about masculinity, or uncertainty about available treatment options. However, sexual health and the intimacy this allows is a fundamental part of the human condition, and no individual should feel excluded from the care they deserve.
We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and judgment-free space, where individuals of all backgrounds and identities can discuss their concerns openly and receive the specialised support they need. Dr Ross and his team prioritise compassionate, culturally sensitive care, ensuring that every patient feels heard, respected, and empowered to reclaim their sexual health.
Ask Dr Ross.
If you are not ready to make an appointment, but would like to ask a question or get some more information, we are here for you.
An Inclusive Space for All Men: Tailoring Treatment to Every Patient
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will I Have Erectile Dysfunction After Prostate Cancer Treatment?
Erectile dysfunction is common after surgery, radiation or hormone therapy, and its severity depends on the type of treatment and whether the nerves could be preserved. For many men it improves over time and with rehabilitation, and effective treatments are available if it does not.
When Should I Start Sexual Rehabilitation After Treatment?
As early as possible. The best results come from beginning penile rehabilitation soon after treatment, before changes such as penile atrophy and fibrosis set in. If erections have not returned within three to six months, it is worth arranging a review.
What Can Be Done If Erections Do Not Recover on Their Own?
Options range from oral medications (PDE5 inhibitors), injections and vacuum erection devices through to penile implant surgery, which provides the most reliable and natural-feeling results. Dr Ross tailors the approach to your goals and circumstances.
Can My Partner Be Involved in the Consultation?
Yes, and it is encouraged. Prostate cancer affects couples, not just individuals, so involving your partner helps you both understand the changes and rebuild intimacy and connection together.
Is Recovery Only About Restoring Erections?
No. Survivorship care also addresses changes in orgasm and ejaculation, penile length and curvature, libido, body image and the emotional side of recovery, so the whole picture is considered rather than erectile function alone.
Do You Provide Care for LGBTQ+, Single, Widowed and Gender-Diverse Patients?
Absolutely. Dr Ross offers a safe, inclusive and judgement-free space for every patient, including gay, bisexual and trans patients, men who have sex with men, and those who are single or widowed, with advice tailored to your identity, relationships and goals.
Visit Dr Ross at one of our convenient Sydney locations
Kalix Healthcare Specialists - Bella Vista
Suite 5.14 The Bond
8 Elizabeth Macarthur Drive, Bella Vista 2153
Kalix Healthcare Specialists - Kingsford
Prefer to stay at home? Book a Telehealth Appointment here.