What help is there for erectile dysfunction after treatment for prostate cancer?

There are various things you can do and treatments that are available that can help with erectile dysfunction to regain your erections after treatment for prostate cancer.

These include:

  • pills - for example, Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil), Levitra (vardenafil)
  • vacuum pumps. The medical types are best, as opposed to those you can buy in a sex shop or online
  • alprostadil applied directly to your penis. This comes in the form of a cream (known as Vitaros), pellets (known as Muse) and self-administered injections into your penis (known as Caverject)

Different things work for different men so you might need to try different things (under guidance from healthcare professionals) before you find what works best for you.

All of these treatments are available on prescription (in the UK) for men with prostate cancer. However, in some parts of the UK you might not be able to get as many doses as you need on the NHS. Also sometimes there is confusion amongst GPs about whether these treatments are available on the NHS, but your local hospital can usually clarify this with your GP. If what you need is not available on the NHS your GP can still write you a prescription without charging you but you will have to pay for the items privately.

Find out more about the effects of 

Sources: This information is based on details contained in "Prostate Facts For Gay and Bisexual Men" published by Prostate Cancer UK and on the personal stories of some of the men attending the monthly meetings of the LGBT Walnut group.

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