There are many men who endanger their lives by not having their prostate surgically removed when it becomes cancerous. The biggest concern patients have is that they don't want to risk the side effects of having prostate cancer surgery. The best way to cure many forms of prostate cancer is by removing the prostate, and it is important to know what to expect before heading into surgery. Having surgery will give you a longer life, and it's important to know what the quality of that life is going to be. Some of these side effects will disappear after a few months, while others may linger and need medical attention.
Bathroom
According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, the primary side effect of having prostate surgery is urinary incontinence. Urinary incontinence can range from urinary leaking to losing complete control of the bladder. Another side effect is urinary dysfunction, which is when there is pain during urination, and this is caused because of the close proximity of the prostate gland and the bladder. Patients can also suffer from bowel dysfunction, which is frequent diarrhea or bleeding, because of damage done to the rectum during surgery.
Bedroom
Nearly all males who have prostate surgery will experience erectile dysfunction after surgery. This is because the nerves that control erections are very delicate and located near the prostate, and prostate surgery causes trauma to these nerves. The Prostate Cancer Foundation also states that if the nerves were remained intact during the surgery, most men will experience significant improvement within a year. For other men there are medications, devices and surgery options to help alleviate this side effect.
Psychological
There are psychological side effects that come along with prostate surgery. Many men experience bouts of depression, because of the side effects involved with this surgery and from having cancer.
Pain
Just like with any surgery, there can be pain and bleeding after having the prostate removed. These side effects present themselves soon after surgery, and should go away after a few weeks. If pain continues to persist, contact your doctor to determine whether there is a more detrimental problem.
Infertility
After having prostate surgery it is impossible for men to remain fertile, because the seminal vesicles are removed along with the prostate. The prostate and seminal vesicles are responsible for ejaculations by carrying the semen down the urethra so it can exit the penis. Without these two parts of the body, a man can no longer fertilize an egg, because ejaculation is impossible.
Tags: prostate surgery, having prostate, side effects, Prostate Cancer, side effect, after surgery