Are Penile Injections or Viagra the only way to have penetrative sex after prostate surgery?

Is intercourse possible after Prostate Surgery?

I’ve had many client consultations focused on one challenge:

Having penetrative sex again.

Of course, there are infinite ways to enjoy sexuality, intimacy and pleasure, regardless of sexual function. Or as one of my client’s put it: ‘being a conductor of a sex band rather than just playing one musical stick'

But, if you loved the feelings and experience of intercourse pre-treatment (so many of clients miss this), then of course you want to create that again.

Many couples can indeed find a way to have intercourse after Prostate Treatment - but it might not be as easy as taking a pill. It also may be quite different to your pre-treatment sex life.

Two well known options to try are injections (Trimix/Caverject) or pills (Viagra/Cialis) - always book in to see a registered healthcare professional to be trained in how to use these options and obtain a script.

But, if these options are not working for you (and you are not alone if they don’t) then here are THREE other ideas for enjoying penetrative sex again.

  1. Vacuum Erection Devices - With Construction Rings.

  • This method works by drawing blood into the penis through vacuum pressure technology.

  • The key to using this for intercourse is the constriction system - you MUST have a ring-type mechanism that stops blood flowing out of the erection (if the ring is not tight enough, it will not work)

  • Expect an erection different to what you had spontaneously pre-treatment. It might not be as stiff, it might hang downwards rather than straight up, it might have a purplish tinge. But many couples find this a simple, easy, satisfying erection they can use for intercourse, especially when viagra or injections do not work (you can also use a pump in conjunction with either of these methods).

  • The erection you create using a pump and ring must be released after 30 minutes to allow oxygenated blood to flow again.

The Vacuum Pump I highly recommend is The Vacurect. It comes with 10 rings to ensure you find a size that fits you best.

2. Vibrators (yes, there are vibrators for men!)

  • Believed to help the natural erection process by stimulating erection nerves, facilitating blood flow and enhancing sensation. These are all important components for spontaneous erections.

  • Note: everyone gets very different results with vibrators, and it rarely works on the first go. Expect progress over time, not instantaneous results.

  • For best results, focus the vibration on the frenulum. This is on the underside of the penis glans.

  • This is also tool for sexual connection and orgasms even without erections.

The vibrator we recommend is The Manta by Fun Factory. It’s versatile, discreet and fits in the palm of the hand.

3. Prosthesis: Internal - and External.

  • An internal prosthesis involves a surgical procedure to insert a device inside the body that you ‘pump’ up. I recommend speaking to your urologist about a referral to a specialist surgeon if that appeals to you. You can read a pros and cons list kindly donated by a member of our Touchy community sharing his experience.

  • An external prosthesis refers to wearing a harness with an insertable ‘dildo’ attached. These are available in lots of different sizes and different materials. I recommend making sure you invest in a medical-grade soft silicone. This user review will teach you how they work, and the best ones for men with ED.

  • There is a fascinating case study about how an external prosthesis can be successfully used after prostate treatment. In the study, one man replicated the same feelings of intercourse through his body but completely flaccid and using the strap-on device - fascinating take on ‘neuroplasticity’!

This article contains affiliate links. These links lead you to products mentioned from suppliers I trust. You are of course not obligated to use these links. If you do purchase products through the links provided - THANK YOU - this provides me with a small commission, which helps me continue to create free content every week.

Victoria Cullen

I help men after prostate cancer treatment recover sexual function. I am a PhD researcher and sexual recovery consultant based in Melbourne, Australia.

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