VIDEO: Recovering Erectile Function After Surgery | Mark Scholz, MD | PCRI

In this video, PCRI's Alex asks Dr. Mark Scholz about recovering erectile function and preventing penile atrophy after radical prostatectomy. While Dr. Scholz tends to steer patients away from surgery because of these side effects (plus incontinence), there are some interventions a man can use to try and avoid the worst effects of radical prostatectomy. 

0:06 What are the side effects of radical prostatectomy? 

4:23 How quickly after surgery should men begin using injections to achieve erections? 

4:48 Is there a standard protocol for the number of erections a man should achieve per week to prevent atrophy?

5:01 Do urologists typically recommend these injections after surgery? 

6:08 Can any physician prescribe penile injections, or must it be done by a urologist? 

6:49 Should one continue taking drugs like Viagra or Cialis while doing penile injections? 

7:16 Is there anything else a man can do to try and achieve a better outcome after surgery? 

8:07 How long does it take for a man to recover spontaneous erections?

8:45 Can radical prostatectomy affect a man's libido? 

10:06 Are penile injections painful? 

Don’t know your stage? Take the quiz: Visit http://www.prostatecancerstaging.org 

To learn more about prostate cancer visit http://www.pcri.org

Who we are: The Prostate Cancer Research Institute (PCRI) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to helping you research your treatment options. We understand that you have many questions, and we can help you find the answers that are specific to your case. All of our resources are designed by a multidisciplinary team of advocates and expert physicians, for patients. We believe that by educating yourself about the disease, you will have more productive interactions with your medical professionals and receive better individualized care.

Feel free to explore our website or contact our free helpline at https://pcri.org/helpline with any questions that you have. Our Federal Tax ID # is 95-4617875 and qualifies for maximum charitable gift deductions by individual donors. The information on the Prostate Cancer Research Institute's YouTube channel is provided with the understanding that the Institute is not engaged in rendering medical advice or recommendation. The information provided in these videos should not replace consultations with qualified health care professionals to meet your individual medical needs.