Prostate cancer and sex life thereafter

A side effect of the treatment for prostate cancer (note that it is the treatment, not the disease) is erectile dysfunction or impotence. Impotence is the failure to maintain erection for sexual activities.

Among the treatments that may cause impotence are; cryosurgery, hormonal treatments, radiation therapy, and surgery. This side effect can be directly attributed to the treatment and which could be either permanent or temporary. However, since as most treatments have their respective psychological effects, impotence may be a result of psychological manifestations.

Impotence acquired after treatment of prostate cancer can be cured by taking medications specifically for erectile dysfunction.