# Erectile dysfunction after prostate cancer treatment

Source: https://onco.cc/terms/erectile-dysfunction-after-prostate-cancer/  
OnCo record `erectile-dysfunction-after-prostate-cancer` (Term). Data CC BY-NC 4.0, attribute "Data from OnCo (onco.cc)"; commercial use needs a licence.

## TL;DR

Not being able to get or keep an erection after treatment, because the nerves, the blood supply or the testosterone have been affected.

## Summary

Surgery can remove or damage the erectile nerves that run alongside the prostate; radiotherapy damages the blood supply more slowly; hormone therapy removes the desire and the erections with it. NICE NG131 sets out a ladder: PDE5 inhibitor tablets first, then vacuum devices, intraurethral inserts, penile injections or a penile prosthesis, with access to specialist erectile dysfunction services and psychosexual support alongside. All of it is free on the NHS and there is no age limit.

## Fields

- Kind: Term
- Last checked: 2026-09-25
- Also known as: impotence after prostate cancer; ED after prostatectomy

## Sources

- NICE NG131: prostate cancer, diagnosis and management: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng131/chapter/Recommendations
- Prostate Cancer UK: sex and relationships: https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/living-with-prostate-cancer/sex-and-relationships
- Prostate Cancer UK: treatments for erection problems: https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/living-with-prostate-cancer/sex-and-relationships/treatments-for-erection-problems
- NHS: erection problems (erectile dysfunction): https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/erection-problems-erectile-dysfunction/

## Connected records

- cancers: [Prostate cancer](https://onco.cc/cancers/prostate/)

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