Loss of Penis Length After Treatment
Have you lost penis length after prostate cancer treatment?
Share your experience and help others navigate post-treatment challenges.
Not sure about that
Yes! I had nonmetastatic prostate cancer treated with EBRT and Eligard hormone injections in 2022. Two side effects which my urologist/oncologist should have told me: reduction of penis length. I lost between 2-3 inches after treatment. Since it has been four years since my treatment, I do not think I will recover this length. It has caused terribly embarrassing problems not only sexually but socially as I have peed my pants several times, even though I now sit on the toilet when I pee. Not informing the patient of this possible side effect is tantamount to misdiagnosing and lying and it has strained my relationship with my oncologist. We should be warned of this possible side effect and given a choice or at least allow us to prepare ourselves mentally and emotionally. Secondly, ELIGARD increased my glucose so much that it has led to diabetes...I am now considered a diabetic and when I mentioned this to my oncologist, he said that it does not affect everyone, hence he did not inform me! Again, since my last injection was more than a year ago and my sugar/glucose is still high (130) then chances of it going away are minimal. Has anyone else had these experiences? Hi
. No argument here that these side effects should be discussed with patients. The fact that they do not occur for everyone shouldn't be an excuse for not informing the patient, particularly when patients have choices of treatments. It is true that all treatments have potential side effects, but they are not the same across the board. In addition, for some of these symptoms there are actions men can start during treatment or even before to potentially mitigate them.
On the diabetes front, I know you are not alone and, in fact, our editorial team wrote this article on the topic (some of this is about the likelihood of those with diabetes getting PCa, but also info on your situation): https://prostatecancer.net/living-coping/diabetes. If you are no longer comfortable with your doctor, don't hesitate to speak to someone else - they might have some new ideas to help. Best, Richard (Team Member)
I think that it definitely does. I never measured prior but there is definitely a little difference after having my prostate removed
I had Radical Prostetectomy surgery 3 years ago almost to the day. I was 64 at the time. The surgery was supposed to be nerve sparing but it was not. There is zero ability to maintain an erection. I experienced urinary incontinence for nearly 6 months and then the healing seemed to begin. Three years later I am mostly dry unless I have unusual physical exertion. I experienced a loss of penis length of about two inches due to the removal of internal tissue which makes it very difficult/messy to urinate at times. I have tried penile rehabilitation which was not successful.
I have had recurring cancer events that required radiation two separate times and ADT therapy twice as well. Right now I am in a surveilance mode with the disease and consider myself lucky. I get to stay alive and have learned to live with the disappointing but not devastating side effects. Many people have worse conditions than mine.I had my surgery two ago and the nerve sparing surgery didn't work. Unfortunately I have not met anyone the surgery has worked for so far. I feel it a doctor ploy the influence us to have the surgery. Hi
. Your anger and frustration is understandable. I know it is far from optimal, but I can tell you that other community members have written about finding the clamp helpful, such as here: https://prostatecancer.net/stories/prostate-surgery-lymph-node and here: https://prostatecancer.net/forums/incontinence-clamp. Hope this information is helpful. Best, Richard (Team Member)
I can only speak to surgical treatment.
After prostate removal there is a gap between the base of the bladder and the base of the penis. The urethra has to be reconnected and that closes the gap. The penis looks to be at least two inches less in "hang." I wish that my urologist had been more forthcoming about this fact. He wasn't. Leaving out important (and uncomfortable) truths is equivalent to lying in my opinion. I would not have changed my mind and chosen other treatment. I did several months of penile rehabilitation with pumps and shots after surgery. I did not regain my erection but I maintain a satisfactory sex life despite that. I am 78 so getting a penile prosthesis is not appealing.thank you for your post. My experience was exactly the same as yours, and I feel the same way. By the way, my sex life is the best it’s ever been, and I’m 77. My prostatectomy included taking the left erectile nerves. My penis length has decreased significantly to the point where It cannot penetrate. I have to use what is called a Tri-mix liquid injection to accomplish an erection which lasts for an hour before subsiding. Most of the natural feelings during penetration are not there. However, my mate enjoys it, so that makes it worthwhile!
