caret icon Back to all discussions

Sex after prostate cancer

I am a pelvic floor physical therapist who treats men following a diagnosis of prostate cancer. I often ask this question of my patients and would welcome the responses of this group:
"At what point after the finale of your prostate cancer treatment did you attempt sex, either as a solo or partnered endeavor?"




  1. I am guessing you are looking for responses from men who have had surgery rather than other modes of treatment.

    Guy B. Meredith, moderator.

    1.  Yes

    2.  I had radiation therapy!

  2.  No, I was looking for anyone who finished up radiation or proton therapy as well. Many of my patients undergo radiation and are then hesitant to return to sex thereafter.

    1.  I had radiation treatments 4 going on 5 years ago and I still haven’t had sex yet.

  3.  Hi Becca, my wife and I attempted sexual intercourse three months after my prostate cancer surgery. My penis was incredibly sensitive to the touch, and it didn’t take long to reach orgasm. However, it was painful at the end, and I leaked a little bit of urine. Over time, the pain and leakage disappeared. I’m now 4-years NED, and although my erections are not as spontaneous, they are almost as good as before. I’m happy to answer any questions. Gogs Gagnon

    1. Hi . One thought is to ask your doctor about getting your testosterone checked. Maybe getting a number will give you a benchmark on where you currently stand. Also, I want to share with you this video from Erin, a pelvic floor therapist, on doing Kegels after surgery: https://prostatecancer.net/video/kegel-mistakes. Wishing you the best. Richard (Team Member)

    2.  both testosterone and psa blood tests are planned. PSA was less than 0.5 while on orgovyx so getting psa too early will not provide surgical outcome confirmation yet. I wish I got a testosterone baseline prior to orgovyx but nobody ordered it and I hadn’t thought about it so who know what is normal for me.

      I am doing Kegels as directed by my urologist’s PR therapist. They are going to be helpful I am sure.

  4.  
    I had 28 sessions of IMRT and 6 months of hormone therapy. I did not pause sexual activity at any time during or after treatment.

    Many men will not attempt sex during hormone treatment as there is no libido, but they really should give it a try with external stimulus (attempting to pleasure their partner works for many) to avoid atrophy. Intercourse does not require libido nor testosterone.

    Please read our rules before posting.