What happens when a man loses his prostate?

Are you curious about what happens when a man loses his prostate? Look no further, as we’re here to give you the lowdown on this important topic! First and foremost, it’s essential to understand what the prostate is and why it matters. The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system that sits just below the bladder and surrounds the urethra. It produces seminal fluid that mixes with sperm during ejaculation.

What Is a Prostatectomy?

A prostatectomy is a surgical procedure in which all or part of an individual’s prostate gland is removed. This can be done for several reasons, including cancer treatment or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which involves an enlarged prostate causing urinary issues.

Why Would Someone Need A Prostatectomy?

If your doctor has recommended removing your entire prostate, it may be because:

  • You have been diagnosed with prostate cancer
  • Your prostate has become significantly enlarged due to BPH

In some cases, only specific parts of the prostate will require removal.

How Does Losing Your Prostate Impact You?

Losing one’s prostate can impact men in various ways. Some men report little disruption to their lifestyle post-surgery while others find they face challenges both physically and emotionally.

Urinary Incontinence

The most common effect seen after surgery is urinary incontinence – meaning leakage from urine without control over urination – caused by weakening of muscles surrounding tissues where sphincter closure takes place ^1.

Erectile Dysfunction

Another key factor impacted by this loss would be erectile dysfunction(ED) where there are chances that man might not get precise erection required for sex or sometimes its complete absence after surgery due to damages made during operation^6 .

This situation usually improves over time but patients are required to undergo some additional treatments and medications such as vacuum pumps, injections or even penile implants ^5.

Coping With Changes Post- Surgery:

Coping with these changes post-surgery can be challenging, but seeking support from loved ones is important. Talking openly about concerns with peers undergoing similar situations can be empowering. Medical professionals are available both before and after surgery to help discuss any question that arises during recovery phase^15 . Mentioned below in detail are ways through which men might cope with the losses they have had because of their surgery

Urinary Incontinence

To deal effectively with urinary incontinence , doctors would recommend various things such as kegel exercises targeting muscles and pelvic therapies ^2 . Furthermore dietary alterations which avoid bladder irritants like caffeine , carbonated drinks etc also could aid this situation greatly^4 .

Erectile Dysfunction

For erectile dysfunction caused due to surgical removal of prostate gland there few things recommended by medical practitioners alike :

Medication:

Medication like Kamagra oral jelly (sildenafil citrate), Cialis( Tadalafil) help induce enough blood flow into man’s genitals helping him attain normal erections just normally^7 .

Penile Implants:

Penile implants for bigger complications where erection medication isn’t sufficient usually of two kinds inflatable or semi-flexible rods. Use it externally while others as surgically implanted within penis tissues itself^11 respectively.

Another valid option is urethral suppository alprostadil where a pellet inserted directly via an applicator^10.

Long Term Effects Of Removing A Prostate Gland:

After effects seen on long term basis are often closely monitored post operation especially after anti cancer surgeries.Tracking risks and symptoms precisely could add years longevity maintaining your health vital organs better than less monitoring or no follow up treatment whatsoever.

On an interesting note’,there was study conducted on almost 1000 patients which showed no or little difference seen in the lifespan of either cancerous prostate removal and nonremoval screened groups ->10 years past surgery, interesting right?^14.

What To Expect During Surgery:

Some men have expressed anxiety going into surgeries before. However, it’s important to understand that this is a common feeling and there are many strategies one could use to better cope during this process with doctors guidance help:

  • Relaxation practices like breathing exercises
  • Music therapy
  • Image distraction Techniques

Pre-Surgery Rituals:

Doctors recommend signing up for blood testing prior to the operation followed by temporary discontinuation of medication , dietary restrictions following prescribed medications as well as discussing insurance compensation regarding expenses incurred after procedure etc all need to be done days/weeks ahead^8 respectively

During The Operation:

During the surgery patient is under general anesthesia often performed through tiny incisions using a surgical robot. Patients usually are advised not eat 6 hours prior nor drink any water afterwards so they can avoid nauseous feelings coming up when anesthesia wears off ^3 .

Recovery Phase:

After prostrate gland removal there would roughly be two weeks post-operation period where catheters shall remain inserted further checkups followup lasting upto six months thereafter by medical professionals for smooth recovery courses respecting patient choices concerning their own bodies alongside regular physical exercise routines helping reduce symptoms related difficulties’ arising frequently ^12 .

It’s crucially important for men who underwent prostatectomy procedures,reconstruction surgeries operations alike regularly visiting health practitioners reviewing medical records carrying out annual reviews too much needed step doesn’t matter if minor details only changed over time^- .

Final Thoughts:

To sum it up lose of prostate might come bundled with serious co-lateral consequences very discernable trait making people think twice about opting-in to nailing down alternative treatment measures first instead.But evolution goes on anyway,and scientists work tirelessly attempting creating even more effective ways.

On a lighter note, there are valid strategies for effective coping that can minimize changes seen effects post-surgery recovery courses over time these measures may come in handy . So ready to face the challenge head on right?.

References:

  1. https://www.webmd.com/urinary-incontinence-oab/mens-guide/stress-incontinence-male
  2. https://healthcare.utah.edu/the-scope/shows.php?shows=0_zxiearli
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470373/
  4. http://urology.ucla.edu/body.cfm?id=1561&oTopID=1546.
  5. https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/ejaculation-problems.html
    6.https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/17562872211022853#i3
    7.http://telemedu.stanford.edu/content/docs/WP_gaffey.pdf
    8.http://med.stanford.edu/prostatecancer/patient-care/preparing-for-your-visit.html
    9.Addressing quality of life issues during and after prostate cancer treatment, American Cancer Society Guidelines
    10.WCRF/AICR Continuous Update Project Report 2018: Diet, nutrition – (August 2018)
    11.Monteiro I; Lima EJ; de Souza Abraão K et al., Inflatable penile prostheses implanted via infrapubic approach vs penoscrotal approach: long-term satisfaction, Surgical Technology International -STI-, December 2009-January 2010;
    12.Penile rehabilitation after radical prostatectomy : Important questions and challenges / Burnett AL // Indian J Urol.-2009.- V75(Suppl l) – PpS97-Sl04
    13.https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/penile-implants/about/pac-20384916
    14.Faithfull S, Cockle-Hearne J, Khoo V et al (2019) ACS patient information resource: What to expect during surgery for prostate cancer.
    15.Stickler DJ, Morris NS Effectiveness of kegel exercises in the management of urinary incontinence in postprostatectomy patients. PMID: 17566380

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