Is sexual dysfunction a problem?
Yes, for nearly everyone, whatever they claim. However, some ability and sensation, albeit with a dry orgasm (because the seminal vesicles have been removed as part of the operation) can return after a few months, or sooner for a few lucky ones. Normal penetrative sex is a problem because however careful the surgeon was to avoid damaging the nerves during the operation, achieving a sustainable firm erection is more difficult for most patients, although some men say they can manage reasonably satisfactorily. Having a successful radical prostatectomy is unquestionably a trade-off because if the alternative is to die of prostate cancer, then it has to be remembered that so far as we know there is not a great deal of sex in the graveyard. (Although a local vicar, who incidentally has undergone a radical prostatectomy, told us that there is rather too much in his!) Sexual dysfunction is also quite common after radiotherapy.
