Skip to main content
Submitted by PatientsEngage on 22 November 2017

As part of our focus on men's health, we talk to urologist Dr. Vinit Shah about erectile dysfunction caused by cancer treatment and the strategies that may be employed to prevent and manage ED

1.    What are the most common pelvic cancer symptoms for men?

Very often pelvic cancers are detected only in later stages as the organs they affect are deep seated and therefore the symptoms are often absent or silent. However one must have a high index of suspicion in all cases of prostate symptoms and of course if the patient presents with bleeding either from his urine or stools.

2.    Which cancers are more likely to cause ED? 

Often it is not the cancer but the treatment that causes ED

3.    What cancer treatment options cause ED?

Surgery for the cancer which injures the nerves responsible for erection can always cause post operative Erectile Dysfunction. Even treatment like radiotherapy is known to cause ED.

4.    How long does it take to regain erectile function following pelvic region surgeries?

The recovery of ED is variable and it it difficult to assign a time frame.

5.    Is the incidence of ED lower with nerve sparing surgeries?

In a large number of patients the nerve sparing surgeries do reduce the incidence of ED and some centres are using preoperative regimes for early rehabilitation.

6.    Is ED reversible?

It is reversible to a certain extent with the various treatment options available.

7.    What are the treatment options for ED? 

The treatment options range from the use of PDE 5 inhibitors like Sildemafil and Tadalafil to use of vacuum erection devices and intracorpreal injections. Refractory and difficult cases may also be treated with implants.

8.    Can you elaborate on the impact of ED on quality of life and psychosocial adjustment? When should a person reach out for help and who should they speak with?

Undoubtedly there can be a huge impact on the patient and it varies from from individual to individual and society to society. They can seek the help of a urologist for treatment.

9.    Do you counsel the spouse as well during consults? Are couples referred out for expert psychiatrist counseling?

The spouse is usually always involved in the consults and treatment options for these patients. Some couples may also be helped by counselling.

Also by Dr. Vinit Shah: 11 Questions you always wanted to ask your Urologist

10.    How does it affect men of different ages?

The amount of post-operative ED of course depends on the pre-operative ED the patient already had regardless of the treatment options and it’s logical that there would be a direct correlation with the age of the patient.

Dr Vinit Shah is a Urologist Currently working in Jaslok ,Saifee, Reliance and Breach candy Hospital

Stories

  • My sister and I went through Chemotherapy Together
    Cara Chew, 32, from Singapore, was diagnosed with Diffused Large B-Cell Lymphoma. She shares her brush with cancer, chemo therapy and its after effects, and also how she learnt to overcome the trauma with Taichi, physical exercise and a positive mind. Cara, please tell us a bit about your condition  In December 2015, I was diagnosed with Diffused Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) at one spot located at my lower left jaw at Stage 1. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common…
  • Why is Blood Calcium Level Important?
    This time in our Health by Numbers/Medical Tests series, Dr Shital Raval takes a look at the importance of Calcium levels in the metabolic panel. Read the previous parts on Sodium Levels, Potassium Levels and Chloride Levels CALCIUM: Calcium is an important component of our bones, teeth, nerve cells and organs such as heart and kidneys. A blood calcium test is ordered if there are any symptoms of any bone or neurological disorders, kidney stones etc or can be a part of a Comprehensive…
  • Smoking Causes Early Death Among 50% of its Users
    Dr Prakash C. Gupta, Director of Healis-Sekhsaria Institute of Public Health, has researched public health in India extensively over decades and shares with us his valuable opinions on tobacco use and cessation. Scroll down to sign the pledge The Age when it all begins Even when it may be difficult to ascertain the age in which people start smoking, the mean age of initiating tobacco use in any form in India is determined at 17.8 years: 18 for males, 17.1 for females. For smoking, it is 17.9 (…
  • What Does High or Low Platelet Count Mean?
    This time in our health by numbers/tests series, Dr Shital Raval takes a look at our platelet count that can be determined by a routine blood test. If the platelet count is high or low from the normal range, it can provide insight into various abnormalities and blood disorders including infections and cancer. A platelet count test is conducted to check the number of platelets in the blood. This test is usually a part of the CBC or complete blood count. Here is a look at what platelet count…
  • How Can I Prevent Cancer?
    Among the ways to prevent cancer – eating a healthy, balanced diet could be your starting point. Try to consume all essential nutrients that will help detoxify your body, stimulate the immune system and prevent healthy cells from turning cancerous. Over the last 25 years, research has produced dietary guidelines that have become conventional wisdom when it comes to cancer prevention. There are a number of substances present in our daily diet which are carcinogenic (cancer causing substances)…
  • Exercise Brought Back My Life After Cancer
    Breast cancer survivor Parul Banka wants to inform and inspire others through her own example about leading a physically active lifestyle, especially after cancer, to manage pain, fatigue, improve muscle strength and regain confidence. Physical activity played a massive role in helping me recuperate from the harsh side effects of the cancer treatment. It helped me with stress management, regaining my strength and rebuilding a life after cancer. There is increasing scientific evidence that…
  • What to Eat during Cancer Treatment and Chemotherapy Diet Tips
    Patients with cancer experience a loss of appetite and a change in taste during treatment, especially chemotherapy. Here are some tasty and healthy tips provided by CPAA that can help you cope with treatment better even at higher doses. A balanced diet for a patient must contain carbohydrates (bread, rice), proteins (meat, poultry, dal), fats (oil and butter), vitamins and fiber (fruits and vegetables). A typical daily diet should include 4 servings of cereals (1 bowl of rice/ 2 chapattis/ 1…
  • Why I Embrace Pain
    What does pain foretell? A reflective piece on what chronic pain means to triple negative cancer survivor Geetha Paniker that is beautiful and cathartic. It is one thing to feel empathy for others, but something totally different to be in pain. Each person's own pain is most difficult until one goes through chronic pain day in and day out or an illness that calls for sheer grit to go through it. Chronic pain is pain that continues for weeks, months and even years. The experience of acute pain…
  • 15 Important Facts you should know about Depression
    The theme of the World Health Day 2017 is ‘Depression: Let’s Talk’. Encourage people with depression to talk about their feelings. Depression can easily be treated with psychological therapies and medicines. Learn about these and some other basic information on depression issued in public interest by SCARF (Schizophrenia Research Foundation). The wounds of depression are unseen, but they hurt more than the ones that bleed. Seek professional help and get better. Facts about Depression…
  • Stanford Medicine: Arts and Humanities in Medicine
    The world of medicine is beginning to increasingly acknowledge the potential of expressive arts therapies such as art, music, drama, dance/movement, poetry/creative writing and play in the context of healing, treatment, psychotherapy, counselling and rehabilitation. Activities such as drawing, drumming, creative movement and play acting allow individuals of all ages to express deep-seated thoughts and feelings, improve physical, mental and emotional well-being and boost self-esteem and…