What happens when your prostate is gone?

The major possible side effects of radical prostatectomy are urinary incontinence (being unable to control urine) and erectile dysfunction (impotence; problems getting or keeping erections). These side effects can also occur with other forms of prostate cancer treatment.

What is life like without a prostate?

The two prominent quality-of-life issues associated with living without a prostate are the loss of urinary control and the loss of erectile function.

Why do they remove your prostate?

Why it’s done. Most often, prostatectomy is done to treat localized prostate cancer. It may be used alone, or in conjunction with radiation, chemotherapy and hormone therapy. Radical prostatectomy is surgery to remove the entire prostate gland and surrounding lymph nodes to treat men with localized prostate cancer.

How long can you live after your prostate is removed?

In addition, radiation can be given after surgery if necessary, with a limited risk of any additional side effects. Patients who choose radical prostatectomy should: Be in very good health. Have a life expectancy exceeding 10 years.

Can a man produce sperm after prostate surgery?

After radical prostatectomy (removal of the prostate) or cystectomy (removal of the bladder), a man will no longer produce any semen because the prostate and seminal vesicles have been removed. The testicles still make sperm cells, but then the body simply reabsorbs them. This is not harmful.

What are the most common prostate problems among men?

The most common prostate problem among men over age 50, this condition can cause embarrassing urination issues. By age 60, half of all men will have an enlarged prostate, a condition also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH.

What happens if diagnosed prostate cancer is left untreated?

If left untreated, most cases of diagnosed prostate cancer will grow and possibly spread outside of the prostate to local tissues or distantly to other sites in the body. The first sites of spread are typically to the nearby tissues. The cancer can spread down the blood vessels, lymphatic channels,…

What are the symptoms of an enlarged prostate?

The growing problem of an enlarged prostate gland 1 The most common prostate problem among men over age 50, this condition can cause embarrassing… 2 Feeling the pressure. As you age, your prostate can grow from the size of a walnut to about… 3 Treating with drugs. See your doctor if you have any of these problems.

How does BPH affect my risk of prostate cancer?

While BPH does not increase your risk of getting prostate cancer or having sexual problems, it can affect quality of life, specifically by causing annoying and embarrassing urination problems.