Thanks to advanced, effective treatments, thousands of people survive prostate cancer each year. But treatment can cause complications like urinary problems or erectile dysfunction (ED).
We want you to live the best life possible as a survivor of prostate cancer. That's why urology experts in our Prostate Cancer Survivorship Program provide personalized, complete care after you've had prostate removal or prostate radiation therapy.
Treating the Side Effects of Prostate Removal and Cancer Treatment
Our program focuses on helping you live your healthiest life after prostate removal or radiation. We provide the full range of prostate cancer survivor treatments, including:
Erectile dysfunction (ED) treatment after prostate removal or radiation
We offer the full range of ED treatments, including:
- Oral medications: Prescription medicines you take by mouth are one of the first treatments you try for ED. Our doctors help you find the type and dosage that works best for you.
- Injectable medications: Some ED medicines are injected go directly into the penis. Your doctor guides you through the process so you can do the injections at home.
- Penile prosthesis: Our surgeons can implant devices designed to help you get an erection. Learn more about penile prostheses in our Prosthetic Urology Program.
Incontinence treatments after prostate cancer
Treatments you may benefit from include:
- Pelvic floor physical therapy: Specialized physical therapy can provide lasting relief from urinary incontinence and overactive bladder (OAB).
- Urethral bulking: This minimally invasive procedure for incontinence uses a special material to build up the walls of the urethra (tube where urine exits the body). Doctors inject the material through the urethra, so there are no incisions.
- Male urethral sling: Our doctors use a mesh surgical tape to lift and hold the urethra up in its proper position. The surgery requires a small incision in the perineum (area between the anus and scrotum). It works well for males who had their prostate removed but haven't had radiation therapy.
- Artificial urinary sphincter: Our doctors place a sphincter (cuff) around the urethra that you control with a special pump. The sphincter holds urine in until you release it with the pump. Our highly trained urological surgeons are among the few in the U.S. who perform this specialized surgery. Read more about our Reconstructive Urology Program.
What to Expect from Penn Medicine's Prostate Cancer Survivorship Program
If you have side effects after prostate cancer treatment, you don't have to go it alone. We're here to help you find relief from problems that are interfering with your life. Our specialized program is just for prostate cancer survivors and includes:
- World-leading team: Our urologists have decades of experience treating people during and after prostate cancer. They have achieved the highest level of training (fellowship training) and specialize in the side effects of prostate cancer treatment. Meet our male urology specialists.
- Complete care for sexual and erectile dysfunction: Our male urology specialists are experts in sexual dysfunction and ED, which are common side effects of prostate removal. They also have years of experience caring for prostate cancer survivors. This combined expertise means you get compassionate care from doctors who truly understand your needs.
- Full range of treatments for male incontinence: Prostate removal can cause a lack of bladder control or urine leakage. We provide effective options ranging from noninvasive physical therapy to surgery. Our comprehensive options give you choices and better personalize your care.
- Advanced surgical expertise: At Penn, we have one of the few urology groups in the U.S. offering artificial urinary sphincter surgery. This procedure is a highly effective bladder control option after prostatectomy (prostate removal).
- Convenient care: We believe your health care should fit into your schedule. That's why our doctors provide care throughout Philadelphia, southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Make an Appointment
Call 800-789-7366 or request a callback.