Historically, surgery for prostate gland removal has always resulted in erectile dysfunction/sexual impotence to varying degrees. Modern advances in surgical procedures called the “nerve-sparing surgery” may help reduce this risk of male sexual impotence. The nerve sparing procedure avoids cutting the two bundles of nerves and vessels that run along the surface of the male prostate gland that are essential for an erection.

However, this procedure is not viable for every man. The fact is that most men will lose a degree of sexual function. If a man has a problem with erectile dysfunction/sexual impotence prior to treatment, the nerve-sparing surgery is not indicated.

What, then, are some possibilities available to men AFTER being diagnosed with male prostate disease and who, at the same time, experience erectile dysfunction / sexual impotence?

• There exist now in the market numerous erectile dysfunction drugs (EDDs). These drugs help in promoting erections by increasing blood flow to the penis.

• Another product called Prostaglandin E1 can also help promote erections. • There is in the market today some excellent natural food supplements that help to promote erectile function. In the event that nerve sparing procedure is not used, it is unlikely that the man will recover normal erectile function.

Conducted experiments report that using sparing nerves on both sides of a male prostate have enabled 60-70% of men to regain erectile function.

In addition, erectile dysfunction drugs seem to be effective for up to 43% of men whose male prostate was removed surgically. Studies indicate that when taking the hormonal treatment route, men experience erectile dysfunction between two and four weeks after beginning the treatment.

The prostrate gland is an important organ in a man’s body which produces semen, the fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. Its inflammation is called prostatitis with numerous symptoms including frequent urination and pain or burning while urinating.

In chronic bacterial prostatitis, its symptoms develop slowly and are not as severe as acute prostatitis. Excessive urination at night, frequent urination, blood in urine or semen, pain in the lower back and painful ejaculation are some of its prominent symptoms. The most common form of prostatitis is chronic nonbacterial prostates where it has similar symptoms to chronic bacterial prostatitis. However, tests done here don’t detect any bacteria in the urine or fluid in the prostate gland. There may also be pus cells present at times.

Prostatitis usually occurs in old men; but can be developed in young men who have had a bladder infection, used a urinary catheter, certain jobs, jogging or bicycling and stopping and starting when urinating. Prostatitis is diagnosed by first eliminating other possible conditions with similar symptoms and determining the type of prostatitis you may have. This is done with a medical history and physical exam with a digital rectal exam. Sometimes, the doctor may also test urine and semen samples for bacteria and white blood cells.

aThe treatment for prostatitis depends on the type of prostatitis you have and generally includes antibiotics for infections, alpha blockers to relax the bladder neck, pain relievers for pain relief and muscle relaxants to cure spasms. With the help of physical therapy like exercise and biofeedback, tight muscles are relaxed. Sitz baths are also effective as these warm baths relieve pain while relaxing lower abdominal muscles.