Continence and Erection Recovery Program
Guiding you through prostate removal surgery.
A radical prostatectomy—or removal of the prostate—is a surgery used to treat prostate cancer. It involves taking out the prostate and reconnecting the urethra, which passes through the prostate, to the bladder. The urethra is the tube that urine passes through to exit the body.
Before prostatectomy, your main concern is curing your cancer—not side effects from surgery. But the side effects of prostate removal can impact your quality of life. Therefore, our goal is to help you prepare for and recover from surgery as quickly and successfully as possible.
Prostatectomy can have two major side effects that impact your quality of life:
- Incontinence: Loss of control of the bladder
- Sexual dysfunction: Inability to have and maintain an erection
Our experts have come together to create a program to help protect and support your urinary and sexual function.
Before Your Surgery
You will meet with a pelvic floor physical therapist one or more times to learn exercises that will strengthen your pelvic floor. This is important because the muscles of the pelvic floor help you control urination and have an erection.
After Your Surgery
Your urologist will work with your physical therapist to determine the best treatment plan for you. Your physical therapist will continue to help you with strengthening exercises.
Many men start a medication between two and nine weeks after surgery. This medication helps maintain good blood flow to the penis.
Most men who will need a prostatectomy can benefit from the Recovery Program.
If you have moderate to severe erectile dysfunction before your prostatectomy, your surgeon may talk to you about placing a penile prosthesis once you have recovered from your surgery. A penile prosthesis is a device that can help you achieve and maintain an erection.
Our urologists are specially trained to perform the penile prosthesis placement procedure.
Contact the CCPH Today!
Call us at 860-358-2713 or
Request an Appointment Online