Prostate Cancer Survivorship:
Reclaiming Sexual Health & Well-being
What is Prostate Cancer Survivorship?
Prostate cancer survivorship refers to the journey after treatment, encompassing recovery, adaptation, and long-term health management.
While beating cancer is a major milestone, the aftermath often includes significant changes in physical, emotional, and sexual well-being.
Prostate cancer therapies—including surgery, radiation, and hormone therapy - can impact erectile function, libido, orgasm, and urinary control, making survivorship a complex and deeply personal experience.
Survivorship is not just about being cancer-free; it’s about regaining quality of life, restoring confidence, and reclaiming sexual health. Dr Ross is here to provide expert care to help men navigate these challenges and re-access the care they need.
The impact of Prostate Cancer treatments on sexual health
Screening and early treatment of prostate cancer are crucial for ensuring that Australian men not only survive but maintain their quality of life after treatment.
Detecting and treating prostate cancer early doesn’t just improve survival rates - it also preserves function, making recovery smoother and more effective.
When prostate cancer is caught in its early stages:
More treatment options are available, including those that are less invasive - reducing the risk of long-term side effects.
Erectile function and urinary control are easier to regain, improving post-treatment recovery.
The need for androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is significantly reduced, helping men avoid its challenging side effects, including loss of libido, fatigue, sexual dysfunction and increased cardiovascular risks.
Because prostate cancer is a very variable disease – some aggressive and others slowly changing – and we have become so good at treating it.
The following statistics arise:
Prostate cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in Australia
Most men diagnosed from prostate cancer do not die from it
While prostate cancer treatments are lifesaving, they can result in long-term side effects that significantly impact sexual function. There is a shift away from survival to life after survival (aka. survivorship) and prostate cancer must be treated like a chronic disease.
Common challenges in survivorship include:
Erectile Dysfunction (ED): A frequent consequence of prostate cancer therapies, with severity depending on the type of treatment and nerve preservation.
Loss of Ejaculation: Radical prostatectomy eliminates the ability to ejaculate, while radiation therapy can reduce or alter ejaculate volume over time.
Orgasm Changes: Some men experience weaker orgasms, difficulty reaching climax, or orgasm-associated urinary leakage (climacturia).
Penile Shortening & Curvature: Scar tissue formation can lead to penile length loss and curvature (Peyronie’s-like disease), impacting sexual confidence and penetration.
Reduced Libido: Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) significantly lowers testosterone levels, affecting sexual desire and energy levels.
Re-accessing Care for Sexual Health After Prostate Cancer
Because the focus has been on treating the cancer and surviving it, many men are not offered proactive solutions for these issues after cancer treatment, leaving them to struggle in silence. Specialised care for the life-altering effects of cancer treatment do exist and we are here to help you access it.
Sexual rehabilitation is a critical aspect of survivorship. Dr Ross offers a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to help men regain function, improve confidence, and restore intimacy in their relationships.
Prostate Cancer Survivorship Consultation with Dr Ross
A holistic approach to restoring quality of life
A Prostate Cancer Survivorship Consultation with Dr Ross is a personalised and comprehensive session designed to help men navigate life after prostate cancer treatment, with a strong focus on sexual recovery, emotional well-being, and relationship health.
Prostate cancer is not just a personal disease - it’s a couple’s disease. It impacts not only the man undergoing treatment but also his partner, relationships, and sense of self. That’s why partner involvement is encouraged in consultations, ensuring that both individuals feel supported in their journey toward restoring intimacy and connection.
Beyond Erections: Tailored care based on your goals
Sexual health after prostate cancer is about more than just restoring erections. For some men, regaining penetrative function is a top priority. Others may be more concerned with changes in orgasm, loss of ejaculate, body image concerns, or redefining intimacy with their partner. Dr Ross takes the time to understand each patient’s goals, concerns, and expectations, offering evidence-based solutions tailored to their needs.
Your consultation may address:
Erectile function recovery & penile rehabilitation – Using PDE5 inhibitors, injections, vacuum erection devices (VEDs), traction therapy, and advanced surgical options like penile implants.
Orgasm & ejaculation concerns – Understanding and managing changes in orgasmic sensation, climacturia (urinary leakage during orgasm), and loss of ejaculation.
Penile changes – Addressing penile shortening, curvature, or narrowing post-treatment. For some men penile shortening can start to affect their ability to pass urine in the standing position. Proactive care can avoid problems like this. Options include enhancing blood flow, erection restoration with penile implant surgery and/or volume restoration with UroFill®.
Relationship dynamics & intimacy – Helping couples navigate changes in their sexual relationship, with strategies for communication and adapting to new forms of intimacy.
Psychological & emotional support – Tackling issues such as loss of masculinity, confidence, and self-esteem associated with post-treatment sexual changes.
An inclusive space for all men: Tailoring treatment to every patient
Dr Ross recognises that sexual health is deeply personal and that every individual and couple has unique concerns and expectations. His approach ensures that men from all backgrounds, orientations, and relationship statuses feel supported in their recovery.
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Gay and bisexual men face unique challenges after prostate cancer treatment. Healthcare systems have historically failed to recognise their distinct needs, leaving many men without proper guidance on how to adapt their sex lives after treatment.
Dr. Ross understands that:
Erections for anal penetration require greater firmness than for vaginal intercourse, meaning that even mild erectile dysfunction can disrupt sexual roles and relationships.
Changes in ejaculate volume can be a significant emotional loss for some men, as semen plays an erotic role beyond reproduction.
Prostate removal eliminates a primary source of sexual stimulation, and the impact of this loss varies between individuals.
Radiation therapy can affect anal health, leading to discomfort, reduced flexibility, or changes in bowel control, which can impact sexual practices.
Some men may need guidance in navigating new sexual roles or adapting to changes in their ability to perform in their preferred role (e.g., top vs. bottom).
In your consultation, Dr Ross provides a safe and affirming space to discuss these challenges, ensuring that you receive tailored advice and treatment options that align with your identity, sexual practices, and goals.
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Men who are single or widowed may face additional challenges when it comes to sexual recovery.
✔ How do you approach dating after prostate cancer treatment?
✔ How do you navigate conversations with potential partners about ED or sexual function?
✔ How do you rebuild confidence in your body and sexuality?Dr Ross provides guidance and practical strategies to help single men regain confidence in their ability to date, engage in relationships, and explore their sexuality post-treatment.
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While prostate cancer is less common in trans women due to hormone therapy, anyone with a prostate should be screened and supported through survivorship. The impact of prostate cancer treatment on trans women and gender non-conforming individuals is still not well studied, but Dr Ross takes an inclusive, individualised approach, considering:
✔ The role of prostate stimulation in your sexual practices and how different treatments may impact sensation.
✔ Concerns about hormonal therapy, screening, and surgical history as they relate to prostate cancer treatment.
✔ Your specific goals for sexual recovery, ensuring that your survivorship plan aligns with your identity and needs.
What if Penile Rehabilitation isn’t working?
Many men wait years, hoping for natural improvement, but if erections haven’t returned within 3-6 months post-treatment, further assessment and action is needed.
Men who want to return to penetrative sex with guaranteed, firm erections should consider erectile restoration surgery.
Penile implants provide the most reliable, natural-feeling erections, allowing men to regain confidence and spontaneity.
The best results occur when surgery is performed within 12 months post-treatment, before penile atrophy and fibrosis set in.
Dr Ross specialises in advanced penile prosthesis surgery, offering men a permanent, predictable solution to erectile dysfunction after prostate cancer. This is day surgery, can be performed under local anaesthetic and sedation, and most men are re-engaging in sexual activity 2-3 weeks following this procedure.
You don’t have to accept post-treatment ED - effective solutions exist.
A clinical environment that welcomes every man
At Dr Ross’s clinic, we focus on preserving penile function, optimising recovery, and providing long-term solutions for men who want to regain their confidence, sexual health and intimacy.
Many men, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community, hesitate to discuss sexual concerns due to past experiences with discrimination or a lack of understanding from healthcare providers. Men from certain cultural and religious backgrounds may also feel stigmatised or uncertain about seeking care, making it even more challenging to access the support they need.
There are many reasons why men may delay or avoid discussing sexual health issues after prostate cancer treatment - whether it's fear of judgment, cultural taboos, concerns about masculinity, or uncertainty about available treatment options. However, sexual health and the intimacy this allows is a fundamental part of the human condition, and no individual should feel excluded from the care they deserve.
We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and judgment-free space, where individuals of all backgrounds and identities can discuss their concerns openly and receive the specialised support they need. Dr Ross and his team prioritise compassionate, culturally sensitive care, ensuring that every patient feels heard, respected, and empowered to reclaim their sexual health.
Ask Dr Ross.
If you are not ready to make an appointment, but would like to ask a question or get some more information, we are here for you.
TAKE THE FIRST STEP TOWARD SEXUAL RECOVERY
Prostate cancer survivorship isn’t just about beating cancer, it’s about what comes next and how we can help you reclaim your life.
Contact us to book a confidential consultation today.