Men who undergo surgical treatment for prostate cancer are more likely to develop sexual problems than patients who undergo observation, according to a recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine. 

Researchers analyzed up to 19.5 years of data from 731 men (average age 67 years) with localized prostate cancer. Roughly half of the participants underwent radical prostatectomy. The rest comprised an observation group, receiving treatment when symptoms became bothersome. 

Over the follow-up period, higher rates of erectile dysfunction (ED) were found in the surgery group.  These men also tended to experience less sexual interest, lower sexual frequency, and more urinary symptoms.  However, they had a "significant lower risk of disease progression."

The researchers also concluded that for overall mortality, surgery did not appear to be better than observation for men with early-stage prostate cancer.  Surgery was more beneficial for men with intermediate-risk disease. 

For more details on the study, including rates of ED and frequency of sexual activity, please click here. 

Please note that two new videos have been posted to the Video Journal of Prosthetic Urology (VJPU). 

Both videos were produced by Dr. K.M.L.E. van Renterghem of Jessa Hospital Hasselt, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium: 

• Reimplant After Removal of Infected Inflatable Penile Implant 

• Use of the Otis Urethrotome to Facilitate Preimplantation of Cylinders into Scarred Corporal Bodies

We encourage you to check out all the VJPU videos here. Thinking about submitting a video? You'll find the instructions here.