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Posted 2/18/2008 6:05 PM (GMT -6)

I had the da Vinci surgery on Dec 11, 2007.  I knew that it may result in issues with ED and/or incontinency, but I was never told that it could diminish, if not completely stop my ability to have an orgasm. 

 

My surgeon said that my right nerve bundle was saved, and informed me that the left bundle was saved, but that there was some damage to the left side and he could not tell how that would impact my ED ability long term.  I was always told that the impact for nerve bundles damage would be to your ability to have an erection.  I was also always told that your ability to have an orgasm was related to a different set of nerves, and that even if you could not have an erection, you could still achieve and orgasm, and some men say that there orgasm’s are even more intense after surgery.

 

You know what, I could deal with not having the ability to have an erection, because I knew that I could use the pump, or the pill, or a shot, or even an implant.  I knew before surgery that if I could not continue to have an orgasm, that would impact me much worse.

 

I am very happy that my PSA is “undetectable” (.01).  I am also very happy that I already have the ability to have some engorgement that at times results in as much as 35 to 65 % of an erection, and now that I have the pump, I can get an erection that is simply “glorious”.  The thing that I am seriously impacted by is that I have not been able to achieve an orgasm.  I have the desire, I even feel pretty good during stimulation and intercourse, but even though it does seem to build up toward a climax, it never goes over the edge.

 

Has anyone else experienced this issue?  Have things improved over time?  If so, how long did it take?

 

I would appreciate any feedback, but especially from those people that may have experience with this issue.

Posted 2/18/2008 7:50 PM (GMT -6)
Dear tedgard,

Welcome to the forum,  and to the wealth of info you will no doubt receive from others. You said... "I have the desire, I even feel pretty good during stimulation and intercourse, but even though it does seem to build up toward a climax, it never goes over the edge. Has anyone else experienced this issue?  Have things improved over time?  If so, how long did it take?".....

 

When my husband was at your stage of recovery,  he was experiencing ED in all its aspects. Starting from about 4 months,  his ability to orgasm returned with his description being "a little one" only.  He described no exact "release" as previously pre-op, but over time this HAS improved. He now feels 80-85% back to previous feeling, and each time it is improving,  although he reports the feeling as slightly different due to no release of fluid.

I think the emotional turmoil and disappointment in progress you describe,  is similiar to ours. We found the more we focused on this, the LESS it worked. Many recommend patience plus is needed, and we found this too. It seems this healing can go on for up to 2 years slowly and surely, in some cases.

 

It seems to me you are making great gains functionally, and you will probably see some improvement in sensation as the months go on. This was just to briefly answer your question -  that from an initial nothing,  our situation did  improve sensation-wise over 9-10 months with lots of patience and communication. I am no expert, however I think as your body heals you may indeed notice some improvment. We found also the emotional issues had to be tacked simultaneously, so the other option is to further discuss with your surgeon now if you can, since this is all an important part of your recovery and healing. Hope this helps. I will leave the rest to the guys to answer, but Welcome again from us.

Posted 2/18/2008 8:10 PM (GMT -6)
Keep in my that the nerve center for the feeling of an orgasm are not anywhere near your prostate so nerve sparing is not involved in the sensation. But your testorne generators have been disconnected and it will take time for them to reconfigure. I had my surgery the day after yours and you are way ahead of me in the erection department.

And as been posted don't put pressure on yourself. It will happen although it will be different without the juice.
Posted 2/18/2008 9:00 PM (GMT -6)

Tedgard

I see this is your first post, glad you have found this  website.  I am over one year past surgery.  I am still having significant erectile problems. 

I have posted before that I do not experience much of an orgasm.  It just ends becomes overly sensitive.  I have talked with my urologist, but so far he has not given me anything positive to look forward to.

Hopefully we can get some new ideas about this problem.

Posted 2/19/2008 7:36 AM (GMT -6)
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Posted 2/19/2008 7:41 AM (GMT -6)

Hi tedgard ~

We’re sorry for the reason you’re had to find us, but so glad you decided to make us part of your journey.

There are many wonderful forum members here willing to listen, share, and help.  Please feel comfortable to share with us, as if you’ve always been here! 

For the particular issue you are addressing, there are links provided as mentioned in the welcome post where you may obtain further information.  As others have said, you should allow time for your body to heal to improve toward normal function.  Sometimes it takes up to one year for normal sexual function to return.

Stay close and we will be here to listen and support.

All the best,

Barry

Posted 2/19/2008 11:08 AM (GMT -6)
Tedgard,

I am with you here. It has been 7 months for me, and the orgasms are terrible. I don't think they are getting any better, but I am willing to wait. I have noticed some increase in hardness. Can't quite get to the point that it is hard enough for intercourse.

Welcome to the group, and good luck.
Posted 2/20/2008 3:25 PM (GMT -6)
I am at about 19 months post surgery (you can see many details in my signature). FWIW, I use injections plus generic Levitra or generic Viagra for erections, occasionally a pump.

My orgasm quality is definitely less than it was prior to surgery. Very subtle orgasms, most of the time. Some here have said that their orgasm quality actually improved, but that hasn't been the case with me yet. Some people have also indicated that the orgasm experience has changed from more of an explosion (prior to surgery) to a wave effect (after surgery)... I think this is true for me some of the time.

Sometimes, with all the effort it takes to achieve an erection and maintain it, and have a little sexual pleasure with it, I am not sure if what I end up with is an orgasm - sometimes it just seems like exasperation and exhaustion. But things are improving for me, gradually.

As for the decrease in quality, I think this is anywhere from 33% to 50% mental. Having an orgasm was obvious prior to surgery - we had physical proof of the crime! Not having the ejaculate now, I think we need to re-learn how our bodies and minds experience the orgasm, from the build up, to the orgasm itself and the aftermath. I think this takes time and patience, and practice - a lot of practice - both with a partner and while m*sturbating. I also try to enjoy the experience rather than looking for the outcome... which is what I guess many women do anyway, right? They don't always have orgasms (I am sure that doesn't apply to any of the womenfolk here, though!)

I am not happy that this is where I have ended up at this age (diagnosed at 40, surgery at 41)... but I try to make progress. Frankly, a lot of the progress involves adjusting to the new reality.

P.S.: it bugs me to no end that this forum doesn't allow the word M*asturbation. It's a natural freaking thing, for Pete's sake.
Posted 2/20/2008 9:01 PM (GMT -6)
Thank you to all that responded to my post. I appreciate all the feedback on this. I have learned from you that patience is primary on my road to recovery. I do not like the fact that so many men have experienced the same issue that I am having, but at least it helps me to know that I am not alone, and that many of you have expressed that things do improve over time.

I will say this though, if things don’t improve within a couple of months, I am not going to wait for years before trying something else.

One thing that I am going to try is to stimulate the nerve functionality and hopefully therefore improve orgasmic simulation. As an example, I came across a devise called the Slightest Tough (www.slightesttouch.com) that is primarily marketed for women to improve their orgasm. It is supposed to stimulate the nerve system in the body responsible for sexual excitement. The reprehensive told me that the Slightest Touch has been shown to be very helpful in enhancing orgasm and sexual pleasure for men as well. The device costs about $140, but they say that they have a 60 day money back guarantee. Oh well, it may be just a gimmick, but I’ve wasted more then that in one night out to dinner, and who knows, my wife may find it to be something she can use. I think I will start another thread to see if anyone else has tried to use that device.

Again, thank you all for the responses.
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