Radiation Treatment and Potential ED

As most of you probably know, those treated with radiation (and I am one of them) don't usually lose their ability to achieve an erection immediately, assuming that they did not have any ED problems before treatment. There is the potential that some radiation patients will ultimately have to contend with some degree of ED down the road. One of the gentlemen who was treated with proton radiation at the same time as I was, consulted with a doctor at MSK (prior to treatment) and also at the major hospital where we were treated (during treatment). Apparently, there is new thinking that those treated with radiation may benefit from taking a small quanity of Viagra each day (25mg) or another ED pill in order to maintain a healthy sexual function after treatment and perhaps prevent some form of ED ultimately. I have not pursued this personally yet, but intend to do so. It is something that all of those treated with radiation should be aware of and consult with their doctors. Because we are not necessarily immediately burdened with ED like those who elect surgery, we should not be lulled into a "false sense of security" if we are able to maintain normal pre-treatment sexual function after treatment. While we do not have too many members here who were treated with radiation, it would be interesting to get your comments as to whether or not your were advised to consider a daily doseage of Viagra or one of the other ED pills, after treatment, for preventive maintenance purposes.

Dave

---

68, 29-core biopsy 9/27/06, PSA 7.1, Stage T1c, Gleason 7 (3+4) [less than 20% in one area],  Gleason 6 [less than 5% in two other areas], negative DRE, bone scan and Endorectal MRI. Completed 39 Proton radiation treatments 2/22/07-4/18/07.