Erectile Dysfunction?

Does anyone have this following a permanent colostomy?  My hubby had surgery May 25th and has had no morning wood or been able to get hard.  Has anyone else experianced this?  Have you been treated at all?  Did it come back? Surgeon said, "that doesnt sound good" but told him to wait till his chemo is done in December.  By the way, my hubby is 32.

Thanks. 

Oh that doesn't sound good, but also if he's going through chemo that could definately take away his sexual drive.  I haven't had much of a drive (I'm female by the way) since I was told I have cancer due to all the stress.  I do know that with that surgery (upcoming for me with a permanent colostomy) it is a very small area and especially for men things can be inadvertently messed up.  Go on www.ostomyland.com  there is information on there about all sorts of things that will help you.  I saw someone post on there about using viagra and that has really helped.  Good luck to you and don't give up hope!

Terry

Hi,

I have had rectal surgery along with preoperative chemo and radiotherapy. (Which was then folowed up with post operative chemo).

I am afraid that all the literature shows that surgery for men in that part of the body, especially if you also have radiotherapy, can lead to erectyle dysfunction. Basically it is because the rectum is so colse to the nerves that control erectyle function, that it is often not possible to not do at least some damage during radiotherapy and/or surgery. (in fact i am surprised that your husband wasn't advised of this before surgery). The figures I have seen quoted give this a 30% to 70 % chance of happening. But the good news that treatment is possible, in my case cialis, which works very well. Your husband should seek a referal from his GP if his GP isn't confident on at least trying one of the pill options (viagra/ cialis etc)

Hi,

My husband had his surgery on May16th, 07. And we are having the same issues. He can get an erection but in is not the same as before his surgery. I am not too worried but I know it is affecting him more than me. I would give it some more time. Hopefully everything will be ok. I hope your hubby is doing well. My husband last chemo was on Dec. 26th, 07. I hope it helps to know that you are not alone.

Mrs S