Does Radiation Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

October 25, 2023

4 mins

Radiation therapy is a common and effective approach in the treatment of various medical conditions, including cancer. Prostate cancer specifically, is the second most common cancer among men, and radiation is an effective treatment option. 

It’s clear that being diagnosed with cancer and going through radiation therapy can have a big physical and psychological impact on anyone. Worrying about having cancer and whether it will spread or subside, on top of the physical strain the body must undergo to eliminate the malignant growths, is a lot for anyone to cope with. 

Revitalize your intimacy discreetly.

Explore our ED treatment options.

Get Started

Unfortunately, ending cancer treatments like radiation doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll regain perfect health right away. 

While ridding the body of the cancer, radiation can potentially lead to nerve, blood vessel, and tissue damage. It’s not the case for all men, but this damage can contribute to the development of ED.

Sexual Dysfunction After Prostate Radiation

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays (similar to X-rays) to kill the cancer. There are two types of radiation therapy — external and internal. In external therapy a machine directs radiation at the cancer cells, while in internal therapy (or brachytherapy) radioactive seeds or pellets are surgically placed into or near the cancer to destroy the cancer cells.

These rays are specifically designed to target cancerous cells, but can inadvertently damage other parts of the body. When treating prostate cancer, the close proximity of the rays to the structures that make up the delicate male sexual organ can result in temporary or even long-term erectile difficulties.

Nerve damage after radiation treatment

The unintended damage of radiation when treating prostate cancer can affect nearby healthy tissues, including nerves. High-energy radiation can cause oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to damage within the delicate nerve tissues responsible for healthy erectile function.

Nerve damage following radiation treatment has the potential to manifest as erectile dysfunction – also known as impotence. Individuals may experience difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection, reduced sensitivity, or even a complete inability to achieve erections. It is important to note that each case can vary, and it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

Psychological effects after radiation treatment

While radiation damage is mostly physical, the psychological impact of cancer and undergoing radiation can also affect a man’s sexual function – which is much more than just the ability to get hard. Stress, anxiety, and depression are major psychological factors that contribute to sexual dysfunction.

Sexual dysfunction can be categorized as any form of sexual dissatisfaction of your own performance in the bedroom. The four categories of sexual dysfunction in men are desire disorders, arousal disorders, orgasm disorders, and pain disorders. Some examples of these forms of sexual dysfunction include:

• Performance anxiety

• Premature ejaculation

• Erectile dysfunction, or the inability to achieve an erection

• Inability to stay hard

• Inability to orgasm

• Dry ejaculation

• Low libido

• Pain during intercourse

Treating ED After Radiation Treatment

To address nerve damage-induced erectile dysfunction following radiation therapy, various treatment options are available. 

Lifestyle changes

After undergoing radiation treatment, it's not uncommon for men to experience erectile dysfunction (ED) as a potential side effect. However, there are several lifestyle changes that can be implemented to help manage this condition and improve sexual health.

Firstly, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key. This includes a well-balanced diet that incorporates plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. By adopting a nutritious diet, you can support overall cardiovascular health, which plays a crucial role in erectile function. 

Regular exercise is also important, as it improves blood circulation and contributes to overall well-being. Engaging in physical activity such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling can have positive effects on both your physical and sexual health.

Additionally, managing stress levels is crucial for improving ED symptoms. Stress can negatively impact sexual function, so it's important to find healthy coping mechanisms. Consider incorporating stress-management techniques like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or engaging in hobbies that bring you joy and relaxation.

It's important to note that risk factors commonly associated with erectile dysfunction, such as obesity, lack of exercise, and tobacco use, can also be addressed through lifestyle modifications. These lifestyle changes offer a two-fold benefit, helping men regain their sexual health while promoting overall well-being and potentially preventing other health issues down the line.

Pelvic floor exercises 

Exercising the superficial pelvic floor muscles helps enhance erections in men who have undergone prostate cancer treatment. Tightening the pelvic floor muscles as strongly as possible several times a day can improve the strength of the muscles that prevent blood from leaving the penis and increase erectile rigidity.

Kegel exercises involve the contraction and relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles. To identify these muscles, imagine trying to stop urine flow midstream or attempting to hold back gas. Once identified, you can perform Kegel exercises in the following steps:

1. Find a comfortable position: Start by sitting, standing, or lying down in a relaxed position. Ensure your abdomen, buttocks, and thigh muscles remain relaxed during the exercises.

2. Contract the pelvic floor muscles: Squeeze or contract your pelvic floor muscles for a slow count of 3 to 5 seconds. Be sure to avoid straining other muscles, like your abdomen or buttocks, while performing the exercise.

3. Relax the muscles: Release the contraction and completely relax the pelvic floor muscles for a count of 3 to 5 seconds. Take a moment to rest before the next repetition.

4. Repeat the exercise: Aim to complete a set of 10 repetitions, ideally three times a day. As you become more comfortable, you can gradually increase the duration of the contractions and the number of repetitions.

Consistency is key with Kegel exercises. It may take several weeks or even months to notice significant improvements in pelvic floor strength. It's important to stay patient and persistent.

Psychological support

Coping with erectile dysfunction can be emotionally challenging. Seeking psychological support through therapy or counseling can be beneficial in managing the emotional impact and improving overall sexual well-being.

Studies have shown the positive effects of therapy on enhancing the overall quality of life for both men and their partners following cancer treatment. Men who receive proper preparation regarding potential changes in sexual function are more equipped to effectively manage these changes. Additionally, counseling can assist couples in adapting their sexual experiences to accommodate these alterations and place less emphasis on traditional sexual intercourse.

Vacuum erection devices (VED)

VEDs are non-invasive devices that utilize negative pressure to draw blood into the penis and facilitate erections. They can be an effective option for individuals with nerve damage affecting erectile function, as they don't rely on nerve signals to initiate and sustain an erection.

Penile implants

In severe cases where other treatments are ineffective, surgical intervention with penile implants may be considered. These implants allow for on-demand erections by manually activating the implanted device.

Medication

In combination with lifestyle changes like physical and psychological support, medication can be an effective treatment option for men who have ED. One common approach involves the use of medications such as phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5 inhibitors), including sildenafil (Viagra®) and tadalafil (Cialis®). These medications work by increasing blood flow to the penis, aiding in achieving and maintaining erections.

How Rex MD Can Help

If you want to learn more about ED or you’re interested in trying medications like the ones detailed above, Rex MD can help. Rex MD offers meds for guys who are dissatisfied with their performance in the bedroom and want to make a change. 

Answer a few questions, and a licensed health provider will determine if a medication like Viagra® or Cialis® could be right for you.