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Dov Rotenberg's avatar

Terrific article, honest and intelligently personal.

I underwent radiation for prostate cancer almost 2 years ago. Severe bladder symptoms lasted about 4 months but have now largely resolved. Erectile dysfunction began about 1 month post treatment and initially responded somewhat to viagra but then stopped working.

I became severely depressed, and lack of sex affected our relationship {my wife was very supportive}.

On the advice of my urologist started Trimix injections. My experience has been identical to the author ... Minimal injection discomfort, acceptable erections {not ideal} and return to sex life which is very important to us.

ED can severely adversely impact patient psychological life, and marital intimacy/relationship. Don't give up, be proactive and seek therapy.

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Chris Hester's avatar

You have to alternate the Trimax injections, left and right. If only inject on one side, will create scar tissue and curve. There are new, in US, uses of stem cell injections that have shown results in nerve repair. Not cheap, but maybe a choice to try before going for implant. Prostate removal sucks and is depressing…but there are better days ahead.

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Kris's avatar

Brilliant, touching, and funny. And brave.

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James M O’Brien's avatar

I was diagnosed 21/2 years ago. I spent most of 2024 and part of 2025 dealing diverticulitis, surgical drains, and a ostomy bag. I just recently had the ostomy removed and my plumbing reconnected. So far, I seemed to have dodged most problems associated with all of this.

I’ve now been told they want to start treatment for my prostate cancer. According to the recent MRI my cancer is still confined to my prostate. Having just finished a year long medical odyssey and avoiding the major complications associated with such. I’m hesitant to start treatment and messing up my newly regained bagless freedom.

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David Thornton's avatar

I wish the best for you. Hopefully, treatment will be minimally disruptive to your current recovery.

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Sarah-Helen Land's avatar

Fantastic article. Thank you so much for this

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Anthony Feig's avatar

Lots of wisdom in here. Somebody somewhere is benefitting from your writing. Thanks for your story.

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Rex Burkheimer's avatar

Glad see you progress, and thank you for sharing your experience.

One thing a PA told me on the way out after a treatment was “ Remember, lots of protein, and…ejaculate”. Curious I researched it and learned an active prostate was a happy prostate. Unused organs atrophy and attract problems. “But Honey, it’s for healthy reasons!”

Also, you can treat Peyronies with DMSO applied topically.

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David Thornton's avatar

Thanks, I may look into that. Mine is really barely noticeable.

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Nick's avatar

Any thought about a penile implant ?

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Mar 24
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David Thornton's avatar

What you are advocating is dangerously wrong. That book is 10 years old and has been disproven by events.

Prostate cancer deaths are on the rise in large part because people are not getting screened. It is very treatable if detected early, so middle -age and high-risk men should get their PSA checked regularly.

https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2025/01/429401/alarming-rise-rates-advanced-prostate-cancer-california

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Mar 25
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David Thornton's avatar

And you seriously don’t sound like you have a clue what you’re talking about.

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