Penile rehabilitation programmes aim to improve long-term sexual function after nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy.
Programmes aim to improve cavernous oxygenation to avoid structural damage in penile tissue. Especially, daily use of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors has been studied. The method is effective in animal models, but the results cannot be confirmed in humans. At this time, treatment regimens which actually create erections and allow for sexual intercourse following surgery should be prescribed. These include PDE5 inhibitors, vacuum erection devices, injection therapy, urethral suppositories and penile implants.
Written by:
Fode M, Hansen RB, Maigaard T, Sønksen J. Are you the author?
Urologisk Afdeling, Herlev Hospital, Herlev Ringvej 75, 2730 Herlev.
Reference: Ugeskr Laeger. 2014 Feb 10;176(7A).
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 25347560
Article in Danish.