- More than 80% of men affected by prostate cancer experience erection problems.
- Research in the World Journal of Men’s Health, led by Prostate Cancer UK, shows evidence that erection medication can also improve serious conditions including stroke, diabetes and enlarged prostate.
- Despite the multiple benefits erection medication can provide men with prostate cancer, they are under-prescribed and underused.
- Prostate Cancer UK is calling for clinicians to consider prescribing erection medication to more men undergoing prostate cancer treatment, as early as possible, to support their sexual wellbeing.
Erection treatments not only support sexual function but can improve other health conditions that commonly affect men navigating prostate cancer, according to new research led by Prostate Cancer UK.
In a paper published in the World Journal of Men’s Health, experts from the UK’s largest funder of prostate cancer research show evidence that erection pills – such as Viagra or Cialis – can provide additional benefits to men experiencing a range of challenges including heart conditions, stroke, diabetes, enlarged prostate and problems peeing.
Despite this, and the fact that more than 80% of men affected by prostate cancer say they experience erection problems [1], these treatments are under-prescribed and underused, say the researchers.
Pills for erection problems are known as PDE5 inhibitors (PDE5i). PDE5 is an enzyme that affects how blood flows. When it is activated, it reduces blood flow to cells and muscles. Erection pills block the PDE5 enzyme, allowing more blood to flow to key parts of the body, and relaxing muscles.
For men with problems getting erections, this helps to increase the flow of blood to the penis – but increased blood flow and muscle relaxation can also benefit the heart, brain, lungs and other organs. The researchers reviewed evidence from a range of published studies that found links between taking PDE5i erection treatments and improvements in cardiovascular, urological and other issues that affect many of the more than half-a-million men living with or after prostate cancer in the UK.
The use of PDE5i medication was historically restricted on the NHS due to its high cost, but over the last decade UK patents on the drugs expired, making erection treatments cheaper and more accessible. Today, men who have prostate cancer can speak to their GP about getting erection medication prescribed for free on the NHS.
Prostate Cancer UK is calling for healthcare professionals to consider prescribing PDE5i medication to more men undergoing prostate cancer treatment, as early as possible, to support their sexual wellbeing.
Steve Allen is 77 and lives in Berkshire. He was treated for prostate cancer in 2008, undergoing a radical prostatectomy. He experienced problems with his sexual wellbeing as a side effect of his curative treatment and found the early use of PDE5i medication very beneficial. He said: "I was fortunate to find my prostate cancer early enough to be able to have surgery that cured me, but the same treatment that saved my life also damaged a key part of it. Surgery left me with significant problems in getting an erection, something which takes a huge toll on your relationship, your identity and your mental health. Not what you want when you are only 60 years old. I now take a regular dose of a PDE5i drug prescribed by my GP, which enables me to enjoy a fulfilling sexual relationship. Life isn’t perfect, but so much better than I thought it would ever be. As a qualified doctor and someone with a close working relationship with urologists, I was fortunate to be advised to take regular PDE5 inhibitors early after my surgery – not something that was in routine practice 18 years ago. Now things are beginning to change. I'd advise any man who is about to go through treatment to discuss taking PDE5 inhibitors early on after their treatment to potentially speed up the return of their sexual function. I find this new research from Prostate Cancer UK very valuable, and it confirms the thoughts that many of us have had for some time. I support their call for medical professionals to proactively discuss and prescribe erection pills as early first line treatment to men treated for prostate cancer. They may not help every patient but there are a huge number of men out there who could benefit and currently do not.”
Sophie Smith, Senior Specialist Nurse at Prostate Cancer UK, said: “Treatments for prostate cancer can negatively impact a man's sexual wellbeing, so every man should be routinely offered medication to help with erection problems at the start of his prostate cancer journey. Sadly, too many men are missing out on simple treatments that could set them on the right track to getting their sex life back – and, the evidence shows, could improve many other serious, life-limiting conditions they may face. Lots of men tell us that they find it difficult to bring up the subject of sex at their appointments, often because they are embarrassed, or they don’t want to waste the doctor’s time. I encourage healthcare professionals to talk proactively and regularly with patients about their sexual wellbeing, and treatments that can help. I’d also like to reassure every man living with or after prostate cancer that your sex life is important, and that you can talk to your GP about erection problems. Finally, erection pills don’t work for all men, but there are other treatment options. If you’re worried about anything to do with prostate cancer, you can speak with my team of Specialist Nurses at Prostate Cancer UK by calling 0800 074 8383 or via webchat.”
To learn more about how prostate cancer can affect your sex life, visit Prostate Cancer UK’s website for free, expert information here. Alternately, contact Prostate Cancer UK’s Specialist Nurses to discuss their Sexual Support service here.
