What are the after-effects of treatment for bladder cancer?
Radical surgery and radiation can impair sexual function. A majority of men will be unable to have an erection after surgery. In some cases, where an attempt to spare the nerves to the penis is possible, the ability to have an erection is recovered over time. If erections do not return satisfactorily, there are other means, such as implanting a prosthesis in the penis, that can restore sexual function. In men, because the prostate has been removed, no semen will be ejaculated and the man will be unable to father children. A women who has had part of her vagina removed may have it reconstructed using tissue from the intestine. For both men and women, any loss of sexual function can cause emotional distress. An understanding and supporting partner can help the patient through this difficult time.
