Colon Cancer Surgery Done. Noticed Erectile Dysfunction. Is This Common?

Posted on Tue, 22 Jan 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 Answered on

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : I have had colon cancer surgery, chemo and radiation. I have been clear now for three years. Since the surgery, I have lost the ability to acheive and/or maintain a seful erection. Is this common? Is there any safe treatment or cure?

Answered by Dr. Dr. P. T. Patil (4 hours later)

Hello
Thanks for writing to us.
Inability to have an erection is common as there may be damage to the nerves responsible for erection during surgery or the nerves may be damaged due to post radiation neuritis ( due to the effects of radiation on the nerves) .
We will need to confirm the cause after a thorugh evaluation with your surgeon. The appropriate treatment can then be started.
Hope that helps
Let me know if you have any more questions
Regards
Dr.Patil

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Aparna Kohli