HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Male Sexual Function after Abdominoperineal Resection

Support Forums
>
Ostomies
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 6/18/2017 4:49 PM (GMT 0)
Hello.

I'm going to have an abdominoperineal resection (removal of sigmoid colon, rectum and anus) due to Crohn's Disease in six months.

I was informed by my colorectal surgeon that I might have problems with sexual function after the surgery. I'm a young adult.

Have you experienced any problems with this after the surgery?

It's said that the removal of the anus and rectum is especially responsible for this effect (caused by nerve damage to prostate). There are numerous articles in pubmed and other databases about this issue, if anyone is interested.

I wanted to read some members' actual experiences about this whole process regarding this issue.

Thanks in advance.
Posted 6/19/2017 4:21 PM (GMT 0)
If your colorectal surgeon said that you might have "problems" with sexual function I think he should have reworded that. You will probably have to change the way you perform. With a little homework you can "carry on" as well as ever.

I'm 77 and my wife thinks I'm Superman.
Posted 6/21/2017 1:43 PM (GMT 0)
My surgeon gave me this warning as well before surgery. He assured me the sexual side effects would be temporary, but I still ended up going with the subtotal colectomy instead, which leaves the anus and part of rectum intact and thus doesn't have those potential side effects. I'd be interested in hearing people's experiences as well, as there's always a chance in the future I would need to have the rest removed as well.
Posted 6/26/2017 8:29 PM (GMT 0)
I'm 16 months in from a total proctoclectomy. The anus and rectum are gone. You are right to be concerned as you are still young and sex is an important part of a good relationship. I'm in my mid-seventies and have a very understanding wife. I was told (not really a warning) that sexual activity would have to be postponed indefinitely. Under the dire circumstances, I (we) didn't think about it that much so sex has become a fond memory.
I'm too embarrassed to discuss this topic with my surgeon ( a young woman).

I get mild urges now and again but never anything near a 'presentable' erection. I've thought of trying say half a Viagra but I'm a bit scared of things going wrong down in that region. Now I'm thinking that I'm somehow letting my wife down unless I can at least make an honest attempt to satisfy her. Could Viagra be the answer, or would it be too risky?
Posted 6/26/2017 9:03 PM (GMT 0)

Mackster said...
Could Viagra be the answer, or would it be too risky?

Mackster, I hope someone who understands your situation will give a reply, but still, I think a good urologist can give the best answers to your question.
Posted 6/27/2017 1:45 PM (GMT 0)
Mackster - Is your heart in good condition? If so, I repeat, do your homework. You can be "better than ever". Take the time, ask questions you normally wouldn't ask, embarrass yourself if that what it takes, check it out on Google, etc. You and your wife can find a "new" beginning.

Tom
Posted 6/27/2017 9:28 PM (GMT 0)
Cheers guys.
Posted 6/28/2017 12:03 AM (GMT 0)
I had colon removal surgery back in 2014 due to severe UC. I have an ileostomy. I had my rectum removed but still have my anus.

I did suffer total ED. I was in my late 40's when I had surgery. Since it was nerve damage Viagra didn't work. Last year I had a penile implant installed. I didn't even know these things existed before I had my ileostomy surgery. It sounds scary but it works amazingly well. And feels completely natural. Ironically Coloplast makes one brand. Go figure.

This doesn't mean every man who has his rectum and anus removed will have erection problems but it can happen. I had a pelvic abcess a few weeks after my surgery around my prostate that had to be drained which I believe caused the problem.

There is a solution. Don't be too embarrassed to discuss it with a urologist.
Posted 6/28/2017 8:59 PM (GMT 0)
My heart is ok, but I often wonder if Viagra would cause me pain especially if there is nerve damage. I doubt that I'd go for an implant at my age and maybe just draw a line under the whole sex thingy.
Posted 7/9/2017 12:48 PM (GMT 0)
You are going to be fine. Had a total proctocolonectomy three years ago. Yes, do some homework especially apparel homework such as an Ostomy Secret wrap or Stealthbelt. If I recall, I was told no sexual activity for two months after surgery then ENJOY your new life. It's way better than dealing sexually when you have Crohn's .😎
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply