Can you start taking viagra/cialis after radical prostatectomy while the catheter is still in?

Can you start taking viagra/cialis after radical prostatectomy while the catheter is still in?

My husband is still catheterised 5 weeks after the op and I am worried that not taking cialis from first week (when most catheters come out) will affect the healing process and erectile function.

Does anyone know?

Thanks.

Jane

Thanks so much Steve. That is what I thought, but it is so nice to hear someone confirming things.

I assumed he would not be getting any kind of good results for a long time - but maybe that was just pessimistic! We will find out in a few weeks time ...

This forum is marvellous - I have been going out of mind with worry and no-one to talk to.

My Surgeon uses Dr. Mulhall's prototol slightly modified. Pick up a copy of "Saving your sex life: A guide for men with Prostate Cancer" by Dr. John P. Mulhall. There also videos on youtube of his presentations that summarize his protocol and findings.

The primary reason for PDE5 inhibitors at this early time after RP is to get bloodflow to the erection tissues. Not to generate an erection. I was instructed to start the protocol (I am using 5mg Cialis nightly) 3 days after catheter removal. I personally would not recommend starting them while still catheterized because if by chance he gets nerve response, it won't be fun with a catheter in and could cause tissue damage as the penis extends across that catheter (OUCH). It's not designed for easy sliding like that. My doctor wanted 3 days after removal to allow the urethra and penis to heal some from the abrasion caused by the catheter. Given the length of time your hubby has had the catheter there may be more healing needed, or maybe less because the body has gotten used to it and pretty much dealt with it. That is a question for the doctor. Thus when to start PDE5 inhibitors should be advised by the doctor.

3 weeks after surgery I started getting nocturnal nerve response on the Cialis. I can see it can have a positive effect, so in my short time at this I can say well worth it once the doctor clears him for it.

Jane – Yes you can take low dose Viagra (25mg) with the catheter still in; obviously not in an attempt to get an erection, but to promote fresh blood flow. I’m seeing Dr. Mulhall for my ED rehab. His rehab program had me on a nightly low dose of Viagra 2 weeks before surgery. Then after discharge from surgery I resumed the nightly 25mg with the catheter still in. After the catheter was removed, I took 25mg 6 nights per week and 100mg once per week. The 100mg dose was taken in an effort to get an erection. My catheter came out 1 week after surgery, so I don’t know what the protocol is for prolonged time with the catheter. I would suggest you discuss this with your doctor. If you have further questions, feel free to email me.

Best of luck with the recovery.

Thanks Alice. I have been watching the videos and they are very informative.

Thanks too to all other posts. This is a great help,