Penis size after prostate surgery

After robotic prostate surgery I noticed that my penis was only 4 1/2 inches in length. The circumference might also be less but not positive.

I know that years ago I was 6 inches and most likely with more girth. I am not sure if some of the loss has been related to my age (70). If might have happened gradually over time.

However, I have read a number of articles that relate the shorter penis size to the surgery.

Has anyone else ended up with a smaller penis? Dose anyone know why that situation occurs? More important does anyone know how to improve on size?

I will post just a brief personal knowledge about this subject.

There are others here who will chime in I'm sure who are relative experts.

As I have read with the removel of the Prostate, a section of the urethea is also removed.

And so, depending on the size of the prostate, and because the urethea is pulled to and reattached to the bladder you are going to be shortened that much.

I've observed on the forum here that there are several actions you can take and get that length back.

I personally experienced just what you are saying. Hopefully some of our knowledgeable guys can fill you in.

BUSH said...




As I have read with the removel of the Prostate, a section of the urethea is also removed.

And so, depending on the size of the prostate, and because the urethea is pulled to and reattached to the bladder you are going to be shortened that much.
.

I've been told by two different surgeons that there are different techniques employed to avoid this. My guy went as far as to explain exactly what he did and how he did it to avoidd the potential of shortening but I wasn't really paying attention cause I had already verified I had no issues.

I lost about an inch...This is not one of the selling points used to promote surgery...

Thanks for the second, Gedman. What brand of uncomfortable-looking stretching thing do you use to treat your Peyronie's? I may be in the market for one.

I agree that the size loss probably has little to do with the removal of a section of the urethra. The bladder moves down -- the penis does not get pulled up.

Mulhall and others, observing that the size loss occurs very quickly after surgery, believe that atrophy of penile tissue occurs very quickly after surgery, owing to loss of oxygenation. Studies on this have been plagued with problems because of loss to follow up, and men not complaining about it. Subjective perceptions, which are probably a more important measure than stretched penile length, are not routinely measured - a hole in our knowledge.

- Allen

What I actually wrote was, "Subjective perceptions, which are probably a more important measure than stretched penile length." I did not write that that is "all that matters." The reason I believe it is more important is because I am interested in reducing suffering. You can tell me all you want that my stretched penile length is only 1 cm shorter, but if I wet myself and the toilet seat every time I have to sit down to pee because my penis barely pops out, your assurance will not mean much.

In terms of self-perceptions, this study among 1288 men undergoing RP found that twice as many men perceived size loss vs age-matched controls.

The study you cite was the one I was referring to when I said "plagued with problems because of loss to follow up." Take a closer look. The study began with 118 men at baseline, lost 36% of the sample by 2 months, and lost almost half the original sample by 6 months. Are the men who were left the ones who did better and were happy to come in and get measured?

This is something that few men seem to complain to their urologists about, but I hear it universally in support groups.

The best solutions seem to be ED meds, pumps and stretchers. I think that all urosurgeons ought to include this in obtaining informed consent. I would be very interested to read a report of Dr Tewari's "penile oxygenation" technique to see if that can prevent shrinkage.

- Allen

that subjective interpretations are more important that facts is your unique way of looking at it.

If I walk into a movie theater and don't see an aisle seat available i don't feel safe. Then my wife tells me to get a grip of reality and enjoy the movie.

I also think that men who go to support groups are probably not representative of the majority of men and how they perceive this issue.

Are you interested in reducing suffering universally or specifically as it relates to men who opt to seek treatment for PCa and may have to endure some side effects? I ask because in my family we have a long line of published and known social and environmental activists and I always thought the cross they carry to reduce suffering must be very difficult to carry on a daily basis.

ps - I sit down to pee out of comfort at home. Maybe i'm lazy.

Very strangely, if anything, I think I have slightly increased the flaccid hang, and at least the same erect after injections. At 1st I was convinced it was the opposite, and I was definitely pulled up inside. And 1st pump use was depressing, I seemed to be about 1/2 normal. But, then I had my 1st low dose injection, and all has been back to at least normal, plus seem to be slightly less of a "grower" than normal. Not sure what could account for that. It has made me wonder if they damaged something else while working in there, like the ligaments they cut for lengthening surgery. Because not only do I hang more loose(a little), but when injecting there is not even a hint of "hat rack" effect, like I had in earlier days. But I'm not sure if that wasn't already gone. So just guessing wild as to why most of that shrinkage went away so soon, leaving me at least normal if not a bit more so.

Plus, I am < 3 months out, for all I know most of the trouble comes later?

I was told that it was the urethra cutting that shortened the length. I lost about a half inch or more. Magically it came back somewhere around 6 or 7 months postop. I too developed Peyronies as a side effect, which can also challenge size. I daily use VED and traction for therapy, to help combat atrophy and the curve. Regards Inkhorn