Radiation therapy shrinks penis

I have never heard of that from radiation treatments. I underwent 39 sessions of salvage radiation in 2009, total of 72 gys of radiation, and there was no change in penis size, either flaccid or erect.

Sorry this has happened to you.

david

Both.

soniq

I found this article confirming that hormone treatment plus radiation can shrink the penis over 2 inches.
Shrinkage from radiation alone was "antecdotal".

soniq



http://www.nbcnews.com/id/16582687/ns/health-mens_health/t/prostate-cancer-treatment-might-shorten-penis/#.UeSrq42gNx8

Prostate cancer treatment might shorten penis
NEW YORK — Men who receive combination treatment with hormone therapy plus radiation for local or locally advanced prostate cancer may experience a significant reduction in penile length, according to a report in the January issue of the Journal of Urology.
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There has been anecdotal evidence that radiation therapy can reduce penile length but, to the authors’ knowledge, the present study is the first to determine if penile length changes following combination treatment with hormone therapy plus radiation.
Dr. Ahmet Haliloglu and colleagues at the University of Ankara in Turkey enrolled 47 men with local or locally advanced prostate cancer. The patients, who were followed from 2000 to 2005, received leuprolide or goserelin injections every three months, for a total of three doses. At Month 7, radiotherapy, using a 70-Gy dose, was initiated and continued for seven weeks.
Just before treatment began, the average stretched penile length was 5.6 inches. Eighteen months later, the average penile length had shortened significantly to 3.4 inches.
Erectile function was also adversely affected by treatment. Roughly 23 percent of men had normal erectile function before therapy. Eighteen months later, 12.5 percent were able to have an erection that was suitable for intercourse.
“Quality-of-life concerns are important when considering treatment options for prostate cancer,” the investigators conclude. Before starting combination hormone and radiation therapy, the patient should be told that “penile shortening may occur.”

SBRT as a monotherapy three years ago and the only side effect has been a considerable reduction in ejaculate. Sex remains great w/o meds and size I believe is the same. Sometimes I think my urinary function may actually be a little better since I rarely awaken at night.

apropos tho given the woes

Well, after 6 years of lamenting the very rude butchery of my genitalia, my love life appears to be on the upswing.

I feel like a virgin, having yet to see “what happens” when finally sent onto the field. I know it will be different. (Just how different remains to be seen). When he removed my prostate, it curved and shortened my penis as well, thereby removing my confidence (which I’m told, women like?).

But, this is now a team sport. I can see how this could have some upside for me with the right team mate.

Now, if I can only stay out of those political threads. Lol. 😊

I had radiation, and didn't lose a thing, but if I had, no problem, as I am a bit large anyway. The crazy thing is that after I was seeded it seemed longer... flaccid.

It is a muscle needs exercise.

Mike aka kmclark1

"I miss my morning wood" - kmclark1

The title of this thread hasn't aged well...

Matt, I have had 28 IMRT sessions and I am on ADT. Nothing has changed in the above mentioned title. My shrinkage in the scrotal area was dramatic. For you that are numb, don’t do what I did. Slide off the seat of a bicycle and land on the upper bar. At first. I thought it was another hot flash coming on. but no, the resulting pain which followed was reminiscent of getting a bad bounce at shortstop. Best wishes to all. Please don’t laugh. Lol
Jack

As we know, cancer SUX, and it, along with treatments, affects each one of us differently.

Hang in there, no pun intended. ;-)

IMHO a prostatectomy definitely shrinks the penis. If a prostate, which contains urethra, is say 1-2 inches diameter, and then removed, the severed urethra is re attached during surgery, minus the prostatic urerthra. Something must give. The penile urethra is pulled towards the bladder or bladder has to move. Bladder doesn't move as easily. Instant 1-2" loss. I have had RALP, radiation and a decade of ADT. With no measurable testosterone, I agree with Pratoman. Its now just a pee nozzle ;)