How Will The Sensation In My Penis Change During And After Prostate Cancer Treatment?

March 16, 2009 -- Question: How will the sensation in my penis change during and after prostate cancer treatment?

Answer: It is a popular misconception by the public that prostate cancer treatment by operation affects penile sensation. The nerves supplying the skin of the penis are completely separate from those that pass near the prostate and there should be no change. A radiation field could theoretically produce some minor change in sensation due to the long term effects of radiation therapy on very small nerves and small blood vessels superimposed on the process of aging. But this is theoretical only and to my knowledge, occurs rarely if ever.