Prostate cancer treatments leave the vast majority of men with erectile dysfunction

Prostate cancer can be a devastating condition that may lead to years of poor health. However, a recent study found that the treatment for the disease can sometimes be just as bad as the condition itself, and often lead to erectile dysfunction.

One of the most common treatment strategies for prostate cancer is androgen deprivation therapy. This remedy works by blocking male hormones that are believed to increase the risk of prostate cancer and stimulate its growth, according to the National Cancer Institute. While this may be effective at heading off the disease it can also increase the risk of erectile dysfunction.
In fact, in the present study, which was conducted by the Australian Cancer Council, researchers found that 97 percent of men who are treated with androgen deprivation therapy experience long-term erectile dysfunction, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

Dr. David Smith, who led the study, said that many in the medical community are unaware of these risks, and should consider men’s sexual health before starting them on a treatment that has potential side effects.

“Clinicians tend to underestimate side-effects following prostate cancer treatment and invariably are surprised when they learn of the extent and duration of impotence following treatment,” he told the news source.