NHS failing to help thousands of men unable to get an erection after treatment for prostate cancer
The condition affects three in four men who have been treated for the disease
Erectile dysfunction affects three in four men who have been treated for the disease.
Guidelines suggest health bosses should offer impotent blokes five different types of support in a bid to resolve the problem.
This includes referral to a specialist NHS clinic, medication and vacuum pumps.
But an investigation by the charity Prostate Cancer UK has exposed a post code lottery of care across the country.
A further 15 offer just one option and four offer two, freedom of information requests revealed.
Prostate Cancer UK said patients have been “abandoned” and left to suffer unnecessary long term physical and psychological damage, such as depression.
It can also lead to the breakdown of relationship as men and women become frustrated at the inability to have sex.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, affecting 330,000 in the UK alone.
Auditor Brian White, 42, from Leeds, had an operation to remove his prostate last October after being diagnosed with the disease.
He said: “My partner and I were made fully aware of the possible side effects – incontinence and erectile dysfunction.
“But at the time I was so focussed on getting rid of the cancer that the longer term implications didn’t really come into question.
“One year down the line and I’m still in remission but I’m living with the harsh side effects of my treatment.
“Thankfully my incontinence is much better but I’m still struggling with erections.
“I’m only 42 and my partner is 36.
“Sex and intimacy is so important to us, as it is to most relationships and adjusting to a different way of life has been incredibly difficult. The spontaneity of our sexual relationship has gone and now every intimate moment has to be planned well in advance.
“Things are certainly improving but the road to recovery is a long one.
“Support for erectile problems shouldn’t be a ‘nice to have’ – it’s essential.
“Before any man undergoes treatment for prostate cancer he needs to be safe in knowledge that there is appropriate care on the other side to help him with the aftermath.
“The fact that some men don’t get access to any support whatsoever is shocking.”
It can have devastating longer term implications including depression and relationship breakdowns. It is therefore incredibly concerning that only a handful of men are getting the support needed
John Robertson
John Robertson, from Prostate Cancer UK, said: “When it comes to treating erectile dysfunction following prostate cancer treatment, early support and treatment is vital.
“As a specialist nurse, I regularly speak to men at rock bottom because they can no longer get or maintain an erection.
“Not only can it put a complete stop to a man’s sex life, it can have devastating longer term implications including depression and relationship breakdowns.
“It is therefore incredibly concerning that only a handful of men are getting the support needed to overcome this condition and it’s shocking that in some areas men aren’t getting any support whatsoever.”
Some treatments for prostate cancer can damage the nerves and blood vessels that are needed for an erection.
Treatments that can have this effect include surgery, external beam radiotherapy, brachytherapy, high intensity focused ultrasound and cryotherapy.
All types of hormone therapy can cause erection problems. Having less interest in sex can also play a part.
To join the fight and campaign for better care for men in your area visit