Since overcoming ED is my major focus these days....
Given the cavernosal nerves (erection nerves), supply the smooth muscle of the penis with nitric oxide (allowing the tissue to relax, followed by blood flow to the lacunar spaces) -- is there a method to test for nitric oxide in the body? Would such a test predict the success of nerve sparing following radical prostatectomy?
My Urologist has not tested my testosterone level. Is it pretty standard for PCa patients (post RP) to be tested? (Literature says the results would easily determine physical vs psychological factors relating to sex drive).
PS >>>> Posted this by mistake on the Advanced PCa site (sorry if I did not need to repost here)
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baw1955
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I doubt that overall nitric oxide levels would be correlated, at all, with nitric acid levels in an erect (and probably sexually stimulated) penis. That nitric-acid effect is pretty localized.
The prostate isn't responsible for testosterone production, as far as I know.
You may safely assume, if your libido was normal before surgery, that your ED has been caused by surgery, and is not psychological.
This is not always understood by sex counsellors and sex therapists. Patients and spouses have wasted time, money, and angst, under the care of "professionals" who didn't understand prostate-cancer treatments and their side-effects (or as one doc said, "consequences").
For once, the problem is probably _not_ in your head.<g> ED, however, can affect your relationships and self-esteem. That's something to watch for, and avoid if you can.
Glad you do not have advanced CaP! I am having a testosterone check before my next visit. I am 9 weeks since my RP. AT six weeks I was seen in the men's health clinic to be evaluated for "penile rehabilitation." After exam I watchec a video and was prescribed a trial of Triple-P gel to insert three times a week in my urethra. Also told to buy and use a penis pump daily for ten minutes. As I understand it, nitrous oxide is released in the tissues, is not there for very long and then is metabolized to an inactive form. I doubt there is a blood test. Good luck.
I am not seeing a rehab specialist; and favor the concept. I am post RP surgery by 4 months and seeing some response to the sildenafil. My eyes have been opened by reading DR Mulhall's "Saving Your Sex Life" (recommended by one of our colleagues, the Tall-Allen I believe). My URO in Birmingham, AL has an ED nurse, not very pro-active.
You can order your own Serum Testosterone test, PSA test, blood tests, and many more. Serum Testosterone is $12.95 plus an $8 or $9 draw fee. If you order multiple tests at the same time you are charged only one draw fee.
You have to register (free) then look for the "weekly specials" under the orders tab, and click the link for $12.95 tests. Order what you want, pay with a credit card, choose a draw center, and print out the order. Bring it with you.
You go to a Quest draw center near you (there are many) and in a day or two you get an email with a link to your results.
No Financial Interest, just a satisfied repeat customer.
Hi baw...had RP 2 years ago...still <.02, small amount of Gleason 8. Erections returned with meds after 8 months. I needed meds pre-surgery so no big deal. Pleasant surprise around 18 months...no meds needed! Full erections. So, what are you doing now physically that can help? Vacuum pump? Any cycling of ed meds? I started 2 months after surgery...10mg Tadalafil every other day and pumping on the off days. Physical effects that are positive help the mental ones!
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At what Post-RP level to I get PSMA/PET Scan?
Prostatectomy with pre-ADT?
Rising PSA
