One Man's Boner

Here's what one Faithful Reader sent in for us. (Bless him for doing so!) I have rearranged it for purposes of posting, but the core of his experience is there, proving that prostate removal doesn't mean the end of boners and enjoying sex. Any comments I've made in the body are in parentheses and italicized.

 The research you are doing and sharing to assist your faithful reader is really a nice gesture. Thank you. I share this because we guys are so private about this issue, and the more we speak about it and share information and experiences the better for everyone. I found that the internet might contain some good information, but it is also full of contradictions, sales pitches, and hokey promises.

 I was able to achieve an erection about 6 weeks after my radical prostatectomy, which has now been 6 years ago. What was really amazing to me was my first orgasm about 8 or 9 weeks after the surgery. Up to that point I was completely unaware that a man could have an orgasm without an ejaculation. Ever since I was 13 years old I thought that the sensation of orgasm was caused by the semen moving up and discharging from the hard-on. And a good orgasm it was, which really made me appreciate the miracle of the male human body. The only moisture I had was a small amount of precum.

I had a really good doctor/surgeon/urologist, all rolled into one. He appreciated that sexual activity was a vital part of my life. We had very frank discussions about the surgical process, he knew the limits that he could separate the vital nerves, and all the factors possible within the outcome. There were never any promises. He got me going on Viagra a few weeks before the surgery, and we continued the Viagra "therapy" for about 6 months afterward. We'll never be sure if that helped in my recovery. I stopped Viagra though on my own; I just didn't like the sexual jolt it was giving me. He cautioned me about Cialis because it remains in the body for a longer time and has caused problems when treating a medical emergency related to the heart, should there be one. I have since been on 1000 mg of L-Arginine daily, readily available over-the-counter. And even though my testosterone levels test normal, I use one squirt of AndroGel daily. For many years I have also worn a cock ring during sexual activity -- it just feels really good and helps me retain blood where it is needed. My orgasms remain as pleasurable as ever, if not more-so, just because of that internal appreciation for the ability to have them.

Fortunately, I have a faithfully loving partner who couldn't have been a better caretaker during the trials of surgery and recovery. (I've read this is very important for partnered men - the more understanding and patient a partner is, the better the outcome. It would probably translate to solo as well - be patient and keep working at it.)

Right from the start my doctor cautioned me that "it" was 90 percent all in my head. Strangely, I off-again, on-again, 6 years later, believe him. When I feel good; when I clear my mind; when I let my imagination take over and think fresh thoughts, I can feel that surge inside. The naked guys in an imaginary chorus line; naked guys at the swimming hole; remembering the first time my partner put my erection fully into his mouth; the first time I used Albolene; his hand playing with my testicles; my tugging on the ropes during bondage, unable to touch myself ... there is so much hidden away in the mind. And dwelling on similar thoughts while lying there naked has certainly help turn me on.

I really thank my Faithful Reader for sharing his journey with us. As soon as I hear back from my brother, I will post the information he has to share. In the meantime, guys, enjoy yourselves!