THE ERECTION CLINIC
A Dedicated Service for Life after Prostate Cancer
What is Erectile Dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction is the inability to get or maintain an erection for sexual intercourse. It is believed that about five per cent of 40-year-old men and up to 25 per cent of 65-year-old men have the condition. Men who have had prostate cancer face a greater risk of erectile dysfunction because treatment for the disease can cause damage to the nerves that supply the penis.
 Prostate Cancer and Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is a complication of many of the recognised treatments for prostate cancer.
The Birmingham Prostate Clinic offers nerve-sparing prostatectomies which significantly reduce the risk of sexual dysfunction following surgery.
Out of 72 patients treated by the Birmingham Prostate Clinic and followed-up for a minimum of eight months, 73 per cent had very good erectile recovery if the erectile nerves were well preserved.
The role of individually-tailored, dedicated support
Although surgical technique is paramount in the process of returning to a full sexual relationship following treatment for prostate cancer, other factors are also important.
A recent study showed that 70 per cent of patients being treated for erectile dysfunction following prostate surgery gave up on their treatment.
It is clear that without the right, consistent support, addressing psychosexual issues men and their partners face, many men will fail to achieve a full sex life.
This will have an enormous impact on relationships and quality of life after prostate cancer.
 The Erectile Dysfunction Clinic – a multi-disciplinary team
We have established The Erection Clinic to recognise these issues and provide individually-tailored, dedicated support for our patients.
The Erection Clinic is led by Advanced Nurse Practitioner Nula Allen, one of the West Midlands most respected nurse specialists in prostate cancer, who regularly lectures at The University of Central England.
Consultant Urologist Mike Foster is a specialist in sexual dysfunction and male reproductive problems, receiving referrals from across the region. Mike has extensive experience of treating patients who do not respond to standard drug therapies for impotence and can offer injections and penile implants which are effective in the most severe cases.
Consultant Urologist Alan Doherty is one of the UK’s foremost experts in nerve-sparing prostatectomies. Mr Doherty has extensive experience of treating patients for erectile dysfunction problems following prostate surgery.
Mr Doherty commented: “We have recognised drug therapies which are safe and effective for patients with erectile dysfunction following prostate surgery.
“The drug therapies are valuable as men build up their confidence in the period after surgery and must be carefully monitored and tailored to their needs.
“However outcomes are not as good as they should be, because many patients do not receive this vital individual, dedicated support during the vital three to six month period after surgery.
“The focus tends to be on prostate cancer and issues like continence and little attention is given to erectile dysfunction.
“The Erectile Clinic brings together a team with the range of skills to provide patients with individual support focused on returning to full sexual activity. With this focus, we can achieve far better outcomes for our patients.”
Referral to The Erection Clinic
The Erection Clinic works alongside The Birmingham Prostate Clinic.We are happy to see patients who have not previously received treatment at The Birmingham Prostate Clinic.
As this is a sensitive and personal issue, we do accept self-referrals, as well as referrals through GPs.
For more information, please contact:
The Erection Clinic
Priory Hospital
Priory Road
Birmingham
B5 7UG
Tel: 0870 225 0885
Fax: 0121 446 1686
mail@birminghamprostateclinic.co.uk
www.birminghamprostateclinic.co.uk |
