Hormone therapy and erectile dysfunction as a side effect is a common occurrence. Also referred to as androgen deprivation or ablation, hormone therapy is designed to dramatically reduce the levels of male hormones, primarily testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and thereby starve the tumor. Although hormone therapy does not cure cancer, it can slow the growth of prostate cancers, or even cause them to shrink.
Hormone therapy primarily includes the use of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists (LH-RH for short) or anti-androgens, and less often, estrogens. For men who take LH-RH agonists, testosterone production essentially stops, and they will be unable to get an erection as long as they are taking the medication. Once they stop treatment, it can take 3 months to a year or even longer before they can achieve a spontaneous erection again. (Cancer Help UK)
Hormone therapy is not for every man who has prostate cancer. It is typically recommended:
For men whose prostate cancer has already moved beyond the gland and has invaded nearby or distant parts of the body
Before surgery or radiation in an attempt to shrink the tumor and enhance the effectiveness of the other therapies
In combination with radiation therapy in certain men whose cancers are likely to return after therapy
For men who have already had surgery or radiation and their cancer has returned
Long Term Effects of Hormone Therapy on Sexual Function
On the positive side, about 85% of men who have participated in hormone therapy for four to six months can expect to regain normal testosterone levels by one year after they stop treatment. The remaining 15% may take longer to have their testosterone levels restored, or they may not regain it at all.
Men who choose anabolic steroids therapy should also know that it also has an impact on libido and ejaculation, since testosterone is necessary for both sexual desire and the production of semen. About 10% of men may still have a healthy libido despite dramatically low testosterone.
Hormone therapy primarily includes the use of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists (LH-RH for short) or anti-androgens, and less often, estrogens. For men who take LH-RH agonists, testosterone production essentially stops, and they will be unable to get an erection as long as they are taking the medication. Once they stop treatment, it can take 3 months to a year or even longer before they can achieve a spontaneous erection again. (Cancer Help UK)
Hormone therapy is not for every man who has prostate cancer. It is typically recommended:
For men whose prostate cancer has already moved beyond the gland and has invaded nearby or distant parts of the body
Before surgery or radiation in an attempt to shrink the tumor and enhance the effectiveness of the other therapies
In combination with radiation therapy in certain men whose cancers are likely to return after therapy
For men who have already had surgery or radiation and their cancer has returned
Long Term Effects of Hormone Therapy on Sexual Function
On the positive side, about 85% of men who have participated in hormone therapy for four to six months can expect to regain normal testosterone levels by one year after they stop treatment. The remaining 15% may take longer to have their testosterone levels restored, or they may not regain it at all.
Men who choose anabolic steroids therapy should also know that it also has an impact on libido and ejaculation, since testosterone is necessary for both sexual desire and the production of semen. About 10% of men may still have a healthy libido despite dramatically low testosterone.
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