Prostate Cancer Recovery & Support
At NYU Langone’s Perlmutter Cancer Center, our doctors, therapists, and other experts are committed to supporting men and their families throughout diagnosis, treatment, and recovery from prostate cancer. Our specialists offer a full range of supportive services tailored to you to make the treatment process as comfortable and accommodating as possible.
Sexual Rehabilitation After Surgery
Despite the best efforts of surgeons and radiation oncologists, many men experience some decrease in erectile function after prostate cancer surgery. The extent and duration of erectile dysfunction depends on many factors, such as age, the level of function before treatment, and whether the nerves controlling erectile function were affected.
Our goal is to help you minimize the extent and duration of any post-treatment dysfunction. Our specialists conducted the first study showing that daily administration of a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, a group of medications that include sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis), can help restore erectile function.
Our researchers were the first to show that phosphodiesterase inhibitors, such as Viagra and Cialis, can help restore erectile function.
Your doctor can recommend medication and assistive devices, such as an erection device or penile prosthesis, that can help you resume sexual activity within six weeks of prostate cancer surgery. Our sexual rehabilitation specialist works with you and your partner to develop the best plan for you.
Urinary Incontinence
Temporary light urinary incontinence after prostate cancer surgery is normal. In most cases, continence returns within a few weeks. Our experts may recommend pelvic floor strengthening exercises to speed recovery.
Integrative Health Care
Our integrative health specialists are highly experienced in using natural therapies to aid in the management of prostate cancer. Our team sees men during all stages of treatment, including those who choose active surveillance, those who have had surgery, and those who are returning for a second course of treatment.
Integrative Health Treatments
Our integrative health experts offer natural therapies, such as acupuncture, to help relieve side effects of prostate cancer treatments.
Learn MoreBecause no single treatment plan is right for all men, our doctors work with you to determine a course of action that best fits your personal situation. Integrative therapies can include mind–body counseling, stress management counseling, and acupuncture, an ancient Chinese medicine practice that involves the insertion of fine needles at specific anatomical points to provide balance and relieve pain.
Psychotherapy
Our urologists understand that erectile dysfunction after prostate cancer treatment can cause anxiety or embarrassment. Your doctor can refer you to a psychotherapist for additional support.
Your sexual partner may be asked to join you in therapy to address any concerns you both may have about the effects of erectile dysfunction on intimacy.
Support Groups and Counseling
We offer support groups and individual counseling to help men and their partners address any concerns after prostate cancer treatments.
Learn MoreProstate Cancer Support
Individual counseling, referrals to local resources, and educational events are available to help men adjust to life during and after treatments for prostate cancer.
Nutrition Services
Our doctors encourage healthful eating before, during, and after treatment for prostate cancer. Our registered oncology dietitians can assess your diet and provide nutrition education and counseling.
Follow-Up Care
After receiving treatment for prostate cancer, our experts provide personalized continuing care, including follow-up screening, help for any long-term side effects, and education about signs of recurrence.