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Most men don’t think about their prostate until something goes wrong.

And with no routine NHS prostate screening, many issues go unnoticed until symptoms appear, often later than ideal. This gap means men must take responsibility for their own prostate health: arranging PSA tests, monitoring changes, and seeking early advice.

For anyone over 50 (lower in Afro-Caribbean men) you should ask your GP to get a PSA level done.

Equally symptoms such as frequent urination, weak flow, difficulty starting/stopping also warrant a GP assessment to consider further investigation.

If you wish for a more accurate indication then prostate MRI can be beneficial – always discuss these tests with your GP.

Prostate cancer forces a different conversation. It’s one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in men, and while survival rates are excellent with early intervention, the side effects of treatment can be life-changing.

What many men don’t realise is that erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the most common and most impactful side effects of prostate cancer treatment, and not just temporarily. For some, it can be the long-lasting legacy of otherwise successful cancer care.

Understanding the Reality of Treatment Side Effects

Treatment options vary: prostatectomy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy. But one theme is consistent: the nerves and blood vessels responsible for erections are at risk.

• Surgery: Even with nerve-sparing techniques, trauma and interruption to blood flow can occur.
• Radiotherapy: Gradual damage to vessels and surrounding tissue can affect erectile function.
• Combination treatment: If prostatectomy is followed by radiotherapy, the nerves may be permanently damaged, making recovery of erections unlikely.
• Hormone therapy: Lowers testosterone, reducing libido and erection quality.

These are not minor side effects. ED affects self-confidence, intimacy, mental health, and overall quality of life. Yet men are rarely encouraged to prepare for it before treatment begins.

Why ED Should Not Be an Afterthought?

For many men, the realisation comes too late — months after surgery or radiotherapy — when erections haven’t returned, or they feel they have waited long enough for recovery. By then, nerves may have regenerated slowly, and inactivity can lead to tissue weakening and reduced blood flow.

ED shouldn’t be something men hope won’t happen. It should be something they plan for.

Taking Action Early Protects Long-Term Function

Clinical evidence shows that early erectile rehabilitation significantly improves outcomes. This includes:

• Stimulating blood flow to maintain healthy penile tissue
• Supporting recovery of nerve pathways
• Using non-invasive treatments to maintain function during the healing window

Vigore Shockwave Treatment is one such option. It supports blood flow, encourages tissue repair, and gives men a proactive way to protect erectile function before and after prostate treatment.

This is not about cosmetic performance. It’s about preserving a vital part of a man’s identity, confidence, and wellbeing.

Why We Need to Talk About This Openly

Men rarely discuss ED, especially in the context of cancer treatment. But silence doesn’t protect anyone awareness does.

Your consultant may rightly focus on cancer survival, but quality of life after treatment also matters. Planning for ED in advance puts control back into men’s hands at a time when much can feel out of their control.

The Take-Home Message for Men

If you or someone you know is facing prostate cancer treatment, take note:

• ED is common – it is not rare.
• ED is predictable – it is not something to wait and see about.
• ED is actionable – early steps can make a real difference.

Understanding the risks and taking action early can greatly improve the chance of preserving erectile function in the long term.

Men deserve better conversations about this and better outcomes. Awareness, preparation, and timely action are the keys.