Thousands of men across the world undergo prostatectomy every year. Some of them are already experiencing erectile dysfunction (ED) even before the surgery, while others are getting nervous because they might not be able to get an erection anymore after the procedure (1, 2, 3).
It is then inevitable for a patient to ask, how soon after surgery can I take Viagra?
Aside from incontinence, impotence is another side effect of prostatectomy. This is why men are looking for the best medication to help them cope up. They want to know if they can take Viagra after surgery and how long they have to wait before they can do so.
What Is Prostatectomy?
Prostatectomy is a surgical procedure that requires the removal of some parts or the entire prostate gland, depending on what the problem is.
If a man has an enlarged prostate, then the surgeon will most likely remove certain parts of the gland (4). However, with localized prostate cancer, there is no choice but the remove the entire prostate gland, including the lymph nodes around it (5, 6).
This type of surgery can be done using different techniques; robot-assisted, open, or laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.
As the term suggests, the first method involves a robotic device that helps ensure accurate movements (7). The second technique, on the other hand, requires the doctor to make an incision in the lower abdomen (8). As for the third one, the surgeon makes some incisions in the same part of the body so he can insert the special tools for removing the prostate (9).
Is It Advisable to Take Viagra After the Procedure?
Since erectile dysfunction is one of the major side effects of the operation, patients are wondering whether or not they can take Viagra after prostatectomy. In fact, many of them are even asking, can I use the blue pill right after the surgery? Or is there a waiting period?
What is Viagra in the first place? Simply put, it is another medication for erectile dysfunction. You can find it under the generic name Sildenafil.
If you have been taking Viagra before the surgery, you must inform your surgeon as some of its ingredients may affect the anesthesia.
So can a male undergoing prostatectomy use Viagra after the medical procedure? Yes, the blue pill can help restore erection (10, 11). However, using it right after the surgery is not advisable since the body also needs some time to recuperate.
How Soon Can After Surgery Can I Take Viagra? The Answer
After prostatectomy, the patient may experience difficulties getting an erection. It could be a short-term effect of the surgery itself, or it could also cause long-term male sexual problems. Taking Viagra right away is not ideal, though.
During operation, the body is in trauma, and this could cause disruptions of its functioning. This is why using the blue pill without waiting is not a good idea. It would be best to allow the body to go back to its normal activities. But take note that the recovery period differs from one patient to another.
So, how soon after surgery can I take Viagra? It may take only a few weeks for some people, while others have to wait for months. Make sure that you achieve full recovery first before using the medication.
