Sex After Prostate Surgery: What to Expect & Do About It

Sex After Prostate Surgery: What to Expect & Do About It

Written by: Dr. Brian Steixner

Key Takeaways

Ejaculatory dysfunction is common after prostate surgery and comes in many flavors: dry orgasm, retrograde ejaculation, volume loss, etc.

Some procedures (like UroLift and Aquablation) preserve sexual function better than others.

Pelvic floor therapy for men can support recovery and confidence.

Erectile dysfunction after prostate surgery is common but treatable with a multi-faceted approach.

Communication with partners and healthcare providers is essential—so is finding joy in new forms of intimacy.

First of all: you're not alone. If you’re noticing some, uh, plot twists in the bedroom post-surgery, welcome to the club no one wanted to join—but everyone deserves to understand. Prostate surgery, whether it’s for cancer, an enlarged prostate (BPH), or another condition, often comes with a few sexual side effects. Ejaculation changes. Erections gone rogue. Orgasms that feel different. It’s a lot.

But don’t worry—we’re diving into what’s happening, why it happens, and what you can do to feel like yourself again (with a little backup from science, humor, and Popstar’s favorite sidekick: honesty).

The Prostate: Tiny Gland, Big Responsibilities

The prostate isn’t just a squishy organ your urologist obsesses over. It plays a starring role in ejaculation. It produces most of your seminal fluid, helps shoot it out during orgasm, and keeps everything flowing the right direction (read: not into your bladder).

So when you have prostate surgery—whether it's a full removal or a trim job—the script changes.

The (New) Normal: What Happens to Ejaculation After Surgery?

Welcome to the wonderful world of ejaculatory dysfunction. Here’s what might show up post-op:

Dry Orgasms (aka Anejaculation)

You climax but nothing comes out. This happens especially after radical prostatectomy because the prostate and seminal vesicles get removed entirely. It’s not dangerous—but it is surprising. Think of it as the "ghost pepper" of orgasms: all heat, no sauce.

Retrograde Ejaculation

Mostly a TURP side effect, this means semen takes a wrong turn into the bladder instead of exiting stage front. You still orgasm, but when you pee later, you’re like, “Ah, there it is.” Technically harmless. Emotionally…meh.

Semen Volume Loss

Even if you're not dealing with a total dry spell, your semen might look more like a teaser trailer than a feature film. Smaller volume can reduce orgasm intensity or at least make it feel like less is happening.

Painful Orgasms

Odynorgasmia (yes, that’s the real name) can feel like your pelvic nerves are throwing a tantrum. This can happen when nerve endings are irritated or inflamed post-surgery.

Orgasm + Incontinence

Also called climax-associated incontinence. Yep, leaking during orgasm is real—and rare—but possible. Definitely something to flag with your doc.

Why TF Is This Happening?

Here’s the science-y lowdown:

  • Anatomical Remodeling: Removing the prostate and seminal vesicles literally takes the semen-making factories offline.

  • Nerve Interference: The nerves responsible for ejaculation and erection are delicate little threads that can be injured or removed during surgery.

  • Bladder Neck Shenanigans: Some surgeries mess with the bladder neck muscles. Result? Retrograde ejaculation.

Procedures and What They Do to Your O-Face

TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate)

The OG of BPH surgery. Highly effective for urination. Less great for ejaculation. Most men end up with retrograde ejaculation.

Robotic Prostatectomy

Super precise, but if your prostate and seminal vesicles are removed, say goodbye to semen. Some orgasmic sensation remains—but semen won’t be RSVPing anymore.

UroLift®

A crowd favorite. Lifts prostate tissue without cutting. Usually preserves ejaculation and sexual function. A rare win-win.

Rezūm™ (Steam Therapy)

Uses vapor to zap extra tissue. Lower risk of retrograde ejaculation than TURP—but not risk-free.

Aquablation®

Waterjet-powered precision prostate surgery. Keeps sexual function intact for many guys but still has some risk of ejaculatory dysfunction.

Radiation Therapy

Over time, radiation can shrink semen production to zilch. Many men end up with dry orgasms and permanent changes.

HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound)

Promising but still packs a punch. May reduce semen volume or result in anejaculation, depending on how much tissue is treated.

Sex Is Still on the Menu (It Just Might Look Different)

Let’s be real. Sex isn’t just about climaxing. It’s about connection, confidence, pleasure, and maybe some pillow talk that doesn’t involve complaining about the thermostat.

Even with changes, many men still enjoy orgasm and intimacy. It might feel different, and yeah, the psychological shift is real. But different doesn’t mean bad.

Solutions That Don’t Suck: How to Cope and Recalibrate

Pelvic Floor Therapy for Men

Not just for postpartum moms! Pelvic floor exercises can help restore control, sensation, and confidence—plus improve urinary continence.

Meds and Supplements

Talk to your doctor about medications for erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction. And if you’re feeling a little less than full, Popstar Volume + Taste Supplement is designed to help increase pre-ejaculate and semen volume—because sometimes size does matter (at least to your confidence).

Counseling or Sex Therapy

Yes, even dudes benefit from talking it out. A trained therapist can help reframe sexual expectations and open up new paths to pleasure.

Sexual Rehab (It’s a Thing!)

Sexual rehabilitation after prostatectomy is all about regaining your groove. Think of it like physical therapy for your manhood—with less sweat and more satisfaction.

Lube Up for a Smoother Ride

Sensation changed? Less natural lubrication? Popstar Personal Lubricants are designed to keep things silky, friction-free, and very, very fun.

What About the Baby-Making?

Infertility after prostate surgery is common—especially after radical prostatectomy. If kids are in your future plans, sperm banking before surgery is your best bet. Once the prostate and seminal vesicles are out, natural conception is usually off the table.

Wrap-Up: Your Sex Life Isn’t Over. It’s Just… Remixed.

Yes, there are changes. But no, you’re not broken. Whether you’re dealing with semen volume loss, dry orgasm causes, or full-on erectile dysfunction after prostate surgery, there are paths forward—and plenty of them. Start with understanding what’s going on, talk to a urologist (you know, the real MVPs), and don’t be afraid to try new approaches.

You might even discover that the new version of your sex life is more intimate, more adventurous, and less “performance” focused.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you still orgasm after prostate surgery?

Yes. While ejaculation may be affected (or absent), many men still experience orgasmic sensation after surgery.

What causes a dry orgasm after prostate surgery?

Dry orgasm (anejaculation) occurs when the prostate and seminal vesicles are removed or damaged, eliminating seminal fluid.

Is retrograde ejaculation dangerous?

Nope. It’s more of a plumbing reroute than a health hazard. But if fertility matters to you, speak with your doctor.

Can supplements really help with semen production?

They sure can. Popstar Volume + Taste Supplement is formulated to boost semen volume and support prostate health and sexual function.

What’s the best treatment for erectile dysfunction after prostate surgery?

It depends on your situation. Medications, pelvic floor therapy, and sexual rehab programs all help. Ask your urologist for a custom plan.

Dr. Joshua Gonzalez

Dr. Joshua Gonzalez

Dr. Joshua Gonzalez is a board-certified urologist who is fellowship-trained in Sexual Medicine and specializes in the management of male and female sexual dysfunctions. He completed his medical education at Columbia University and his urological residency at the Mount Sinai Medical Center. Throughout his career, Dr. Gonzalez has focused on advocating for sexual health and providing improved healthcare to the LGBTQ+ community.

Dr. Brian Steixner

Dr. Brian Steixner

Dr. Brian Steixner is a board-certified urologist and an expert in men’s sexual medicine. He completed his General Surgery and Urology training at The University of Pennsylvania and The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, one of the busiest and most comprehensive programs in the nation. During his career, Brian has treated thousands of men with sexual health issues including male factor infertility.