Do men regret having their prostate removed?

Do Men Regret Having Their Prostate Removed?

For many men diagnosed with localized prostate cancer, the decision to undergo prostatectomy—a surgery to remove the prostate gland—can be daunting. Understandably, questions about long-term satisfaction and potential regret arise. The good news? Most men do not end up regretting the choice.

Research suggests that decision regret after prostate removal is relatively uncommon. In one large study using Clark’s decision regret scale, about 14.6% of men reported some level of regret—a figure on the higher end of what other studies have found, which typically report regret rates between 2% and 18%. While any level of regret is significant, it’s reassuring that the majority of men stand by their treatment decision.

It’s important to recognize that regret often stems not from the outcome itself, but from unmet expectations. Prostatectomy can lead to side effects such as urinary incontinence or sexual dysfunction, and when these are not fully anticipated or managed, they may weigh on a man’s emotional well-being. Yet, when patients are well-informed, involved in the decision-making process, and supported post-surgery, satisfaction tends to remain high.

Furthermore, for many, the relief of removing cancer—and reducing the risk of it spreading—outweighs the challenges. Advances in surgical techniques, like nerve-sparing procedures, have also helped improve quality-of-life outcomes over time.

Ultimately, prostate cancer treatment is deeply personal. While the path isn’t always easy, most men who choose surgery do so with clear eyes and leave without regret. Open conversations with doctors, access to accurate information, and emotional support play a crucial role in helping men feel confident in their choices—both before and after surgery.