What are the side effects of having your prostate removed?

Navigating recovery: What to expect after prostate removal

Undergoing a radical prostatectomy is a major step, usually taken to treat prostate cancer. While it can be a life-saving procedure, it is completely normal to wonder about what comes next. Recovery looks different for everyone, but understanding the potential side effects ahead of time can help you or a loved one feel more prepared for the journey.

One of the most common concerns is urinary incontinence—the temporary or sometimes long-term struggle to control when you urinate. Because the prostate sits right below the bladder and surrounds the urethra, surgery in this area naturally impacts bladder control. Fortunately, for many people, this improves significantly over time with healing and pelvic floor exercises.

Another frequent side effect is erectile dysfunction (ED), or trouble getting and keeping an erection firm enough for sex. The nerves responsible for erections run very close to the prostate. Even with nerve-sparing techniques, it takes time for these delicate nerves to recover, and sexual function can take months—or sometimes longer, to return.

Finally, as with any major surgery, there is a risk of developing blood clots, particularly in the legs, which requires careful monitoring during the immediate post-operative period.

Recovery is as much about patience as it is about physical healing. Open conversations with your surgical team about symptom management, pelvic floor therapy, and erectile aids can make a world of difference in regaining your quality of life.