What do you lose when your prostate is removed?

Understanding Fertility Loss After Prostate Removal

Undergoing a radical prostatectomy—the surgical removal of the prostate gland—is a significant medical procedure that directly impacts male reproductive health. One of the primary and permanent consequences of this surgery is the total loss of natural fertility.

During the procedure, the surgeon must cut the vas deferens, which are the essential pathways that transport sperm from the testicles to the urethra. Even though the testicles continue to manufacture sperm normally after the operation, there is no longer a physical route for them to be ejaculated from the body. As a result, men experience what is medically referred to as dry ejaculation, where orgasm occurs without any seminal fluid being released.

While natural conception is no longer possible following the procedure, it does not completely rule out biological fatherhood. Patients preparing for surgery often consider options such as sperm banking beforehand or exploring testicular sperm extraction for assisted reproductive technology.