Men and Manhood: Erectile Dysfunction in Prostate Cancer NEED funding for essential PENILE REHABILITATION
Prostate Cancer is the number 1 cancer diagnosed in Australia at an anticipated 22 000 new cases in 2013, in contrast to the 15 000 breast cancer cases. A man will die every 3 hours & 53 new cases will be diagnosed/ day across our sunburnt country. For every $1.84 spent on Breast Cancer in Australia, the equivalent Prostate Cancer story receives just $1.00, despite 1/3 more cases & deaths / year. Up to 99% of men who have treatment for Prostate cancer will suffer with both urinary incontinence & erectile dysfunction, no matter their treatment type. 96-98%of men will gain continence within 12 months of treatment & yet, only 30% will regain sexual function... HOWEVER, if PENILE REHABILITATION is commenced shortly after treatment, & in particular following radical prostatectomy, whereby erectile nerves are damaged, sexual function is greatly assisted by the use of PDE5 medications such as Cialis, Levitra & Viagra. These medications, plus penile injections and vacuum compression devices or penis pumps are known to increase penile blood flow & help to restore penile length whilst a 6-48 month nerve regeneration occurs. Spongey tissue known as Corpus Cavernosum needs blood flow to 'irrigate' the vascular structures that lose their 'electricity' supply whilst awaiting nerve recovery. Currently , 3-7 tablets / week at a cost of approx $A20 each OR daily use of a medically prescribed vacuum pump at approx $375 each OR 1-2/ week ICI(penile injections) at approx $15 each are NOT covered by GOVERNMENT bodies...or on the PBS list for essential medications following treatment for Prostate Cancer, unlike the equivalent experience in essential treatment during breast recovery which is mostly, fully funded.
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