Counselling can help men overcome fears over sexual performance after prostate surgery

Men worried that prostate surgery will automatically mean an end to their sex lives are mistaken and shouldn't be put off seeking medical help, according to experts at The Prostate Centre in London.

The Centre, run by Professor Roger Kirby - one of the world's leading prostate specialists- says that the majority of men it sees are able to continue their sex lives beyond surgery.  It believes that, in addition to a whole host of other medications and devices, psycho-sexual counselling can play a vital role in helping men get their sex lives back on track.

According to Lorraine Grover, the Centre's expert in psycho-sexual counselling, many men are worried that surgery will mean:

• That they have a reduced sex drive or, worse, no sex drive at all
• That they won't be able to 'perform' in the bedroom
• That their wife or partner may be more likely to have an affair
• That, if single, they will not be able to attract a partner or have a relationship again

But, having spent over 17 years treating men with prostate problems, Mrs Grover says that: "On average, 8 out of 10 men I see who have had prostate surgery continue having sex lives afterwards.  Psycho-sexual counselling, in addition to a wide range of medications and devices, plays a key role in helping men address these sorts of fears. That's why men shouldn't ignore prostate problems, but get themselves checked out."

Psycho-sexual counselling can help men:

•  Reintroduce intimacy into their relationship after surgery
•  Recognise and overcome fears over sexual performance
•  Make sense of their sex lives and the role it plays in their relationship; and

 Gain confidence to address and manage the consequences of their operation 

Professor Roger Kirby, internationally renowned prostate surgeon and founder of The Prostate Centre, adds:

"I see around 1000 men with prostate cancer every year and would urge anyone with a prostate concern to seek help immediately and not be put off treatment for fear of never having sex again."