We know prostate cancer treatments like radical retropubic prostatectomies are known to induce penile shrinkage from the data on this forum, so here is one physician speaking about his personal experience going through the dilemma.
Again, while we have not had an RRP, we have taken a prostate cancer treatment in finasteride, which shrinks the prostate and kills its cells via androgen deprivation. This might give a bit of insight on what we should do if this describes our condition.
There is a section on this site (circa '03) on the subject - phoenix5.org/sexaids/basics/ … hrink.html
A DOCTOR OFFERS HIS PERSPECTIVE ON PENILE SHRINKAGE
phoenix5.org/sexaids/basics/ … dorso.html
"This is an interesting question. I chose to answer you privately because I’ve seen at least one opinion posted, and I didn’t want to be in the position of contradicting anyone. Also, it’s easier to discuss personal, intimate observations privately.
The size of a man’s penis at rest reflects a balance between the elastic fibers in the penis and its state of engorgement with blood. Normally there is a steady state of tone of the arterial and venous muscles controlling blood flow in and out of the penis. Typically there is some minimal engorgement of the corpora cavernosa (erectile bodies) throughout the day.
This is all mediated by the nerves running through the prostate gland. Damage those nerves and that tone is gone. The elastic fibers are unopposed, and the penis shrinks to its minimal size. I was in that position temporarily as a result of my radiation and hormonal therapy. It was pretty startling to look in a mirror and see my shrunken penis.
If this is all that is going on, a vacuum pump should be able to get the erect penis to full size - which in my case was truly reassuring. If left unopposed, the elastic fibers will keep the penis shrunken, and eventually loose some of their ability to stretch fully. At that point a man’s penis will not obtain former size regardless of the source of erection. The old adage, “use it or lose it” is in full operation here.
The advice here is to keep exercising the penis - be it with a VED, pills, suppositories, or injections - especially if you are hoping for the injured nerves to recover. Even if you aren’t, who wants to watch his penis shrink?
I personally have noticed that Viagra will increase the vascular tone in my penis for about twelve hours - looking in the mirror is much more satisfying as I swagger to the shower with vitamin V on board.
Many of us are on hormonal suppression therapy as well - with it’s loss of testosterone support to the tissues of the penis. It’s hard to factor that in, but it’s real.
Finally I ask you to think about the surgery itself. The prostate urethra is cut away. About an inch and a half is missing! The surgeon solves that problem by pulling down on the urethra projection from the bladder, and pulling UP on the urethra as it rises into the pelvis from the penis. He then sews them together around a catheter. I can’t imagine that makes the penis feel or look any longer!
BTW Phoenix5 is becoming quite a resource. Congratulations.
All The Best,
Michael"