[Orgasm and its impact on quality of life after radical prostatectomy]

Orgasm is a neurophysiological event, which produces bulbous cavernous muscle contraction that usually coincided with ejaculation. The aim of this study was to assess the orgasm's presence and quality in patients treated with radical prostatectomy, as well as its impact on quality of life of these patients.

The medical records of 152 patients with radical prostatectomy were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were operated between january 1999 and december 01, with an average age of 64.4 (44-75) years and the follow-up period was 33 (21-45) months. 42 (31.6%) patients showed erectile dysfunction (ED) previous to surgery. The research was performed by a personal interview through a questionnaire.

134 patients (96.4%) treated showed post operative ED, 91.6% of patients had stable relationship and 44.4% have sexual intercourse, 23.3% masturbation only and 32.3% no sexual activity. 84 patients (55.2%) were not interested in receiving treatment and 25 (16.4%) referred a reduced libido. Concerning to orgasm sensation, 140 patients (92.1%) preserved a subjectively normal orgasm, 4 (2.6%) referred lack of it and 8 (5.2%) a weakened or anomalous sensation. Furthermore 24 patients (15.7) had urine loss during orgasm.

After radical prostatectomy, both the orgasmic function and libido were kept by the majority of patients despite the neuro vascular bundle damaged caused. Only a minority of patients having urine loss, as a consequence of surgical procedure.