When the prostate becomes enlarged, it squeezes the urethra and interrupts the flow and control of urine. Consequently, one of the symptoms of prostate cancer is urinary difficulties. Surgery, an effective treatment for the early stages of prostate cancer, can also cause urinary difficulties. Alongside the prostate is a group of nerves that go to the penis and control erections. Surgery can damage these nerves, with impotence as the result.
Success depends on the size and location of the tumor.
If surgery is an option for you, the chance of becoming impotent may affect your decision to undergo surgery. Bear in mind, though, that both urinary difficulties and impotence are treatable. Cells growing out of control form a growth, which is called a tumor. Some tumors grow, but always stay at the same site without invading adjacent tissues, and these are called benign tumors. Other tumors not only grow but also have the potential to invade and destroy surrounding tissue, as well as to spread to distant parts of the body.