Penile rehabilitation refers to any methods used in an effort to return erectile function to normal following radical prostatectomy. The goal of penile rehabilitation is for the patient to regain the ability to produce a spontaneous erection suitable for intercourse without the requirement of erectile aids.
Penile rehabilitation can include such methods as injection therapy, urethral suppositories, pumps, or other vacuum erection devices. Studies suggest that a combination of the use of these methods can eventually restore erectile function to pre-operative levels. No one method has been shown to be the most effective. As with most therapies, rehabilitation efforts are most effective when started as soon as possible after trauma.
