What happens to your body when you have your prostate removed?

Surgery to remove the prostate gland, known as a prostatectomy, is a procedure performed primarily in cases of prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). While it can be lifesaving, it also involves significant physical and emotional changes.

Below, we explain what happens to the body after this procedure:

1. Changes in the urinary system.
The prostate gland surrounds part of the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. When the prostate is removed, there may be weakness in the muscles that control urination, leading to temporary or persistent urinary incontinence. Many men regain urinary control over time through pelvic floor strengthening exercises, such as Kegel exercises.

2. Impact on Sexual Function
One of the most well-known side effects is erectile dysfunction. This occurs because the nerves that control erections pass very close to the prostate. Depending on the surgical technique used and each individual case, the recovery of sexual function can vary and may require specific therapies.