MAILBAG: Addressing Bedroom Challenges After Radiation
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted January 7, 2025
“My husband went thru radiation for stage 3 prostate cancer two years ago.
He would love to have sex but is experiencing ED badly.
Is there any hope or med that would help him?”
– Seeking A Solution
Hi Seeking,
Erectile dysfunction (ED) that develops as the result of radiation treatment can be challenging. If the nerves that run to the penis are damaged by the radiation sometimes nothing can be done.
Having said that, I have seen ED turn around in men who were having similar problems.
Let’s look at some natural approaches that I’ve shared with my own patients that could help those in similar circumstances:
- Pelvic floor exercises: These can strengthen the muscles involved in erectile function. Kegel exercises are a good place to start. To identify the right muscles imagine you’re stopping the flow of urine midstream. The muscles you contract to do this are the pelvic floor muscles. Squeeze them as if you’re holding in urine for a few seconds 10 to 15 times and repeat three to four times daily.
- L-arginine and Glycine supplements: These amino acids can improve blood flow, which is crucial for erections.
- Ginseng: Some studies suggest this herb might help with ED symptoms.
- Acupuncture: This traditional Chinese medicine technique has shown promise for some men with ED.
- Lifestyle changes: Making some changes to your lifestyle can help some men with ED regain more function. These include committing to regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption
- Ginkgo biloba: Some studies suggest that the herb Gingko may increase blood flow or improve nerve function easing ED symptoms. More research is needed.
- Zinc supplements: Zinc is vital for testosterone production, which plays a vital role in erectile function.
- DHEA: This hormone plays a role in sexual function, is available as a supplement, and might help with ED symptoms in some cases.
- Yohimbine: An extract from tree bark, this herb has shown some potential in treating ED.
Any man battling ED should consider consulting his doctor or a urologist specializing in post-cancer treatment ED. They can provide personalized advice and may suggest other options like medication or devices if appropriate.
Remember, intimacy isn’t solely about intercourse. This might be a good time to explore other ways of maintaining closeness and connection in your relationship.
Open communication about expectations and feelings is key.
P.S. Nine modern health threats that ACTUALLY matter.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Research Reveals 3-for-1 Brain Protection "Checklist"
Age-related brain diseases—including stroke, dementia, and depression—threaten our quality of life. They can take the shine right out of your Golden Years. But you don’t have to take these threats lying down. While there are no guarantees in life, there are steps you can take to turn the odds in your favor—especially when it comes...
Mailbag: Your “Healthy Diet” Might Leave You Running on Empty
“Do supplements really work?” Hopeful Skeptic Hi Hopeful, That’s a fantastic question! It gets straight to the heart of a vital fact about human biology. Our bodies are incredible machines. But they don’t work in a vacuum. They require outside help to function. For example, they can’t manufacture most vitamins and minerals on their own....
Forgotten 80s Superfood Reemerges as Artery Superstar
Do you remember when vitamin E was the talk of the town? This common nutrient had a surge of popularity in the 80s and 90s. But now I can’t remember the last time I had a patient ask me about it. Well, it turns out this forgotten 80s superfood deserves another moment in the spotlight....
Strokes CAN Strike Twice—This Simple Fix Cuts Your Risk 20%
They say lightning never strikes twice in the same place. But that old adage couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to strokes. If you’ve had a stroke, you might think you’re out of the woods once you recover. But the reality is far different… A comprehensive study published in JAMA revealed the...
Can Your Diet Defend Your Brain From Aging?
Our brains work hard every day, helping us solve problems, create memories, and connect with loved ones. But as we age, they face new challenges that can quietly chip away at our vitality. One of those challenges? The buildup of iron. Though iron is essential for many functions, too much can harm your brain, contributing...
Common Deficiency DOUBLES Risk of Your Body Attacking Itself
Most of us know vitamin D as the “sunshine vitamin.” And many think of it mainly for bone health as we age. But research now suggests that this nutrient may be just as crucial for supporting our immune system throughout life, beginning as early as childhood. In fact, a lack of vitamin D, especially in...
What Is a Healthy Night’s Sleep? Three Critical Criteria
We’ve all heard the advice about how important getting enough sleep is to your health. Heck, I have even given this advice countless times. But here’s what the so-called sleep experts aren’t telling you—that perfectly uninterrupted eight hours of sleep they keep preaching about? It’s a myth. In fact, if you wake up several times...
Can Your “Poop Schedule” Predict Disease?
We all do it. If you’re alive, you poop. Some of us are so regular that we could set a clock based on our bathroom habits. Others, not so much. And yet, talking about bowel movements remains one of those taboo topics. Even your doctor skims over it during your annual checkup! But the truth...
Mailbag: "Digestive Drama" Strikes MILLIONS Over 50
“As an older woman I’m noticing changes in my digestion. Why does it become more difficult to digest food as we get older?” —Grumbling Gut Age-related changes to digestion are common, and they don’t get talked about nearly enough. It seems our stomachs decide to alter the rules just when we’ve mastered the game of...
Are You "Addicted" to Soda? (It's NOT Your Fault)
Ever have a friend who claims they’re “addicted” to their favorite soft drink? Or maybe you feel like you can’t get enough of your preferred soda? Big Beverage spends billions annually developing crave-worthy products. They convince us to gulp down those liquid sugar bombs, insisting they’re perfectly safe “in moderation.” Now, you and I both...