Erectile and Sexual Dysfunction & Therapeutic Aids

There are many common side effects of cancer treatment and depending on what type of cancer you are dealing with, probably even more. Erectile and sexual dysfunction are at the top of the list for side effects that chemotherapy, radiation, radical cancer surgeries, heavy medications, and life-long chronic illness can cause. Losing the capability to be intimate can be a very drastic change that is hard to comprehend and learn to work around. But it is possible.

Intimacy and sexual intercourse do not happen in only one way. There are many ways to find pleasure once again, albeit a slightly different method than you have possibly ever used before. Just as facing your illness head on and choosing to fight through it, you can reclaim your intimacy in a way that best benefits you and your partner’s lives. While this is a personal issue, and at times might feel a bit embarrassing, many, many people- men and women alike, are going through these same issues. Open your mind and learn a bit about your alternative options and aids.

Issue: “My erection is no longer full, and more semi-erect. What can I do?”

In this case, there are a few options. Support rings and cages, supporting girth enhancers, penis pumps or hollow strap on devices could help you.

Support rings go by many names, but all serve the same purpose. Using lubrication and sliding the ring on to the penis, this can help hold the blood in the penis and can help achieve a full erection. Support cages provide extra support for the penis shaft, thusly making penetration possible. If you are planning to use a support cage for penetration, be sure to get a material that is strong, yet gentle enough not to cause damage to sensitive tissue. Supporting girth enhancers add a little width to the penile shaft, giving your partner a “fuller” sensation.

Penis pumps can be used to help achieve a temporary full erection. By inserting the penis into a pump and building the pressure, the blood vessels in the penis helps to create an erection. Using a support ring at the base of the penis during this process is key, as the blood held in the shaft will be trapped, which helps maintain the erection. Penis pumps do not provide a permanent fix, nor do they overly enlarge the penis. All penis pumps have safety release valves and are able to be dismantled to clean.

Hollow strap on devices are made as a wearable belt, with a hollow penis with a super soft liner for inserting. Flaccid, semi-erect, or more, with some lubrication, you slide your penis into the hollow portion. This allows you to connect with your partner in a more usual way, possibly more like you were used to before medical chaos changed your life. Strap on devices come in a multitude of sizes and skin tones.

Issue: “After chemo and surgery, I have lost the ability to achieve an erection. I do, however, still feel everything and every pleasure nerve. Is there anything out there to help achieve an orgasm flaccid?”

Yes! In recent years, there have been products made especially for those suffering from erectile dysfunction for whatever reason. The Titan is specially designed to be a one-handed, extremely real feel device. It relies solely on the suction the motion of squeezing done by one hand creates, and inside the tube is where the magic begins. Using lubrication, the penis- flaccid or not- can be gently ‘sucked’ into the device, and you can immediately find a rhythm and pattern of squeezes that feels the best.

Issue: “After treatment, it’s like I don’t even know my body anymore. I just want to help it work again. Where do I start?”

You start in the best place- with yourself. It’s overwhelming to lose your known ability to be intimate, even with yourself. Rather than starting with something that could be intimidating if it doesn’t work immediately, begin with the simple things, like lubrication and your hands. In a quiet, peaceful and relaxing moment, consider setting the mood for yourself as you would with your partner. Lube up your hands and allow them to wander. If your mind is busy, consider turning on some music that you find comforting, or that you have been with your partner within the past, giving you a rush of good memories and endorphins. Experiment with different feelings and different areas of the body. Get to know the new you and what he likes. When you find something you like, take note of it. Make a new list, and once you are comfortable, fill your partner in on things.

Issue: “My erection is no longer full, and more semi-erect. What can I do?”

In this case, there are a few options. Support rings and cages, supporting girth enhancers, penis pumps or hollow strap on devices could help you.

Support rings go by many names, but all serve the same purpose. Using a lubrication and sliding the ring on to the penis, this can help hold the blood in the penis and can help achieve a full erection. Support cages provide extra support for the penis shaft, thusly making penetration possible. If you are planning to use a support cage for penetration, be sure to get a material that is strong, yet gentle enough not to cause damage to sensitive tissue. Supporting girth enhancers add a little width to the penile shaft, giving your partner a “fuller” sensation.

The Reclaiming Intimacy’s Enhance set would be a great starting set to help you work to overcome your erection issues. These extremely stretchy silicone rings are seamless and very durable. These rings can provide erection support at the base of your shaft and provide girth as well. Support rings are used by many men to aide in the duration and hardness of their erections. By using a high-quality lubrication like Reclaiming Intimacy’s Lustrous, you also ensure that your skin will stay hydrated, moisturized and pliable- which is very important after cancer treatments. Sliquid offers amazing lubrications designed to help to heal and nourish the skin.

Penis pumps can be used to help achieve a temporary full erection. By inserting the penis into a pump and building the pressure, the blood vessels in the penis help to create an erection. This device can help you to overcome some erection problems. Using a support ring at the base of the penis during this process is key, as the blood held in the shaft will be trapped, which helps maintain the erection. Penis pumps do not provide a permanent fix, nor do they overly enlarge the penis. All penis pumps have safety release valves and are able to be dismantled to clean.

One of the most beneficial pumps on the market is the Reclaiming Intimacy’s Colossus. This pump works in the bath, shower or bedroom with a 95% success rate. By harnessing the natural powers of water to support the natural erection of your penis, this device is extremely pleasant and gentle to use. Designed for penises that are seven inches or less, this Colossus helps to keep your penis in top health and to restore lost function. The Reclaiming Intimacy’s Colossus can add up to two inches in length and increase your girth by up to forty-percent.

Hollow strap on devices are made as a wearable belt, with a hollow penis with a super soft liner for inserting. Flaccid, semi-erect, or more, with some lubrication, you slide your penis in to the hollow portion. This allows you to connect with your partner in a more usual way, possibly more like you were used to before medical chaos changed your life. Strap on devices come in a multitude of sizes and skin tones.

The Reclaiming Intimacy’s Extend can be a very beneficial tool for those dealing with severe erectile dysfunction or loss of erection on any level. This jock strap allows you to insert your penis into the hollow strap-on device and still enjoy intimate time and sexual activity with your partner. The extra supportive, ultra-thick straps allow for a secure fit and the strong hollow tube provides amazing shaft support. This hypoallergenic jock strap is made of durable silicone with no scents or extras and is phthalate free. These straps are easy to clean. This device is made to be empowering for men who feel they have lost a part of themselves with the changes in their erection ability.

Issue: “After chemo and surgery, I have lost the ability to achieve an erection. I do, however, still feel everything and every pleasure nerve. Is there anything out there to help achieve an orgasm flaccid?”

Yes! In recent years, there have been products made especially for those suffering from erectile dysfunction for whatever reason. The Reclaiming Intimacy’s Titan is specially designed to be a one-handed, extremely real feel device made for those dealing with erectile dysfunction at any level. It relies solely on the suction the motion of squeezing done by one hand creates, and inside the tube is where the magic begins. Using lubrication, the penis- flaccid or not- can be gently ‘sucked’ in to the device, and you can immediately find a rhythm and pattern of squeezes that feels the best.

Issue: “After treatment, it’s like I don’t even know my body anymore. I just want to help it work again. Where do I start?”

You start in the best place- with yourself. It’s overwhelming to lose your known ability to be intimate, even with yourself. Rather than starting with something that could be intimidating if it doesn’t work immediately, begin with the simple things, like lubrication and your hands. In a quiet, peaceful and relaxing moment, consider setting the mood for yourself as you would with your partner. Lube up your hands and allow them to wander. If your mind is busy, consider turning on some music that you find comforting, or that you have been with your partner with in the past, giving you a rush of good memories and endorphins. Experiment with different feelings and different areas of the body. Get to know the new you and what he likes. When you find something you like, take note of it. Make a new list, and once you are comfortable, fill your partner in on things. This type of open and honest communication can help you to heal and overcome this challenge created by cancer and treatment.

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