If the nerve-sparing technique is used, recovery from erectile dysfunction may occur within the first two years following the procedure. Recovery of erectile function after a non-nerve-sparing surgery is unlikely, but possible.
The use of vacuum devices or erectile dysfunction drugs after the body has healed from prostate cancer surgery may improve the quality of erections and speed the return of normal sexual function.
If an erection can be achieved after surgery, one does not lose the ability to have an orgasm. However, they may be "dry" orgasms that produces little (if any) ejaculate. This results in infertility for most men, although most men are older when they are diagnosed with prostate cancer and may not be concerned about procreation. If desired, however, you could talk to your doctor about "banking" sperm before the procedure.