Surgery is an option if you're healthy and your cancer hasn't spread. There are several types. Your doctor may only remove your prostate gland. Or he might take it and the tissue around it. The most common side effects from an operation are problems controlling your urine and trouble getting and keeping an erection. Sometimes they go away on their own after surgery, especially bladder control issues. Talk to your surgeon beforehand to see if he thinks he'll be able to protect the nerves around your prostate to prevent these side effects.