Alterations of Sexual Function in Men With Cancer
Section snippets
Context of Sexuality for Men With Cancer
It is clear that cancer affects both members of the couple, not just the patient. This impact on partners and the dyadic relationship is reflected in a growing body of literature.5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 It has been shown that men and women tend to respond differently to the stress of a cancer diagnosis.9, 15, 16, 17 However, even successful treatment can alter the quality of the couple's relationship.18
Some researchers have noted partners of patients with cancer experience more
Psychological and Physiological Impact of Cancer Treatment on Men's Sexuality
The various kinds of treatment and approaches to manage a cancer diagnoses impact men and their sexual health-related quality of life (QOL). It is important to acknowledge that men often receive more than one treatment for their cancer diagnosis and, consequently, may face multiple challenges and treatment-related sequelae The examples discussed below reflect the primary concerns regarding sexuality men and their partners may face with a particular treatment approach and how it will impact this
Sexual Assessment
Sexuality and intimacy questions are frequently omitted by the provider taking the health history of the male cancer patient for various reasons.79, 80, 81 These reasons include clinic appointment time schedule, the provider's lack of recognition of the importance of sexual function related to the man's HRQOL, and the provider's comfort level in discussing sexual and intimacy issues. Some do not bring up the issue of sexuality because the average patient appointment time frequently is too short
Psycho-Social Sexual Interventions
Interventions for sexual dysfunction evolve out of the sexual assessment. During the assessment the oncology nurse can determine the couples' lifestyle preferences, the nature of their before-cancer sexual relationship, frequency of sexual activity, and relational satisfaction of both partners. The sexual intervention model adapted here is a psychosocial education model to assist couples with education in coping, communication, alternate or adapted techniques for sexual expression, management
Conclusion
Cancer impacts men's HRQOL in a number of ways. However, the focus of the preceding discussion has been on how cancer specifically affects sexuality for men who have been diagnosed and treated with various types of cancers. Some of the sequelae are more obvious, while other treatment-related side effects are less intuitive. It is important to note that the impact of cancer on men's sexual functioning and satisfaction does not happen in a vacuum. Rather, the context for this experience for men
Michael E Galbraith, RN, PhD: Associate Professor, School of Nursing, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO.
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Self-Reported Sexual Function in Sexually Active Male Hodgkin Lymphoma Survivors
2020, Sexual MedicineCitation Excerpt :This is probably explained by the fact that the BEACOPP schedule includes 2 alkylating agents, namely procarbazine and cyclophosphamide, while the ABVD regimen has only one, namely dacarbazine. Alkylating agents can lead to damage of the gonads, a well-known cause of sexual dysfunction.6–11,13,14,16 Apart from these drugs, gonadal effects also depend on cumulative doses and combinations that have been applied.26
Health-Related Quality of Life, Psychological Distress, and Sexual Changes Following Prostate Cancer: A Comparison of Gay and Bisexual Men With Heterosexual Men
2016, Journal of Sexual MedicineCitation Excerpt :This has resulted in gay and bisexual (GB) men, conservatively estimated to make up 3% to 5% of PCa survivors,10 being described as an “invisible diversity,”11 or a “hidden population.”12 There have been appeals for health providers to acknowledge that GB men may experience PCa differently from heterosexual men, necessitating targeted information and support.12,13 However, recent reviews of PCa educational resources report an absence of such targeted support,14,15 leading to calls for research to inform its future development.
Addressing changed sexual functioning in cancer patients: A cross-sectional survey among Dutch oncology nurses
2015, European Journal of Oncology NursingCitation Excerpt :For most types of cancer, regardless of the patient's age or relationship status, the disease and its treatment can lead to a deterioration in sexual health (Baker et al., 2005; Beckjord et al., 2011; Den Oudsten et al., 2012; Galbraith and Crighton, 2008; Hughes, 2008; Lange et al., 2009; Sadovsky et al., 2010; Wright et al., 2002).
Review: Psychosocial Interventions Addressing Sexual or Relationship Functioning in Men with Prostate Cancer
2012, Journal of Sexual MedicineCitation Excerpt :Even if erectile function returns, with or without the assistance of medical aids, many men experience sexual and relationship distress and disruption, and changes in self‐confidence [6,13-15]. Beyond the direct impact of changes to sexual functioning on a couple's relationship, a cancer diagnosis itself can place significant strain on that relationship [16,17]. As such, the importance of including the partner, and addressing general and sexual communication skills in clinical treatment and intervention programs has been highlighted by several authors [9-11,18-20].
Cancer and its effects on female sexuality: an overview with case studies
2023, Journal fur Gynakologische EndokrinologieCancer and its effects on female sexuality: an overview with case studies
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Michael E Galbraith, RN, PhD: Associate Professor, School of Nursing, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO.
Frances Crighton, RN, PhD: Tony Grampas Urological Oncology Program, University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, CO.