Earlier this year, the American Cancer Society estimates that about 15 million Americans lived in 2016.
In addition, more than 161,000 men are expected to be diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017, representing 19% of new cases. Lung and lung cancer (lung air) come to the next, with nearly 117,000 new cases expected (14% of new cancer diagnoses). Colon and rectal cancer is ranked third, with over 71,000 cases (9% of new diagnoses).
Fortunately, survival rates have increased over the years. In 1975, only 68% of men with prostate cancer survived for five years. In 2012, the rate increased to 99%. Five -year survival rates for colon cancer increased from 50% to 66% during the same period.
The highest survival rates are good news. But with these good news comes adjustments. For sexual intercourse, there may be challenges. In fact, of these 15 million people mentioned above, about 46% have sexual problems due to either cancer or cancer treatment.
Male cancer patients and survivors often have sexual dysfunction, sometimes in the short term, and sometimes for years.
In today’s position, we will go through some of these challenges, because they are happening and what men can do.
What can happen in the short term?
Some of the sexual issues may be developed immediately after treatment include:
- Reduced sexual interest
- Fatigue and problems
- Pain
- Inability to continue sexual activity
- Depression and anxiety
- Difficulties of working and gaining a living
- Relationship problems
- Changes in family roles
You will notice that all these issues are not directly sexually, but they still apply. A man who is chronic tired or in pain may not have the energy for sex. If he can no longer work, he may feel anxious about providing his family. If his partner or children had to take care of him, he may feel like a burden on those who love and become depressed. All of these issues can affect his sex life and it is not uncommon to overlap.
What about the long -term?
In months or years, the following issues may be developed:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Ejaculation
- bat
- Low desire
- Depression
- Infertility
- Bad image of the body
- Sexual pain
- Fatigue
- Relations issues
What causes these sexual problems?
May arise from cancer itself or treatment. Here are some thoughts:
- Location and extent. If a human cancer affects his genitals or if he has spread to other parts of the body, he may be more likely to develop sexual dysfunction. Example: A man who has been removed both testicles due to testicular cancer will not be able to produce the testosterone hormone, which is important for desire and erections.
- Types of treatment. Surgery, radiation, hormone therapy and chemotherapy can affect the body of a person in different ways. Examples: Surgery can affect ejaculation and urine function. Hormonal therapy could reduce libido. Chemotherapy can leave a man exhausted.
- Service of healthcare provider. Men with cancer usually have several providers working for him as a group. Some may be more experienced than others. Example: A man with prostate cancer may have surgically removed his gland. But the nerves needed for erections are very close to the prostate. Surgeons can do their best to avoid annoying these nerves, but it is a painful process.
- Age. Some sexual problems are more apparent as men grow older, especially if they have other health conditions. Examples: The risk of a human being for erectile dysfunction increases as it grows, regardless of whether it has cancer. Diabetes and heart disease, which can also damage erectile function, are common to older men.
- Sexual function before cancer treatment. Good sexual function before treatment is more likely to be maintained after treatment. Example: If a person could take and maintain stable erections before cancer, he is more likely to recover erectile function after treatment.
What can men do?
Cancer -related sexual challenges may seem overwhelming. But men should know that they are not alone. Here are some suggestions for addressing:
- Talk to your cancer team. Keep up -to -date health care providers. Your team can offer solutions that are tailored to you. This may mean medication for erectile dysfunction or stress consulting.
- Talk to your partner. You don’t have to keep your feelings bottled in. If you lose the intimacy you once shared, say so. If you need anything specific from him, don’t hesitate to talk.
- Ask for help. If you feel tired, ask a family member or friend to help with homework, shopping or child care. Many people want to help, but they are not sure how. This is an opportunity to let them know.
- Consider a Support Team. Speaking – either in person or online – to other men who were “there” is a valuable way to share information, get advice and feel some companionship.
- Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle. You may not feel in the exercise, but ask your doctor for ways to stay active. After a healthy diet it is also important. Participation of your partner or friends so that gymnastics or meals are more fun.
- Combine with friends. Your social network will be a huge source of support. It can also get your mind out of things. If you feel in it, you have some friends to watch a big game or get on a funny movie – whatever you like.
- Consider a sexual therapist. A sexual therapist specializes in enhancing communication with your partner and setting realistic sex goals. Even without cancer treatment, there are huge social pressures and unrealistic expectations around sex.
There is more reason to cover cancer and sex, but we hope this was a useful introduction to men. In the coming months we plan to discuss more issues, so be sure to watch this space.
Resources
American Cancer Society
‘Sex and the man with cancer’
Cancer
Stein, Kevin, Phd, et al.
“Physical and psychological long -term and delayed effects of cancer”
(Full text. Published for the first time: April 1, 2008)
Livestrong Quarterly
Broderick, Gregory, MD with Brian Alexander
“Private Parties, Private Reactions” (Summer 2011)
There is no link available.
North America’s Sexual Medicine Company
Broderick, gregory, md
‘Sexual function in male survivors of cancer’
(Presentations presentations. May 12, 2017 in Boston)
There is no link available.
