Movember is an Australian charity that dedicates the month of November to raising awareness of men’s health issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer and men’s mental health.
As part of an initiative dedicated to providing trusted information and support to prostate cancer survivors and their partners, Movember supported the creation of Guidelines for sexual health care for patients with prostate cancer: Recommendations of an international panel. The guidelines were approved by the Society of Sexual Medicine of North America (SMSNA), the International Society of Sexual Medicine (ISSM) and other related organizations.
Prostate cancer patients often experience sexual problems after their cancer treatment. While these treatments are very effective when the cancer is detected early, the sexual side effects of the treatment can dramatically change a person’s quality of life. That’s why it’s helpful to have guidelines from experts in the field to help prostate cancer survivors and their partners live healthier, happier lives after treatment that include maintaining their sexual relationships.
The following is a brief summary of the statements from these clinical guidelines. (Full instructions can be found here: https://programs.movember.com/clinical-guideline-sexual-health-prostate-cancer/). These guidelines focus both on the impact of prostate cancer treatment on men’s sexuality and relationships, and on strategies that can help men and their partners regain their sex lives.
How should clinicians counsel patients and partners about the sexual impact of prostate cancer treatment?
Clinicians should proactively initiate conversations with patients and their partners about sexual health, addressing patients’ diverse backgrounds as they do so. They should offer realistic expectations, recovery strategies, and emotional support to patients and their partners who are experiencing sexual changes related to prostate cancer treatment.
What should patients and partners know about the impact of individual prostate cancer treatments on sexual function?
The guideline recommends that clinicians inform prostate cancer patients of all potential sexual side effects, such as erectile dysfunction (ED), changes in (or absence of) ejaculation, changes in orgasm, loss of length and girth penis, possible infertility and other penile issues such as Peyronie’s disease (curvature of the penis). Fertility preservation options, such as sperm storage, should be discussed if a man wishes to father a child after treatment.
Why is it important to assess sexual function and sexual discomfort in patients and partners?
Screening and assessment of patient and partner sexual function, concerns and distress before, during and after treatment helps to individualize care and identify problems.
Counseling patients and partners about the importance of psychosocial therapy.
Clinicians should inform patients and their partners about psychosocial therapy and explain how it can help them. Psychosocial therapy can help educate patients and partners about the sexual side effects of treatment, their emotional impact, and the unique needs of a couple, while taking into account different orientations, cultures, and values. Encouragement to seek help is essential, including referrals to sex therapy specialists when necessary.
Counseling patients and partners regarding biomedical treatment.
Patients and their partners should be informed about customized ED treatments, including pills, injections, suppositories, vacuum pumps, and penile implants. Urologists who specialize in sexual medicine can provide this help more effectively. Techniques for managing other side effects such as leakage of urine during sexual excitement and/or orgasm are also important for patients to know. Finally, clinicians should share strategies or provide referrals for managing psychological symptoms.
What kinds of lifestyle changes can help?
Making lifestyle changes can help support better erectile function. Quitting smoking, moderate to low alcohol consumption, maintaining a heart-healthy diet, and exercising regularly are habits that not only promote overall well-being, but can also improve a person’s sexual function.
conclusion
Prostate cancer treatments can affect both patients and their partners, affecting their sexual relationships and quality of life. Using comprehensive recovery strategies and discussing these guidelines with a trusted health care provider can help you find personalized care and support sexual intimacy with your partner.
For more information on this topic, read these publications from ISSM Journals: The Journal of Sexual Medicine, Sexual Medicine Reviews, and Open Access Sexual Medicine:
Bibliographical references:
Wittmann, D., Mehta, A., McCaughan, E., Faraday, M., Duby, A., Matthew, A., Incrocci, L., Burnett, A., Nelson, CJ, Elliott, S., & Koontz, BF (2022). Guidelines for sexual health care for patients with prostate cancer: Recommendations of an international panel. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 19(11), 1655-1669.
