David K Twitchell1, Daniela A Wittmann2, James M Hotaling3, Alexander W Pastuszak4. 1. University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA. 2. Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. 3. Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA. 4. Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA. Electronic address: alexander.pastuszak@hsc.utah.edu.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: A common negative sequela of cancer treatment in men is sexual dysfunction, which can have a significant psychological impact and can contribute to feelings of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Management of cancer survivors' psychological and mental well-being plays an important role in the treatment and recovery process. AIM: To identify how sexual dysfunction impacts the lives of male cancer survivors and to provide clinicians with treatment recommendations specific to this patient population. METHODS: A total of 51 peer-reviewed publications related to sexual dysfunction in male cancer survivors were selected for analysis. Sources were chosen based on relevance to current cancer therapies, causes and psychological impacts of sexual dysfunction, and treatment recommendations for clinicians caring for cancer survivors. PubMed search terms included "sexual dysfunction," "cancer survivorship," and "male cancer survivors." MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Measures of sexual dysfunction were based on cancer survivors reporting inadequate erectile capacity for penetrative sexual intercourse, decreased sensitivity of the genitalia, or inability to enjoy sex. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Sexual dysfunction was present in male cancer survivors from diverse ages, cancer diagnoses, and treatments of cancer. Many of the men surveyed presented with psychological distress resulting from their posttreatment sexual dysfunction. This had a significant negative impact on their sexual self-esteem, body image, and mental health. Sexual and social development was delayed in survivors of childhood cancer. Healthcare practitioners should initiate conversations with patients regarding the potential for sexual dysfunction at the time of cancer diagnosis and throughout treatment and follow-up. Physical symptoms of sexual dysfunction should be treated, whenever possible, using phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors or other interventions, and all cancer survivors presenting with psychological distress related to sexual dysfunction should be offered professional counseling. Twitchell DK, Wittmann DA, Hotaling JM, et al. Psychological Impacts of Male Sexual Dysfunction in Pelvic Cancer Survivorship. Sex Med Rev 2019;7:614-626.
INTRODUCTION: A common negative sequela of cancer treatment in men is sexual dysfunction, which can have a significant psychological impact and can contribute to feelings of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Management of cancer survivors' psychological and mental well-being plays an important role in the treatment and recovery process. AIM: To identify how sexual dysfunction impacts the lives of male cancer survivors and to provide clinicians with treatment recommendations specific to this patient population. METHODS: A total of 51 peer-reviewed publications related to sexual dysfunction in male cancer survivors were selected for analysis. Sources were chosen based on relevance to current cancer therapies, causes and psychological impacts of sexual dysfunction, and treatment recommendations for clinicians caring for cancer survivors. PubMed search terms included "sexual dysfunction," "cancer survivorship," and "male cancer survivors." MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Measures of sexual dysfunction were based on cancer survivors reporting inadequate erectile capacity for penetrative sexual intercourse, decreased sensitivity of the genitalia, or inability to enjoy sex. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS:Sexual dysfunction was present in male cancer survivors from diverse ages, cancer diagnoses, and treatments of cancer. Many of the men surveyed presented with psychological distress resulting from their posttreatment sexual dysfunction. This had a significant negative impact on their sexual self-esteem, body image, and mental health. Sexual and social development was delayed in survivors of childhood cancer. Healthcare practitioners should initiate conversations with patients regarding the potential for sexual dysfunction at the time of cancer diagnosis and throughout treatment and follow-up. Physical symptoms of sexual dysfunction should be treated, whenever possible, using phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors or other interventions, and all cancer survivors presenting with psychological distress related to sexual dysfunction should be offered professional counseling. Twitchell DK, Wittmann DA, Hotaling JM, et al. Psychological Impacts of Male Sexual Dysfunction in Pelvic Cancer Survivorship. Sex Med Rev 2019;7:614-626.
Authors: David Rowland; Chris G McMahon; Carmita Abdo; Juza Chen; Emmanuele Jannini; Marcel D Waldinger; Tai Young Ahn Journal: J Sex Med Date: 2010-04 Impact factor: 3.802
Authors: Jeanne Carter; Christina Lacchetti; Barbara L Andersen; Debra L Barton; Sage Bolte; Shari Damast; Michael A Diefenbach; Katherine DuHamel; Judith Florendo; Patricia A Ganz; Shari Goldfarb; Sigrun Hallmeyer; David M Kushner; Julia H Rowland Journal: J Clin Oncol Date: 2017-12-11 Impact factor: 44.544
Authors: David P Smith; Madeleine T King; Sam Egger; Martin P Berry; Phillip D Stricker; Paul Cozzi; Jeanette Ward; Dianne L O'Connell; Bruce K Armstrong Journal: BMJ Date: 2009-11-27
Authors: Noa Shani Shrem; Lori Wood; Robert J Hamilton; Kopika Kuhathaas; Piotr Czaykowski; Matthew Roberts; Andrew Matthew; Jason P Izard; Peter Chung; Lucia Nappi; Jennifer Jones; Denis Soulières; Armen Aprikian; Nicholas Power; Christina Canil Journal: Can Urol Assoc J Date: 2022-08 Impact factor: 2.052
Authors: E Limoncin; G Ciocca; G Castellini; A Sansone; F Cavalieri; F Cavallo; T Cocchiaro; V Ricca; G di Lorenzo; A Rossi; A D Fisher; V Rochira; G Corona; E A Jannini Journal: J Endocrinol Invest Date: 2022-05-09 Impact factor: 5.467
Authors: E M Krouwel; L F Albers; M P J Nicolai; H Putter; S Osanto; R C M Pelger; H W Elzevier Journal: J Cancer Educ Date: 2020-12 Impact factor: 2.037