Life after prostate cancer treatment: a mixed methods study of the experiences of men with sexual dysfunction and their partners

BMC Urology

Research Article

Brittany R. Lapin¹  Jacqueline Petkewicz²  Jeffrey A. Albaugh²  Nat Sufrin³  Sandi Tenfelde⁴ 

[1] Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA;John and Carol Walter Center for Urological Health, NorthShore University HealthSystem, 2180 Pfingsten Road, Suite 3000, 60026, Glenview, Illinois, USA;The Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, The City College of the City University of New York, New York, NY, USA;The Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing, Loyola University of Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA;

关键词: Prostate cancer;    Male cancers;    Sexual dysfunction;    Qualitative research;    Phenomenology;    Survivorship;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12894-017-0231-5

 received in 2015-12-14, accepted in 2017-05-31,  发布年份 2017

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundProstate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in men and sexual dysfunction is the most frequently reported long-term side effect of prostate cancer surgery or radiation. The aim of this study was to examine the experiences of men with sexual dysfunction and their partners following prostate cancer treatment.MethodsMen with sexual dysfunction from either surgical removal or radiation therapy 1-5 years after treatment were interviewed, as well as their partners. A mixed method design was used to determine the lived experience of men with sexual dysfunction. Open-ended questions guided the interviews.ResultsTwenty seven men completed the study with a mean age of 61 years (SD = 8.0; range = 44-77 years). Nine partners also participated. The majority of men (92.6%) had surgery. The average time from treatment to the interview was 23.5 months (SD = 11.7). Themes were frustration with sexual dysfunction, importance of support and understanding from others, depression and anxiety related to sexual dysfunction, importance of intimacy with partner, factors that impact treatment satisfaction, and education and comprehensive information about sex.ConclusionsProstate cancer survivors and partners need accurate information about sexual side effects before during and after treatment. Men and partners required individualized help and guidance to manage sexual dysfunction. Support and understanding from partners, family, and others was also identified as an important aspect of healing and adjustment after prostate cancer treatment. Prostate cancer education/support groups played a key role in helping men and partners gain advocacy, education, and support. Psychological problems such as depression and anxiety need to be identified and addressed in men after prostate cancer treatment. Men and partners need assistance in understanding and navigating their way through intimacy to move forward with connectedness in their relationship. Satisfaction with treatment and with providers is dependent on patient education and understanding of all aspects of prostate cancer treatment including sexual side effects and incontinence.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© The Author(s). 2017