Life after prostate cancer treatment: a mixed methods study of the experiences of men with sexual dysfunction and their partners
Abstract Background Prostate 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 f...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2017-06-01
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| Series: | BMC Urology |
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| Online Access: | http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12894-017-0231-5 |
| _version_ | 1818341239138811904 |
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| author | Jeffrey A. Albaugh Nat Sufrin Brittany R. Lapin Jacqueline Petkewicz Sandi Tenfelde |
| author_facet | Jeffrey A. Albaugh Nat Sufrin Brittany R. Lapin Jacqueline Petkewicz Sandi Tenfelde |
| author_sort | Jeffrey A. Albaugh |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Prostate 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. Methods Men 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. Results Twenty 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. Conclusions Prostate 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. |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-13T15:55:38Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-5ef3f95726964432a1ee9c87fc62888a |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1471-2490 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-13T15:55:38Z |
| publishDate | 2017-06-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Urology |
| spelling | doaj.art-5ef3f95726964432a1ee9c87fc62888a2022-12-21T23:39:19ZengBMCBMC Urology1471-24902017-06-011711910.1186/s12894-017-0231-5Life after prostate cancer treatment: a mixed methods study of the experiences of men with sexual dysfunction and their partnersJeffrey A. Albaugh0Nat Sufrin1Brittany R. Lapin2Jacqueline Petkewicz3Sandi Tenfelde4John and Carol Walter Center for Urological Health, NorthShore University HealthSystemThe Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, The City College of the City University of New YorkCleveland ClinicJohn and Carol Walter Center for Urological Health, NorthShore University HealthSystemThe Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing, Loyola University of ChicagoAbstract Background Prostate 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. Methods Men 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. Results Twenty 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. Conclusions Prostate 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.http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12894-017-0231-5Prostate cancerMale cancersSexual dysfunctionQualitative researchPhenomenologySurvivorship |
| spellingShingle | Jeffrey A. Albaugh Nat Sufrin Brittany R. Lapin Jacqueline Petkewicz Sandi Tenfelde Life after prostate cancer treatment: a mixed methods study of the experiences of men with sexual dysfunction and their partners BMC Urology Prostate cancer Male cancers Sexual dysfunction Qualitative research Phenomenology Survivorship |
| title | Life after prostate cancer treatment: a mixed methods study of the experiences of men with sexual dysfunction and their partners |
| title_full | Life after prostate cancer treatment: a mixed methods study of the experiences of men with sexual dysfunction and their partners |
| title_fullStr | Life after prostate cancer treatment: a mixed methods study of the experiences of men with sexual dysfunction and their partners |
| title_full_unstemmed | Life after prostate cancer treatment: a mixed methods study of the experiences of men with sexual dysfunction and their partners |
| title_short | Life after prostate cancer treatment: a mixed methods study of the experiences of men with sexual dysfunction and their partners |
| title_sort | life after prostate cancer treatment a mixed methods study of the experiences of men with sexual dysfunction and their partners |
| topic | Prostate cancer Male cancers Sexual dysfunction Qualitative research Phenomenology Survivorship |
| url | http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12894-017-0231-5 |
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