.jpg)
Undergoing prostate cancer treatment can leave men both physically and emotionally spent. Common approaches like surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy often have side effects, including problems with urinary and bowel function, sexual function, and fatigue. The stress of a cancer diagnosis and feeling unwell, along with concerns about meeting obligations and planning for the future, may be overwhelming.
The physical and emotional impacts of prostate cancer might fuel each other, too. In a recent Journal of Urology study, scientists reported on the “reciprocal” relationship between physical and emotional aspects of prostate cancer treatment.
Researchers asked 1,148 men with localized prostate cancer to complete questionnaires related to their urinary, sexual, and bowel health as well as their emotional distress. (“Localized” means that the cancer had not spread to other parts of the body.) Sixty-three percent of the patients had been treated with surgery; the rest had undergone radiotherapy.
The men filled out the questionnaires before their treatment and again at follow up points scheduled 6, 12, 18, and 24 months later.
Over time, the scientists saw that the men with worse urinary, bowel, and sexual function were more distressed than the men with better function. At the same time, men who said they felt more distressed tended to have more trouble with their urinary, bowel, and sexual function.
Prostate cancer survivors’ distress needs attention, the study authors said.
“There is growing appreciation for the need to support cancer survivors’ emotional well-being during survivorship, and for prostate cancer patients a key concern is mitigating the influence of treatment side effects on quality of life, including psychological well-being,” explained lead author Heather Orom, PhD of the University at Buffalo’s School of Public Health and Health Professions in a news release.
Co-author Willie Underwood III, MD of Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center added, “As urologists, we want men who are treated for prostate cancer to return to their way of life. In order to do so, we must determine better ways to assist men through their emotional distress. Curing their cancer is only the beginning to making them whole.”
The authors recommended that erectile dysfunction (ED) treatments be more accessible to prostate cancer survivors and that therapies be easily available to patients with high levels of distress.
Please see these links to learn more about prostate cancer, its treatment, and its effects on patients and partners:
Prostate Cancer (overview)
How Does Cancer Affect Men’s Sexual Health?
Survey Reveals the Emotional Impact of Prostate Cancer
Sexuality of Older Cancer Survivors
Prostate Cancer Effects on Caregiving Partners
Resources
The Journal of Urology
Orom, Heather
“Worse Urinary, Sexual and Bowel Function Cause Emotional Distress and Vice Versa in Men Treated for Prostate Cancer”
(Abstract. Published online: December 26, 2018)
https://www.jurology.com/article/S0022-5347(17)78180-3/abstract
University of Buffalo
“Study: For patients with prostate cancer, dysfunction due to treatment side effects results in increased emotional distress – and vice versa”
(Press release. May 31, 2018)
You may also be interested in...
Other Popular Articles
What Is Jelqing, and Does It Actually Work?
The term “jelqing” refers to a set of penis stretching exercises that some believe can make the penis bigger. Although the practice has gained attention and popularity in blogs and internet forums in recent years, there is no scientific evidence that it is an effective way to permanently increase the size of one’s penis. In fact, in some cases, jelqing may actually cause damage to the penis, so it is a good idea to get all the facts before setting off to try it.
What Is Sensate Focus and How Does It Work?
Sensate focus is a technique used to improve intimacy and communication between partners around sex, reduce sexual performance anxiety, and shift away from ingrained, goal-oriented sexual patterns that may not be serving a couple.
What Is the Average Penis Size?
If you have ever wondered how your penis compares to others in terms of size, you are not alone. Many men are curious to know how their penises stack up compared to the average. Unfortunately, general curiosity can sometimes give way to full-on obsession and anxiety about penis size. This can be an unhealthy and often unnecessary fixation, especially because most men who think their penises are too small have perfectly normal-sized penises.
Can Sex Reduce Menstrual Cramps?
The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine.
Having sex while you experience menstrual cramps is healthy and can provide significant benefits. While it might not be the first activity that comes to mind when your PMS or period cramping begins, many people enjoy sex to reduce menstrual cramps, experience increased pleasure and benefit from other advantages. Learn more about having sex while menstrual cramps are happening and how it can help your body.
What Is Edging and Why Do People Do It?
Edging is the practice of stopping sexual stimulation before reaching orgasm to prolong a sexual experience. The term stems from the concept of approaching the metaphorical “edge” of orgasm but stopping before going over the edge.
Can Sex Throw off Your Vaginal pH Balance?
The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine.
Your vagina is a pretty powerful organ. It is a pathway for menstrual blood and babies. It also is a main player in sexual intercourse. You might hear about your vagina’s pH and worry that yours is at risk. Here’s what to know about vaginal pH, including the impacts sex could have.
