After treatment for pelvic cancer (such as prostate cancer), men often face sexual difficulties, such as erectile dysfunction. While oncologists do their best to preserve sexual function as much as possible, most men still have some sexual adjustments to make afterward.
These changes can have psychological consequences as well as physical ones. Men may feel like some of their masculine identity has been lost, leading to feelings of inadequacy and shame. Related anxiety and depression can take a toll on their mental health.
In March 2019, researchers discussed the psychological effects of pelvic cancer treatment in the journal Sexual Medicine Reviews. They analyzed 51 medical studies on the subject.
Several themes emerged:
- Concerns about body image, sexual performance, and fertility were common.
- Patients and partners may have “overly optimistic expectations” about sexual outcomes after treatment.
- Gay and bisexual men may struggle with the need to “reinvent [themselves] sexually” because of changed sexual roles.
- Survivors of childhood cancer may experience delays in sexual and social development.
If you or your partner are coping with sexual changes after cancer treatment, please know that you are not alone. Try to stay patient, communicate with your partner, and be open to exploring different ways to stay intimate.
And don’t hesitate to seek support or counseling. Therapy can help restore your confidence, build your self-esteem, and strengthen your relationship with your partner.
Resources
Sexual Medicine Reviews
Twitchell, David K., BA, et al.
“Psychological Impacts of Male Sexual Dysfunction in Pelvic Cancer Survivorship”
(Full-text. Article in press. Published online: March 26, 2019)
https://www.smr.jsexmed.org/article/S2050-0521(19)30010-1/fulltext
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.
The Effect of Regular Aerobic Exercise on Erectile Function
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual activity. As men get older, their erectile functioning may naturally decline due to changes in testosterone levels, cardiovascular functioning, and the potential development of other chronic medical conditions that become more common with age.
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.
