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Male Sexual Dysfunction
Male Sexual Health after Cancer
Male sexual health after cancer is affected by surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and hormonal therapies across various cancer types. Comprehensive survivorship care includes addressing these sexual sequelae.
65%
Success Rate
Lifelong survivorship; 1-3 years for maximal functional recovery
Duration
Multiple
Treatment Options
3+ Groups
May Affect
What is Male Sexual Health after Cancer?
Male sexual health after cancer is affected by surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and hormonal therapies across various cancer types. Comprehensive survivorship care includes addressing these sexual sequelae.
Prevalence: Affects 40-90% of male cancer survivors depending on cancer type and treatment
Symptoms and Signs
- •Erectile dysfunction (common after pelvic cancers)
- •Low libido from hormonal therapy
- •Infertility after chemotherapy or radiation
- •Ejaculatory dysfunction (dry orgasm, hematospermia)
- •Body image changes from surgery or weight changes
- •Fatigue and fear of recurrence
Causes and Risk Factors
Common Causes
- →Surgery (prostate, bladder, colorectal, testicular)
- →Radiation therapy (pelvic damage to nerves and vessels)
- →Chemotherapy (gonadal toxicity, fatigue)
- →Hormonal therapy (ADT for prostate cancer)
- →Psychological trauma of cancer diagnosis
- →Body image changes from surgical scars or ostomy
Risk Factors
- ⚠️Pelvic cancer (prostate, bladder, colorectal)
- ⚠️Testicular cancer treatment
- ⚠️Hormone therapy for prostate cancer
- ⚠️High-dose pelvic radiation
- ⚠️Bone marrow transplant with conditioning chemotherapy
Treatment Options
Expected Outcomes: Varies by cancer type and treatment; 50-80% improvement with multimodal sexual rehabilitation
Available Treatments:
- ✓PDE5 inhibitors (for cancer-related ED)
- ✓Intracavernosal injections or urethral suppositories
- ✓Vacuum erection devices
- ✓Penile implants
- ✓Testosterone therapy (controversial in hormone-sensitive cancers)
- ✓Pelvic floor rehabilitation
- ✓Psycho-oncology counseling
- ✓Fertility preservation and ART
Prevention Tips
- →Oncofertility counseling before treatment
- →Penile rehabilitation protocols after prostate surgery
- →Sperm banking before chemotherapy or radiation
- →Early referral to sexual health specialist
Ready for Professional Help?
Our sexology specialists can provide expert assessment and personalized treatment plans.