Prostate Cancer and Sex
Sex is an essential part of healthy living for all of us. The sexual urge decreases in most men with time. However, it is a well known fact that men can father children well into their eighties. Most men who have prostate cancer are not in the first flush of youth and for some couples, sexual activity may have virtually stopped
For some men, even elderly men, the inability to have sexual intercourse can be devastating. For other, it may not matter. Neither instance is `right` or `wrong`. So what are the main issues relating to Prostate Cancer and sex?
- Impotence
Impotence can be both mental and –physical. Impotence is defined as the inability to achieve and maintain an appropriate erection to permit penetration in intercourse. It can occur at any age group. Most men have a period of impotence at some stage in their life.
Impotence can be caused by a number of factors including depression, and bereavement. As men get older, frequency of intercourse and penile rigidity gradually reduce. In some men, the male sexual hormone may decrease significantly with age.
- Fear & Anxiety
Of course, being given the diagnosis of prostate cancer is highly likely to actually improve your sex life. It can in fact take a number of months for patients to adjust to such a diagnosis.
The initial feelings of fear and anxiety can be considerable and significant affect the patients sex life.
One reaction is that the patient thinks cancer has been visited upon him for some reason, perhaps due to ill-advised previous sexual encounters or perceived bad conduct at some stage. Many people have a perception of being `unclean` and it is important that the spouse understands what may appear to be rejection.
- Feeling Unclean
Another anxiety that make patients have is that they may pass on to their `disease` in some ways to their partner. This is just not possible and is not a reason to abstain from sexual intercourse.
Patients should also be reassured that that sexual intercourse will not accelerate or alter the disease. Many of the treatments of prostate cancer will produce either complete or partial impotence and the consultant should have discussed this with each patient.
- Ask your Urologist
Although these questions can be embarrassing, you should not feel embarrassed about asking questions of the urologist. The urologist deals with many men for a wide variety of sexual problems and he may feel that by not asking, you are actually not interested, or actually have no problems with sexual performance despite having a diagnosis of prostate cancer.
The topic of Prostate Cancer and sex is a huge and sensitive one. There are many more issues to consider so do seek out reputable well-informed information and advice. Discuss with your doctor, urologist and other health care professionals so that you maximise your chances of a full and satisfying sex life.
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