Current Sexual Functioning Research Articles

Masculinizing surgery in disorders/differences of sex development: clinician- and participant-evaluated appearance and function.

ObjectivesTo report the long‐term follow‐up outcomes of masculinizing surgery in disorders/differences of sex development (DSD), including both physicians' and patients’ perspectives on appearance and functional outcome, including sexuality.Patients and MethodsIn total, 1040 adolescents (age ≥16 years) and adults with a DSD took part in this multicentre cross‐sectional clinical study in six European countries in 2014/2015. Of those, 150 living in other than the female gender had some kind of masculinizing surgery: hypospadias repair, orchidopexy, breast reduction and/or gonadectomy. The study protocol included medical data collection, an optional genital examination, and patient‐reported outcomes including satisfaction with appearance and current sexual functioning.ResultsDiagnoses included partial and mixed gonadal dysgenesis (45,XO/46,XY; n = 38), Klinefelter syndrome/46,XX males (n = 57), and various 46,XY DSDs (n = 42; e.g. partial androgen insensitivity syndrome, severe hypospadias) and 13 with other diagnoses. Of the participants, 84 underwent hypospadias surgery, 86 orchidopexy, 52 gonadectomy and 32 breast reduction (combinations possible). Physicians evaluated anatomical appearance at genital examination as poor in approximately 11% of patients. After hypospadias surgery, 38% of participants reported that they were (very) dissatisfied with anatomical appearance and 20% with function. The physician and patient evaluations were moderately correlated (r = 0.43).ConclusionThe majority of participants were neutral to satisfied with the appearance and function in the long‐term after masculinizing surgery. Given the initial severe phenotype and a risk of unsatisfactory results after masculinizing surgery in DSD, treatment should be handled by experienced multidisciplinary teams in order to optimize the postoperative results.

A lack of association between online pornography exposure, sexual functioning, and mental well-being

To inform debate around potential influences of online pornography, we applied a contemporary media-effects model to examine the relationship between online sexually explicit material (oSEM) exposure and several psychosocial outcomes – including sexual satisfaction, body satisfaction, sexist attitudes, and mental well-being. Perceived realism of oSEM (the extent to which it is believed to be a realistic portrayal of sexual experience) was assessed as a potential mediator of exposure-outcome relationships. Furthermore, family communication about sex and gender were investigated as potential moderators of any indirect relationships (via perceived realism). Using a convenience sample of cisgender, heterosexual adults (N = 252) and a cross-sectional questionnaire design, we found no significant direct or indirect relationships between oSEM-use and the psychosocial outcomes in question; equivalence testing demonstrated that (for all outcomes other than body satisfaction) we could reject effect sizes (rs) > ±.20. Overall, findings do not favour a negative or positive relationship between oSEM and the psychosocial outcomes under examination – oSEM appeared to have a negligible role in individuals’ current sexual functioning and mental well-being.

Long-Term Sexual Function After Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries.

Obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS) are associated with severe short and long-term morbidities, although little is known about the long-term sexual function or satisfaction of women and partners of women with history of OASIS. The objective of this study was to describe the long-term sexual function and satisfaction of women who previously sustained OASIS and to assess sexual satisfaction among their male partners. This was a follow-up study of participants enrolled in the For Optimal Recovery: Care After Severe Tears (FORCAST) prospective cohort study of women with a history of OASIS after delivery of a full-term singleton infant between 2011 and 2013. A total of 47 women and 25 male partners at a mean of 45 months ± 8 months after incident delivery completed online validated questionnaires assessing current sexual functioning and satisfaction. The Female Sexual Functioning Index (FSFI) was completed by female participants, whereas the Golombok-Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS) was completed by both female participants and their male partners. Nearly half (47%) of women met the criteria for female sexual dysfunction according to the Female Sexual Functioning Index. One-third of women (34%) had an overall GRISS score of 5 or greater, indicating sexual dysfunction. Sixty-two percent of women had a subsequent delivery. Seven male partners (28%) met the criteria for sexual dysfunction according to the GRISS. The most problematic GRISS subscale reported by both men and women was that of infrequency of intercourse. Even 3 years after sustaining OASIS, up to half of women and many male partners meet the criteria for sexual dysfunction. Future studies including women without history of OASIS are needed to further investigate the role OASIS may play in the development of long-term sexual dysfunction.

Clinical Practice Guidelines for management of Sexual Disorders in Elderly.

Clinical Practice Guidelines for management of Sexual Disorders in Elderly.

Abstract P5-11-19: Sexual functioning among breast cancer survivors and their partners: A pilot study

Abstract Introduction: Although a number of studies have examined sexual difficulties among breast cancer survivors, few have focused on multiple dimensions of sexual functioning or partners' attitudes and difficulties. This pilot study sought a more comprehensive examination of sexual functioning among couples after breast cancer. Methods: Patients who were at least 6 months post-treatment and were involved in committed relationships were recruited during routine clinic visits. Those who accepted to participate in the study were handed by the investigator a stamped self-addressed envelope (to the research office of the Cancer Institute) containing two questionnaires, for the patient and for her partner, and a cancer information sheet. No identifiable information was collected. Thus, the IRB did not require a written consent form. Results: 200 patients were invited to participate in the study. 120 were in a stable relationship but only 100 accepted to take the envelope. The rest of the patients were single (76) or separated after their diagnosis (4; 2%). 38 couples participated by returning their completed questionnaires; they had been partnered for an average of 34.9 (14.3) years. Mean time since diagnosis was 40.4 (22.4) months, and mean age was 58.1 (11.5). 71.05% were currently receiving hormonal therapy. Among the patients, 63.2% reported that they were sexually active and, retrospectively, reported that their sexual relationship had been satisfying prior to diagnosis. Currently, however, a large subgroup of patients (30.4%) reported markedly limited sexual satisfaction (“a little bit” or “not at all”). Additionally, 30.4%-to-43.5% reported low sexual interest; 69.6% reported significant problems with lubrication; 52.2% reported limited orgasm; and 30.4%-to- 60.9% had difficulties with vaginal discomfort. Among partners, 67.6% reported that they were sexually active. Their sexual relationships prior to diagnosis were recalled as having been highly satisfying. Currently, none of the sexually active partners reported low satisfaction, though a few (8.3%) had not been active in the past month. Few partners reported low sexual interest (0% - 4.2%). Marked erectile difficulties were reported by 16.7% to 20.8%, and 25.0% reported difficulties with orgasm. The top 3 factors that patients endorsed as interfering with their current sexual functioning (“quite a bit” or “very much”) were (1) pain (41.7%), (2) fatigue (37.5%), and (3) feeling unattractive (20.8%). Fewer participants endorsed concerns about breast tenderness (16.7%), hot flashes (12.5%), surgical scars (12.5%), their partners' reactions (16.7%), and their partners' own sexual difficulties (12.5%). For partners, the factors most commonly viewed as disrupting the sexual relationship were the patient's vaginal dryness (32.0%), the patient's fatigue (28.0%), and the partner's own sexual problems (20.0%). Conclusion: Our results suggest that a large proportion of breast cancer survivors experience difficulties in multiple dimensions of sexual functioning. Contrary to a popular belief, separation rate after the diagnosis of breast cancer was low (2%) and most patients and their partners identified vaginal dryness and fatigue (not the breast surgery) as the major factors interfering with their sexual functioning. Citation Format: Makhoul I, Pennisi A, Ochoa D, Klimberg S, Henry-Tillman R, Mack K, Hutchins L, Sherman AAC. Sexual functioning among breast cancer survivors and their partners: A pilot study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-11-19.

Women's experiences of sexual functioning in the early weeks of breast cancer treatment.

This study describes women's sexual functioning in the early weeks of breast cancer treatment and the possible sexual changes that women may experience compared with pre-treatment functioning. Seventy-five patients filled out a questionnaire on sexual functioning and participated in a semi-structured interview on changes in sexual life and intimacy after treatment. Sixty-two women were sexually active before treatment; three post-treatment patterns of sexual behaviour were identified: 22.6% of these women were as active as before treatment, 35.5% stopped any sexual activity and 41.9% experienced quantitative and qualitative changes. Analyses showed that each pattern had specific characteristics regarding current sexual functioning, the kinds of changes reported (e.g. decreased frequency and increased tenderness) and the reasons for these changes (e.g. tiredness and sex not a priority). Even in the immediate post-surgical period, women may react in very different ways to treatment in terms of sexual functioning. Most women experience changes, but cessation of sexual activity is not inevitable. Positive changes (growing tenderness and affection) also exist. These important interindividual differences require a person-centred approach when the topic of sexuality is being addressed, and practitioners need to be sensitive to individual perceptions of change. Early detection of sexual changes may prevent the crystallisation of difficulties over time.

Sexual Assault Disclosure and Sexual Functioning: The Role of Trauma Symptomatology

IntroductionPrevious research has demonstrated that a history of adult sexual assault (ASA) is associated with negative outcomes, including trauma symptomatology and fear of sexual intimacy. Disclosing sexual assault might be protective against such negative outcomes. AimTo examine the indirect effect of trauma symptomatology on the association between disclosing ASA and current sexual functioning. MethodsParticipants included 652 women 21 to 30 years old with a history of ASA recruited from the community. Participants completed self-report measurements on a computer. Main Outcome MeasuresSeparate models were performed, with sexual functioning divided into sexual desire, orgasm, and pain during sex. ResultsASA disclosure was indirectly associated with sexual orgasm and pain during sex by trauma symptomatology. However, there was no indirect effect of trauma symptomatology on the relation between ASA disclosure and sexual desire. ConclusionDisclosing experiences of ASA could serve a protective function by lessening trauma symptomatology, thereby mitigating impacts on aspects of sexual functioning, such as orgasm and pain.

Gone But Not Forgotten: Virginity Loss and Current Sexual Satisfaction

Although loss of virginity remains a salient experience throughout a person's lifetime, little is known about whether this experience has implications for later sexual functioning (e.g., sexual satisfaction). Previous research tends to ask participants about their first time and their current sexual functioning concurrently, which may lead to spillover effects. The authors investigated the relation between first-time sexual intercourse and current sexual satisfaction using an event-sampling methodology. Participants were 331 undergraduate students who answered questions about their first-time sexual encounter and their current sexual functioning (e.g., sexual satisfaction, sexual depression). Participants then described and rated each of their sexual interactions for 2 weeks. Results show that participants who had more positive first-time sexual experiences (e.g., intimacy, respect) report greater feelings of sexual satisfaction and esteem and less sexual depression. A series of multilevel random coefficient modeling analyses revealed that positive first-time experiences were predictive of physical and emotional satisfaction in their current sexual interactions, even when controlling for global sexual satisfaction. These results suggest that one's first-time sexual experience is more than just a milestone in development. Rather, it appears to have implications for their sexual well-being years later.

Comparative patient-centered outcomes (health state and adverse sexual symptoms) between adjuvant brachytherapy versus no adjuvant brachytherapy in early-stage endometrial cancer.

9104 Background: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of survivors of stage I endometrial cancer (EC) to examine the relationship between receipt of adjuvant intra-vaginal radiation therapy (IVRT), health state (HS), and sexual functioning (SF). Methods: Survivors were administered anonymous questionnaires containing demographic and treatment-related items, the EQ5D to measure current HS, and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) to measure current SF. All were disease-free and had undergone simple hysterectomy (SH) with or without adjuvant IVRT at least one year prior to questionnaire completion. None had received chemotherapy or hormonal therapy. The study was IRB-approved under a waiver of consent. The primary endpoint was a comparison of EQ5D-health states and FSFI scores between survivors who had received SH alone and those who had received SH and adjuvant IVRT. Fisher’s exact test was used to compare IVRT and no-IVRT groups and multivariate regression was applied to find associations between factors and the outcome measures. Results: 136 (66.3%) participants had undergone SH alone and 69 (33.7%) had undergone SH and adjuvant IVRT. The SH alone group was younger; otherwise, the two groups were balanced with respect to ethnicity, marital status, education level, medical co-morbidities (diabetes, hypertension, anxiety), type of SH (laparotomy vs minimally invasive surgery-MIS), and baseline sexual activity. In the IVRT and no-IVRT groups, the median EQ5D-health states were 88 (range 40-100) and 85 (range 10-100) respectively, and the median FSFI scores were 14.1 (range 1.2-35.4) and 16.5 (range 1.2-34.8) respectively. Controlling for age and type of SH, receipt of IVRT was associated with better HS (p=0.018) and not associated with poorer SF (p=0.1399). Receipt of laparotomy (vs MIS) was associated with poorer HS and worse SF (p=0.0156 and p=0.0115, respectively), and its detrimental effect on FSFI score was more pronounced in the IVRT compared to no-IVRT group (p=0.0486). Conclusions: Compared to SH alone, receipt of adjuvant IVRT was generally not associated with poorer SF or HS.

'Mama and papa nothing': living with infertility among an urban population in Kigali, Rwanda

Not being able to procreate has severe social and economic repercussions in resource-poor countries. The purpose of this research was to explore the consequences of female and/or male factor infertility for men and women in Rwanda. Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used. Couples presenting with female and/or male factor infertility problems at the infertility clinic of the Kigali University Teaching Hospital (n = 312), and fertile controls who recently delivered (n = 312), were surveyed about domestic violence, current and past relationships and sexual functioning. In addition, five focus group discussions were held with a subsample of survey participants, who were either patients diagnosed with female- or male-factor fertility or their partners. Domestic violence, union dissolutions and sexual dysfunction were reported more frequently in the survey by infertile than fertile couples. The psycho-social consequences suffered by infertile couples in Rwanda are severe and similar to those reported in other resource-poor countries. Although women carry the largest burden of suffering, the negative repercussions of infertility for men, especially at the level of the community, are considerable. Whether the infertility was caused by a female factor or male factor was an important determinant for the type of psycho-social consequences suffered. In Rwanda, as in other resource-poor countries, infertility causes severe suffering. There is an urgent need to recognize infertility as a serious reproductive health problem and to put infertility care on the public health agenda.

Sexual functioning in long‐term survivors of Hodgkin's lymphoma

Studies of Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) survivors have reported long-term adjustment problems including sexual dysfunction, but the prevalence and persistence of sexual problems in HL survivors have not been well characterized. This study aimed to address these questions by comparing sexual health in a large cohort of long-term HL survivors with a noncancer control group. A mailed survey including questions about current sexual problems and sexual satisfaction was completed by 465 HL survivors and 205 sibling controls. Survivors ranged from 20 to 82 years (median=44) and were treated ≥7 years prior (median=18). Sexual problems were commonly reported by HL survivors, with 54.2% reporting decreased sexual activity and 41.4% reporting decreased interest. When survivors' current sexual functioning was compared with the control group, however, no differences were found, and overall sexual satisfaction was positive in both groups. Among survivors, age was not associated with sexual problems but had a small significant negative association with satisfaction (ρ=-0.12; p<0.05). No associations between time since diagnosis, disease stage, and chemotherapy treatment and sexual functioning were found. Consistent with previous studies, HL survivors reported high rates of current sexual problems. However, no differences in sexual problems or sexual satisfaction were found between survivors and controls. Results indicate that over the long term, survivors' sexual functioning does not differ from noncancer controls. Findings underscore the importance of including healthy control groups to determine whether difficulties reported by cancer survivors can be attributed to cancer treatment.

Preliminary study with bicalutamide in heterosexual and homosexual patients with prostate cancer: a possible implication of androgens in male homosexual arousal

• Not only has a precise characterization of libido and sexual arousal in men as a central neural process been lacking, but the interactive role of gonadal hormones and sexual orientation in such processes has never been investigated. We investigate the relationships among sexual hormones, sexual arousal, and sexual orientation in men by comparing the self-reported sexual response of heterosexual and homosexual men with locally advanced prostate neoplasm, receiving the non-steroidal anti-androgen bicalutamide as monotherapy. • 29 Romanian men participated in this study: 17 heterosexual and 12 homosexual. Patients were undergoing treatment for prostate cancer consisting of a standard daily dose of 50 mg bicalutamide, a fast acting non-steroidal anti-androgen with action comparable to other anti-androgen drugs but with reportedly fewer sexual side effects. • Patients retrospectively provided information regarding their sexual functioning measured by the IIEF prior to commencing bicalutamide treatment. • Then, about five weeks later, patients were asked to prospectively provide information regarding their current sexual functioning while undergoing bicalutamide treatment. • Overall IIEF scores as well as the Erectile Function, Orgasmic Function, Sexual Desire, and Overall Satisfaction subscales showed group, treatment, and group by treatment effects. • The Intercourse Satisfaction subscale showed group and group by treatment effects. • On most subscales, homosexual men showed lower functioning than heterosexual men, primarily in response to treatment with bicalutamide. • Treatment with an anti-androgen in a clinical population of men undergoing therapy for prostate cancer affected homosexual men more than heterosexual men, although not all heterosexual men were unaffected. • These results are discussed in the context of dual sexual natures, a concept recently developed in the sexual literature. • Furthermore, these findings reiterate the importance of incorporating such variables as sexual orientation into studies investigating medical treatments on sexual response.

History of Sexual and Physical Abuse in Women with Dyspareunia: Association with Pain, Psychosocial Adjustment, and Sexual Functioning

Dyspareunia is a women's sexual health problem that still often goes undiagnosed despite its high prevalence and its detrimental impact on sexual, relationship, and psychological adjustment. Although sexual and physical abuse may constitute risk factors for the development of dyspareunia, the effects of past abuse on current pain and associated sexual and psychosocial impairments have never been examined. Thus, the aim of this study is to determine the relation between a history of sexual and physical abuse and a series of pain, psychological, dyadic, and sexual functioning variables in a sample of women with dyspareunia. A hundred and fifty-one women took part in the study via health professional referrals and advertisements in local newspapers. Each participant underwent a standardized gynecological examination and a structured interview in order to confirm the diagnosis of dyspareunia. They also completed self-report questionnaires investigating past sexual and physical abuse, in addition to current pain, psychosocial adjustment, and sexual functioning. Dependent measures included: (i) The Brief Symptom Inventory; (ii) the Sexual History Form; and (iii) the Locke-Wallace Marital Adjustment Scale. Pain was assessed via the McGill Pain Questionnaire and a visual analogue scale. Results revealed that a history of sexual abuse involving penetration was associated with poorer psychological adjustment and sexual functioning. Additionally, findings showed that women who perceived a link between their dyspareunia and their past sexual abuse reported worse sexual functioning than those who did not. Finally, the experience of sexual abuse was not associated with pain intensity and physical abuse was not associated with any of the outcome measures. Findings suggest that the presence of a sexual abuse history in women with dyspareunia is associated with increased psychological distress and sexual impairment, although there is no relation between a history of physical abuse and these outcomes.

Negative Affect and Somatically Focused Anxiety in Young Women Reporting Pain With Intercourse

After a long history of privileging psychosexual etiological factors over pain and physiological processes, dyspareunia has enjoyed 1 decade of pointed research focused on the presenting problem of pain. Although it is generally acknowledged that certain affective and cognitive styles may play a role in an individual's experience of pain in general, investigations into these questions specifically as they pertain to pain that occurs during sex are relatively scarce. To add to this growing body of knowledge, 759 women aged 18 to 29 completed questionnaires about current sexual functioning, gynecologic history, expectations about intercourse, and various personality and health-related anxiety measures. One-hundred-one women (14% of the sample) reported pain during intercourse on at least 50% of attempts. This group of women significantly differed from 536 women reporting pain on less than 10% of intercourse attempts on personality constructs related to emotional and relational well-being (e.g., neuroticism, extraversion, agreeableness), as well as anxiety sensitivity, anxiety related to physical health concerns, and the amplification of somatosensory experiences. This affective and cognitive profile is consistent with previous studies that have found an attentional hypervigilance to health and pain-related information in women with dyspareunia, all of which could prove germane to cognitive-behavioral treatments targeting this disorder.

What is worse for your sex life: Starving, being depressed, or a new baby?

To compare the current sexual functioning of women in an intimate relationship with anorexia nervosa, with major depression, and in the postpartum period. Complete data were available for 76 women who reported being in an intimate relationship (anorexia = 10; depression = 24; postpartum = 42). Sexual functioning was assessed using the Social Adjustment Scale (Weissman and Bothwell, Arch Gen Psychiatry, 33, 1111-1115, 1976). Significant differences were found among groups for the frequency of sex (p =.03) and problems with sex (p < .001), but not for enjoyment of sex (p = .55). In the previous 2 weeks, women with anorexia nervosa or major depression were more likely to have had sex than postpartum women, but were also more likely to have had sexual problems than postpartum women. Most women with anorexia nervosa, women with major depression, and postpartum women reported enjoying sex. Women with anorexia nervosa and women with major depression who are in an intimate relationship report a similar profile of current sexual functioning that is different from postpartum women both in the frequency of sexual encounters and in reported problems with sex.

Childhood Abuse and Its Association with Mid-Aged Women's Sexual Functioning

The aim of this study was to investigate the association of recalled childhood sexual and physical abuse with current sexual functioning in mid-life. The sample was participants in the longitudinal population-based cohort of mid-aged women, The Melbourne Women's Midlife Health Project. Three hundred sixty two of the women (92% of the available cohort) were administered the Violence Questionnaire in the sixth year of follow-up. This included questions on physical abuse and sexual abuse experienced in childhood. We used the Short Personal Experiences Questionnaire (Dennerstein, Anderson-Hunt, & Dudley, 2002) to assess current sexual functioning. Forty eight percent of the women had no experience of childhood sexual abuse, 42% had experienced noncontact sexual abuse, 36% had experienced contact sexual abuse, and 7% had experienced penetrative sexual abuse. Nine percent of the women had experienced physical abuse in childhood. Women who had experienced penetrative childhood sexual abuse were significantly more likely to have fewer children (median 2) than women who had not experienced penetrative childhood sexual abuse (median 3) (P < 0.05). The only area of sexual or relational functioning significantly affected by childhood sexual abuse was that of feelings for partner (P < 0.05). Those who experienced penetrative childhood sexual abuse had, on average, significantly shorter current relationships (P < 0.05). Women who had experienced both childhood sexual and physical abuse reported a lower frequency of current sexual activities (P < 0.05). This study of mid-aged women found that the major impact of childhood sexual abuse is on the quality of relationship with the partner.

Efficacy of sildenafil in an open-label study as a continuation of a double-blind study in the treatment of erectile dysfunction after radiotherapy for prostate cancer

Objectives To determine the efficacy of sildenafil citrate (Viagra) in patients with erectile dysfunction after three-dimensional conformal external beam radiotherapy for prostate cancer. Methods Sixty patients treated with radiotherapy for prostate cancer at least 6 months previously, complaining of erectile dysfunction, and not using nitrates were entered into a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study lasting 12 weeks. They received 50 mg of sildenafil or placebo for 2 weeks; at week 2, the dose was increased to 100 mg in the case of an unsatisfactory erectile response. At week 6, patients crossed over to the alternative treatment. Patients were then allowed to enter a 6-week open-label phase using 50 mg of sildenafil in the first 2 weeks, increasing the dose to 100 mg in the case of an insufficient erectile response in the following 4 weeks. Data were collected before trial entry (baseline evaluation) and every 2 or 4 weeks using the International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire. Any side effects were recorded. Two years later, all patients were approached by mail to evaluate their current sexual functioning and possible use of sildenafil. Results All patients completed the double-blind, crossover study. For nearly all the International Index of Erectile Function questions, sildenafil caused a significant increase in mean scores from baseline. Placebo had no effect. Seventy-seven percent entered the open-label phase; they were the better responders in the double-blind phase. Sildenafil was as equally effective as in the double-blind phase. The side effects were mild or moderate and significantly decreased in the open-label period. Two years after trial entry, 24% still used sildenafil. Conclusions Sildenafil is relatively effective in patients with erectile dysfunction after three-dimensional conformal external beam radiotherapy for prostate cancer. New drugs and combination therapies are needed to improve outcome.

The use of treatments for erectile dysfunction among survivors of prostate carcinoma

The objectives of this survey were to describe the prevalence of using a treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) among men after therapy for localized prostate carcinoma and to construct models explaining the variance in trying a treatment, treatment success, and adherence to treatment. A postal survey was sent to 2636 men in The Cleveland Clinic Foundation's Prostate Cancer Registry who were treated initially with either definitive radiotherapy or prostatectomy for localized prostate carcinoma. The survey asked about demographic items, past and current sexual functioning, and the partner's sexual function. Men were asked about their current and intended use of medical treatments for ED. Standardized questionnaires included the Sexual Self-Schema Scale-Male Version, the International Index of Erectile Function, urinary and bowel symptom scales from the Los Angeles Prostate Cancer Index), and the Short-Form Health Survey. The return rate was 49%. Differences between men who returned the questionnaire and men who did not respond suggest that the sample was weighted toward men who were more interested in staying active sexually. ED was a problem for 85% of men, and 59% of this group used at least 1 treatment for ED. Only 38% of men found that a medical treatment was at least somewhat helpful in improving their sex lives, however, and 30% of respondents still were using at least 1 treatment at the time of the survey. Factors that were associated with the efficacy of treatments for ED and with their continued use included having a sexual partner, younger age, choosing a treatment for prostate carcinoma that was more likely to spare some sexual function, and not having had neoadjuvant or current antiandrogen therapy. Men who tried a greater number of treatments for ED were more likely to find one that worked. Men were more likely to continue using treatments for ED that produced greater improvements in sexual function. The success of medical treatments for men with ED among long-term survivors of prostate carcinoma is limited. Men prefer noninvasive treatments, although invasive treatments are more effective. Sexual counseling for men and their partners is recommended, because it may increase the use of medical therapies for ED. Creating more realistic expectations in both partners also may enhance treatment adherence.

Defining sexual outcomes after treatment for localized prostate carcinoma.

The objective of this survey was to identify factors associated with good sexual outcomes in a large group of survivors of localized prostate carcinoma. A postal survey was sent to 2636 men in the Cleveland Clinic Foundation's Prostate Cancer Registry who either were treated with definitive radiotherapy or underwent prostatectomy for localized prostate carcinoma. The survey asked about demographic items, past and current sexual functioning, partner's sexual function and health, and a number of factors hypothesized to affect sexual satisfaction. Standardized questionnaires included the Sexual Self-Schema Scale-Male Version, the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), urinary and bowel symptom scales from the Los Angeles Prostate Cancer Index, and the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). The return rate was 49%, yielding a sample of 1236 men at an average of 4.3 years post-treatment. Comparing responders with nonresponders suggested that the sample may have been somewhat biased toward men who were more interested in maintaining sexual function. At the time they were diagnosed with prostate carcinoma, 36% of men had erectile dysfunction (ED). Within the past 6 months, however, 85% of men reported having ED. Only 13% of men were having reliable, firm erections spontaneously, and another 8% of men were having erections with the aid of a medical treatment. Men were as distressed about loss of desire and trouble having satisfying orgasms as they were about ED. Of the 84% of men who reported having a current sexual partner, 66% indicated that she had a sexual problem. Younger age was associated strongly with better sexual outcome (global IIEF score). With demographic factors taken into account, better sexual outcome was related significantly to medical factors, including not having neoadjuvant or current antiandrogen therapy, undergoing bilateral nerve-sparing prostatectomy or brachytherapy, and having better mental and physical health composite scores on the SF-36. Sexual factors that were associated with a better outcome included having normal erections before treatment for prostate carcinoma, choosing a treatment based on the hope that it would preserve sexual function, having more sexual partners in the past year, and having a sexually functional partner. The great majority of men who survive prostate carcinoma do not achieve a return to functional sexual activity in the years after treatment. The priorities a man places on sexuality and on having a sexually functional partner are important factors in sexual satisfaction at follow-up, over and above the influence of age and medical factors.

Treatment outcome, body image, and sexual functioning after orchiectomy and radiotherapy for Stage I–II testicular seminoma

Purpose : Orchiectomy followed by infradiaphragmatic irradiation is the standard treatment for Stage I–II testicular seminoma in The Netherlands. Because body image and sexual functioning can be affected by treatment, a retrospective study was carried out to assess treatment outcome, body image, and changes in sexuality after orchiectomy and radiotherapy. Methods and Materials : The medical charts of 166 patients with Stage I–II testicular seminoma were reviewed. A questionnaire on body image and current sexual functioning regarding the frequency and quality of erections, sexual activity, significance of sex, and changes in sexuality was sent to 157 patients (at a mean of 51 months after treatment). Results : Seventy-eight percent ( n = 123, mean age 42 years) completed the questionnaire. During irradiation, almost half of patients experienced nausea and 19% nausea and vomiting. Only 3 patients had disease relapse. After treatment, about 20% reported less interest and pleasure in sex and less sexual activity. Interest in sex, erectile difficulties, and satisfaction with sexual life did not differ from age-matched healthy controls. At the time of the survey, 17% of patients had erectile difficulties, a figure that was significantly higher than before treatment, but which correlated also with age. Twenty percent expressed concerns about fertility, and 52% found their body had changed after treatment. Cancer treatment had negatively influenced sexual life in 32% of the patients. Conclusions : Orchiectomy with radiotherapy is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for Stage I–II testicular seminoma. Treatment-induced changes in body image and concerns about fertility were detected, but the sexual problems encountered did not seem to differ from those of healthy controls, although baseline data are lacking.