1
|
Shiraishi K. Evaluation of sexual function after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: A farewell to IIEF questionnaire. Int J Urol 2023; 30:959-967. [PMID: 37526397 DOI: 10.1111/iju.15264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Longevity with localized prostate cancer (PCa) has been achieved, and the contribution of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) to cancer control is evident. The next step to investigate in the treatment of localized PCa is improvement of the quality of life (QOL) after RARP. Erectile dysfunction has been considered a major surgical complication, and patient satisfaction after RARP has not improved despite the development of nerve preservation and penile rehabilitation. To comprehensively understand sexual dysfunction after RARP, we must investigate other complications with regard to sexual health, including low sexual desire, disturbed orgasmic function (i.e., anejaculation, orgasm intensity, painful orgasm, and climacturia), shortening of penile length, penile curvature (Peyronie's disease) and unique psychological alterations after the diagnosis of PCa, which are neglected side effects after prostatectomy. In this context, routine evaluation of erectile function by the International Index of Erectile Function only is not sufficient to understand patients' difficulties. A questionnaire is just one way of enabling patients to evaluate their pre- and postoperative concerns; listening to patients face-to-face is warranted to detect symptoms. Understanding the relationship between symptoms and preserved nerve localization can ultimately provide an individualized nerve-sparing procedure and improve patient satisfaction after RARP. In combination with psychological counseling, including the partner and medical treatment, such as testosterone replacement, it is time to reconsider ways to improve sexual dysfunction after RARP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Koji Shiraishi
- Department of Urology, Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, Yamaguchi, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wittmann D, Mehta A, McCaughan E, Faraday M, Duby A, Matthew A, Incrocci L, Burnett A, Nelson CJ, Elliott S, Koontz BF, Bober SL, McLeod D, Capogrosso P, Yap T, Higano C, Loeb S, Capellari E, Glodé M, Goltz H, Howell D, Kirby M, Bennett N, Trost L, Odiyo Ouma P, Wang R, Salter C, Skolarus TA, McPhail J, McPhail S, Brandon J, Northouse LL, Paich K, Pollack CE, Shifferd J, Erickson K, Mulhall JP. Guidelines for Sexual Health Care for Prostate Cancer Patients: Recommendations of an International Panel. J Sex Med 2022; 19:1655-1669. [PMID: 36192299 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2022.08.197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with prostate cancer suffer significant sexual dysfunction after treatment which negatively affects them and their partners psychologically, and strain their relationships. AIM We convened an international panel with the aim of developing guidelines that will inform clinicians, patients and partners about the impact of prostate cancer therapies (PCT) on patients' and partners' sexual health, their relationships, and about biopsychosocial rehabilitation in prostate cancer (PC) survivorship. METHODS The guidelines panel included international expert researchers and clinicians, and a guideline methodologist. A systematic review of the literature, using the Ovid MEDLINE, Scopus, CINAHL, PsychINFO, LGBT Life, and Embase databases was conducted (1995-2022) according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Study selection was based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Each statement was assigned an evidence strength (A-C) and a recommendation level (strong, moderate, conditional) based on benefit/risk assessment, according to the nomenclature of the American Urological Association (AUA). Data synthesis included meta-analyses of studies deemed of sufficient quality (3), using A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR). OUTCOMES Guidelines for sexual health care for patients with prostate cancer were developed, based on available evidence and the expertise of the international panel. RESULTS The guidelines account for patients' cultural, ethnic, and racial diversity. They attend to the unique needs of individuals with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. The guidelines are based on literature review, a theoretical model of sexual recovery after PCT, and 6 principles that promote clinician-initiated discussion of realistic expectations of sexual outcomes and mitigation of sexual side-effects through biopsychosocial rehabilitation. Forty-seven statements address the psychosexual, relationship, and functional domains in addition to statements on lifestyle modification, assessment, provider education, and systemic challenges to providing sexual health care in PC survivorship. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS The guidelines provide clinicians with a comprehensive approach to sexual health care for patients with prostate cancer. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS The strength of the study is the comprehensive evaluation of existing evidence on sexual dysfunction and rehabilitation in prostate cancer that can, along with available expert knowledge, best undergird clinical practice. Limitation is the variation in the evidence supporting interventions and the lack of research on issues facing patients with prostate cancer in low and middle-income countries. CONCLUSION The guidelines document the distressing sexual sequelae of PCT, provide evidence-based recommendations for sexual rehabilitation and outline areas for future research. Wittmann D, Mehta A, McCaughan E, et al. Guidelines for Sexual Health Care for Prostate Cancer Patients: Recommendations of an International Panel. J Sex Med 2022;19:1655-1669.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Wittmann
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Akanksha Mehta
- Department of Urology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Eilis McCaughan
- In Memoriam, Ulster University School of Nursing, County Londonderry, Colraine, UK
| | | | - Ashley Duby
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Andrew Matthew
- Adult Psychiatry and Health System, Princess Margaret Cancer Center, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Luca Incrocci
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Arthur Burnett
- Department of Urology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Christian J Nelson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stacy Elliott
- Departments of Psychiatry and Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Sharon L Bober
- Department of Psychiatry, Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Deborah McLeod
- School of Nursing, NS Health Authority and Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Paolo Capogrosso
- Department of Urology, Ciircolo & Fondazione Macchi Hospital, University of Insubria, Varese, Lombardy, Italy
| | - Tet Yap
- Department of Urology, Guys & St Thomas' Hospital, City of London, London, UK
| | - Celestia Higano
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Stacy Loeb
- Department of Urology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Emily Capellari
- Taubman Health Sciences Library, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Michael Glodé
- Department of Medical Oncology, University of Colorado Cancer Center, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Heather Goltz
- School of Social Work, University of Houston-Downtown, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Doug Howell
- Patient with Lived Experience, Keaau, HI, USA
| | - Michael Kirby
- Faculty of the Health and Human Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Nelson Bennett
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Landon Trost
- Department of Urology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA; Department of Urology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Run Wang
- Department of Surgery-Urology, University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Urology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Carolyn Salter
- Department of Urology, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA, USA
| | - Ted A Skolarus
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; VA Health Services Research & Development, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - John McPhail
- Patient and Partner with Lived Experience, Okemos, MI, USA
| | - Susan McPhail
- Patient and Partner with Lived Experience, Okemos, MI, USA
| | - Jan Brandon
- Partner with Lived Experience, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - Kellie Paich
- Clinical Quality and Survivorship, Movember Foundation, Culver City, CA, USA
| | - Craig E Pollack
- Department of Health Policy Management, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jen Shifferd
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Medicine, Michigan Medicine Therapy Services, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kim Erickson
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Medicine, Michigan Medicine Therapy Services, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - John P Mulhall
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Fu F, Duthie CJ, Wibowo E, Wassersug RJ, Walker LM. Openness to Using an External Penile Prosthesis for Maintaining Sexual Intimacy by Individuals with Erectile Dysfunction: A Cross-Sectional Study. Sex Med 2022; 10:100559. [PMID: 36030692 PMCID: PMC9537238 DOI: 10.1016/j.esxm.2022.100559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Erectile dysfunction (ED) can lead to reduced sexual intimacy in men. The external penile prosthesis (EPP) is a device to help them participate in penetrative sex. Aim We investigate factors that may affect the willingness of individuals with ED to try an EPP and explore how the EPP could be presented most effectively to such patients to enhance their willingness to try an EPP. Methods Recruitment for this cross-sectional study occurred in-person and online. 147 participants (60.0 ± 14.3 years old; all experiencing self-reported ED) completed a survey containing both validated measures and questions specific to this study. The survey was open to English-speakers over the age of 18 who self-reported experiencing ED. Main Outcome Measure The primary outcome was participants’ willingness to try an EPP based on their level of knowledge about using the EPP. Secondary outcomes included the influence of the sexual function, sexual distress, ED history, age, relationship duration, sexual flexibility on willingness to try an EPP. We also collected feedback from participants’ on how and where they would like to be introduced to the EPP option. Results Most participants indicated a preference for being introduced to the EPP after trying some ED treatments (51.0%). Participants did not have strong preference regarding the setting where they were informed about the EPP. The majority however preferred having a sexual health therapist/counsellor (28.6%) or physician (25.9%) as the person introducing the EPP to them. Participants’ willingness to try the EPP increased with more information about the EPP presented to them (P < .001). Personalization of the EPP to match one's own penis was preferred by 38.7% of participants. Referring to this aid as an ‘external penile prosthesis’ was significantly more preferred over alternative labels, such as a “belted prosthetic phallus” or “strap-on dildo” (Ps < .001 for both). Multiple regression analyses showed that only sexual script flexibility was associated with the initial willingness to try an EPP (P < .01). Clinical Implications Clinicians should consider presenting the EPP to men with ED, who desire maintaining penetrative sexual intercourse with their partners. Strength and Limitations This is the first study to explore factors influencing the willingness to try an EPP. Further research is needed to establish the efficacy of EPPs for maintaining sexual activity and satisfaction in the real-life setting. Conclusion This study informs clinicians about effective ways to introduce the EPP to patients with ED who wish to maintain insertive/receptive sex. Fu F, Duthie CJ, Wibowo E, et al. Openness to Using an External Penile Prosthesis for Maintaining Sexual Intimacy by Individuals with Erectile Dysfunction: A Cross-Sectional Study. Sex Med 2022;10:100559.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fong Fu
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Cassian J Duthie
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Erik Wibowo
- Department of Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Richard J Wassersug
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Lauren M Walker
- Department of Oncology, Division of Psychosocial Oncology, University of Calgary, & Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rowland DL, McNabney SM, Hevesi K. Does Bother/Distress Contribute to the Diagnosis of Premature Ejaculation? Sex Med 2022; 10:100548. [PMID: 35952615 PMCID: PMC9537260 DOI: 10.1016/j.esxm.2022.100548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The role of bother/distress in the diagnosis of premature ejaculation (PE) has received minimal investigation compared with the 2 other diagnostic criteria, ejaculatory control and ejaculatory latency (EL). Aim This study assessed (i) the added variance explained by bother/distress to the diagnostic accuracy of PE and (ii) determined its overall contribution to a PE diagnosis. Methods The 3 diagnostic criteria for PE were assessed in 2,589 men (mean age = 38.2 years, SD = 13.5) in order to determine the contribution of each factor to a dysfunctional diagnosis. A series of regression and discriminant analyses were used to assess the value of bother/distress in explaining ejaculatory control and in predicting accuracy of PE group status. Commonality analysis was used to determine the relative contribution of each of these factors to the diagnosis of PE. Main Outcome Measure The major outcome was the quantified contribution of “bother/distress” to a PE diagnosis. Results Bother/distress accounted for about 3–4% of the variation in ejaculatory control and added only minimally to the prediction accuracy of PE group status (no, probable, definite PE). Commonality analysis indicated that bother/distress comprised about 3.6% of the unique explained variation in the PE diagnosis, compared with ejaculatory control and EL which contributed 54.5% and 26.7%, respectively. Common variance among factors contributed the remaining 15.5% to the PE diagnosis. Clinical Translation Bother/distress contributes least to the determination of a PE diagnosis. Its contribution is largely redundant with the unique and combined contributions of ejaculatory control and EL. Strengths and Limitations Using a well-powered and multivariate analysis, this study parsed out the relative contributions of the 3 diagnostic criteria to a PE diagnosis. The study is limited by its use of estimated EL, a single item assessment of bother/distress, and the lack of differentiation of PE subtypes, lifelong and acquired. Conclusion Bother/distress contributes minimally to the PE diagnosis, yet its assessment may be key to understanding the experiences of the patient/couple and to developing an effective treatment strategy. Rowland DL, McNabney SM, Hevesi K. Does Bother/Distress Contribute to the Diagnosis of Premature Ejaculation?. Sex Med 2022;10:100548.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David L Rowland
- Department of Psychology, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN, USA.
| | - Sean M McNabney
- Department of Psychology, Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN, USA; Department of Applied Health Science, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Krisztina Hevesi
- Institute of Psychology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Tavares IM, Santos-Iglesias P, Nobre PJ. Psychometric Validation of the Sexual Distress Scale in Male and Female Portuguese Samples. J Sex Med 2022; 19:834-845. [PMID: 35370102 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2022.02.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Female Sexual Distress Scale and the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised-herein called the Sexual Distress Scale (SDS and SDS-R)-are among the most widely used self-report instruments to assess sexual distress, but no version for use in the Portuguese population is available to date. AIM The current study aimed to validate the Portuguese version of the SDS/SDS-R in samples of women and men with and without distressing sexual problems. METHODS A sample of 1,109 participants without distressing sexual problems (761 women) and 382 participants with distressing sexual problems (283 women), ages ranging from 18 to 72 years, were used to examine the psychometric properties of the Portuguese SDS and SDS-R. OUTCOMES Participants completed a survey that included a sociodemographic and health questionnaire, the Portuguese version of the SDS and SDS-R, and measures of sexual satisfaction, sexual quality of life, sexual function, dyadic adjustment, and psychological distress. RESULTS Results indicated that the Portuguese SDS and the SDS-R assess 1 general domain of sexual distress and showed good evidences of validity based on content and on relations with other variables. Sexual distress was associated with poorer sexual function, satisfaction, and quality of life, with higher psychological distress, and lower dyadic adjustment. Internal consistency and test-retest (1 month) reliabilities were excellent. Tests of differential functioning of items indicated that the SDS and SDS-R scores can be used to compare women and men on sexual distress, but the SDS/SDS-R scores flagged differential functioning of items and test (DFIT) between participants with and without distressing sexual problems. CLINICAL TRANSLATION Clinicians and researchers can now make use of the SDS and of the SDS-R in the Portuguese population, facilitating the assessment of sexual distress in clinical settings. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS The Portuguese SDS/SDS-R scores can be compared between women and men, providing information on sexual distress independently of sexual function. With the current evidence, comparisons between individuals with and without distressing sexual problems should be made with caution, as the scores may be biased against the former. CONCLUSION This study provides a validation of the Portuguese version of the SDS/SDS-R that can be used to assess sexual distress in Portuguese women and men and can be used to compare between these 2 groups. Tavares IM, Santos-Iglesias P, Nobre PJ. Psychometric Validation of the Sexual Distress Scale in Male and Female Portuguese Samples. J Sex Med 2022;19:834-845.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Inês M Tavares
- Center for Psychology, University of Porto, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Porto, Portugal.
| | | | - Pedro J Nobre
- Center for Psychology, University of Porto, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Michael S, Skaczkowski G, Wilson C. Sexual satisfaction and sexual distress after cancer: The role of body image disruption, self-compassion, sexual pain and relationship satisfaction. Psychooncology 2021; 30:1902-1909. [PMID: 34157169 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify variables that correlate with sexual satisfaction and sexual distress among adult cancer survivors, and how these differ, providing a basis from which approaches to intervention may be identified. This study examined four key variables: body image disruption, self-compassion, relationship satisfaction and sexual pain, previously all linked to sexual quality of life. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted online, with participants (n = 113) recruited via cancer charities, support groups and sexual counsellors' networks. A multivariate multiple regression analysis was conducted to analyse relationships among variables. RESULTS In a regression adjusted for age, sex and time since diagnosis, higher sexual distress was significantly associated with higher body image disruption (β = 0.23; p = 0.024), lower self-compassion (β = -0.29; p = 0.009) and higher sexual pain (β = 0.39; p < 0.001); but not relationship satisfaction (β = -0.08; p = 0.434). Higher sexual satisfaction was significantly associated with higher relationship satisfaction (β = 0.35; p = 0.002) and lower sexual pain (β = -0.29; p = 0.005), but not body image disruption (β = -0.19; p = 0.089), or self-compassion (β = 0.06; p = 0.614). Sexual pain had a significantly stronger association with sexual distress than sexual satisfaction; F (1, 84) = 18.29, p < 0.001. CONCLUSIONS Sexual distress and sexual satisfaction are associated with different psycho-social correlates even though both are used as indicators of sexual health. Research should seek to further understand the differences in these two critical markers of sexual health, with these differences likely to highlight the need to match interventions to the nature of the sexual difficulties experienced following cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Michael
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Gemma Skaczkowski
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.,Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre, Austin Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Rural Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Carlene Wilson
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.,Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre, Austin Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Walker LM. Psychosocial contributors to patients' and partners' postprostate cancer sexual recovery: 10 evidence-based and practical considerations. Int J Impot Res 2020; 33:464-472. [PMID: 33204005 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-020-00369-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Sexual recovery after prostate cancer (PCa) treatment is challenging. When expectations are that erectile response will quickly return to baseline, patients can often struggle when this does not happen. Further difficulty is experienced when patients encounter physical, psychological, and relational barriers to sexual adjustment. Drawing on the psychosocial research literature and on 15 years of clinical experience counseling PCa patients about sexual recovery, this paper outlines considerations for clinical practice. Suggestions include broadening the target for successful outcomes after Pca treatment beyond erectile function to include sexual distress and other sources of sexual concern. Clinicians are urged to consider individual differences such as the larger context of the patient, including their values and preferences, their treatment goals, and their relationship situation and status, in order to promote successful sexual adaptation. When introducing treatment approaches, the role of grief and loss should be assessed, and patients should be supported to foster realistic expectations about the recovery process. Suggestions for how to introduce various sexual strategies to patients are also offered, including ways to support patients in making and sustaining behavioral changes associated with sexual intervention. Clinicians are offered suggestions to promote patients' sexual flexibility, prevent long periods of sexual inactivity, and help patients to identify various sexual motivators. Consideration of these psychological, relational, and social factors are all likely to help facilitate better sexual outcomes for PCa patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Walker
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada. .,Division of PsychoOncology, Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada. .,Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Walker LM, Santos-Iglesias P. On the Relationship Between Erectile Function and Sexual Distress in Men with Prostate Cancer. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2020; 49:1575-1588. [PMID: 32072396 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-019-01603-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Erectile difficulties are common after prostate cancer (PCa) treatment and are associated with sexual distress. However, the relationship between erectile function and sexual distress has yet to be carefully examined. This study had three goals: (1) examine the relationship between erectile function and sexual distress; (2) determine groups of men based on erectile function and sexual distress; and (3) examine the psychosexual characteristics of these groups. A cross section of 233 sexually active men after PCa treatment (age M = 64.90 years, SD = 7.50) completed an online survey containing demographic, health, and sexuality and relationship questionnaires. The relationship between erectile function and sexual distress was curvilinear. Four groups of men were found: good erectile function and low sexual distress, poor erectile function and high sexual distress, but also good erectile function yet high sexual distress, and poor erectile function and low sexual distress. Regardless of erectile function, men with greater sexual distress were more depressed, reported additional sexual concerns, placed less value on sex, were less sexually satisfied, and used protective buffering communication more frequently. They were also less likely to be satisfied with their adaptation to sexual changes and less likely to have found a solution to those changes. The relationship between erectile function and sexual distress is complex, characterized by a wide array of responses to erectile function (high and low distress) and multiple correlates of sexual distress. These results broaden the concept of sexual recovery after PCa treatment, which may assist clinicians and researchers to better address sexual problems after PCa treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Walker
- Tom Baker Cancer Centre-Holy Cross Site, Division of Psychosocial Oncology, Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, 2202 2nd Street SW, Calgary, AB, T2S 3C1, Canada.
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Santos-Iglesias P, Bergeron S, Brotto LA, Rosen NO, Walker LM. Preliminary validation of the Sexual Distress Scale-Short Form: Applications to Women, Men, and Prostate Cancer Survivors. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2020; 46:542-563. [PMID: 32393102 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2020.1761494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The Sexual Distress Scale (SDS) can be used to assess sexual distress in women, men, and prostate cancer (PCa) survivors. Despite its strong psychometric properties, researchers and clinicians could benefit from a short form of the scale. Two studies were conducted to develop (Study 1) and validate (Study 2) a short form of the SDS (SDS-SF) using samples of women, men, and PCa survivors from previous studies. Results of Study 1 suggested a 5-item SDS-SF. Study 2 showed that the SDS-SF items clustered in one factor with good fit across the three samples and excellent reliability. Sexual distress was associated with higher sexual bother, and poorer sexual satisfaction, sexual function, and relationship quality. The SDS-SF discriminated participants with and without distressing sexual problems. The SDS-SF facilitates the assessment of sexual distress in clinical settings by providing a quick way of screening patients with high levels of sexual distress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sophie Bergeron
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - Lori A Brotto
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Natalie O Rosen
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Lauren M Walker
- Department of Oncology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| |
Collapse
|