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Gupta N, Zebib L, Wittmann D, Nelson CJ, Salter CA, Mulhall JP, Byrne N, Nolasco TS, Loeb S. Understanding the sexual health perceptions, concerns, and needs of female partners of prostate cancer survivors. J Sex Med 2023; 20:651-660. [PMID: 36941211 PMCID: PMC10149377 DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdad027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prostate cancer (PCa) and its treatments can have a significant negative impact on the sexual health of survivors and couples, but few studies have specifically examined the impact of PCa-related sexual dysfunction on female partners of survivors. AIM Our objective was to perform a qualitative study to comprehensively characterize female partners' perceptions of the implications of PCa on their sex lives, as well as partners' sexual health concerns and unmet needs. METHODS We conducted semi-structured telephone interviews about sexual health and unmet needs with female partners of PCa survivors recruited from multiple clinical locations and support groups for PCa caregivers from September 2021 to March 2022. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and independently coded. Participants were recruited until thematic saturation was achieved. OUTCOMES Outcomes of this study were female partner sexual health concerns and unmet needs. RESULTS Among 12 participants, the median age was 65 (range 53 to 81) years, 9 were White, the median time since their partner's PCa diagnosis was 2.25 years (range 11 months to 20 years), and a majority reported that their partner had undergone radical prostatectomy, radiation, and/or hormonal therapy. Major emergent themes pertained to the significant impact of age- and PCa-related sexual dysfunction on female sexual quality of life, the dyadic nature of sexual dysfunction and recovery, the role of the partner in coping with and adjusting to sexual dysfunction, difficulties communicating about sexual dysfunction in an intimate relationship, a lack of physician-led sexual health counseling and support, and the benefit of peer interactions and proactive information seeking in addressing unmet sexual health needs. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Future efforts should continue to explore the impact of PCa on partner sexual health and address unmet needs through sexual health education and support. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS In this study, we identified female partners' sexual health concerns both related to and independent of PCa survivor sexual health. Limitations include exclusion of male partners of survivors and potential responder bias, as partners who agreed to participate may have experienced more sexual health concerns. CONCLUSION We found that female partners experience PCa-related sexual dysfunction as a couple's disease, grief due to age- and PCa-related sexual losses, and a lack of physician-led sexual health counseling and information. Our results highlight the importance of including partners of PCa survivors in the sexual recovery process and of developing sexual care programs to address partners' unmet sexual health needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Gupta
- Department of Urology, New York University, New York, NY 10016, United States
- Department of Population Health, New York University, New York, NY 10016, United States
- Manhattan Veteran Affairs, New York, NY 10010, United States
| | - Laura Zebib
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Daniela Wittmann
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States
| | - Christian J Nelson
- Department of Psychiatry, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Carolyn A Salter
- Department of Urology, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, WA 98431, United States
| | - John P Mulhall
- Department of Urology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Nataliya Byrne
- Department of Urology, New York University, New York, NY 10016, United States
- Department of Population Health, New York University, New York, NY 10016, United States
- Manhattan Veteran Affairs, New York, NY 10010, United States
| | - Tatiana Sanchez Nolasco
- Department of Urology, New York University, New York, NY 10016, United States
- Department of Population Health, New York University, New York, NY 10016, United States
- Manhattan Veteran Affairs, New York, NY 10010, United States
| | - Stacy Loeb
- Department of Urology, New York University, New York, NY 10016, United States
- Department of Population Health, New York University, New York, NY 10016, United States
- Manhattan Veteran Affairs, New York, NY 10010, United States
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Schubach K, Niyonsenga T, Turner M, Paterson C. Experiences of sexual well-being interventions in males affected by genitourinary cancers and their partners: an integrative systematic review. Support Care Cancer 2023; 31:265. [PMID: 37058163 PMCID: PMC10104925 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07712-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Sexual well-being has been identified as an unmet supportive care need among many individuals with genitourinary (GU) cancers. Little is known about the experiences of using sexual well-being interventions among men and their partners. METHODS This review was reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and followed a systematic review protocol. Data extraction and methodological quality appraisal were performed, and a narrative synthesis was conducted. RESULTS A total of 21 publications (reporting on 18 studies) were included: six randomised control trials, seven cross-sectional studies, three qualitative studies, and five mixed methods studies. Sexual well-being interventions comprised medical/pharmacological and psychological support, including counselling and group discussion facilitation. The interventions were delivered using various modes: face-to-face, web-based/online, or telephone. Several themes emerged and included broadly: (1) communication with patient/partner and healthcare professionals, (2) educational and informational needs, and (3) timing and/or delivery of the interventions. CONCLUSION Sexual well-being concerns for men and their partners were evident from diagnosis and into survivorship. Participants benefited from interventions but many articulated difficulties with initiating the topic due to embarrassment and limited access to interventions in cancer services. Noteworthy, all studies were only representative of men diagnosed with prostate cancer, underscoring a significant gap in other GU cancer patient groups where sexual dysfunction is a prominent consequence of treatment. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS This systematic review provides valuable new insights to inform future models of sexual well-being recovery interventions for patients and partners with prostate cancer, but further research is urgently needed in other GU cancer populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Schubach
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce ACT, Australia.
- Rehabilitation, Activity, Cancer, Exercise and Survivorship (PACES) Research Group, University of Canberra, Bruce ACT, Australia.
| | - Theo Niyonsenga
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce ACT, Australia
- Rehabilitation, Activity, Cancer, Exercise and Survivorship (PACES) Research Group, University of Canberra, Bruce ACT, Australia
| | - Murray Turner
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce ACT, Australia
- Rehabilitation, Activity, Cancer, Exercise and Survivorship (PACES) Research Group, University of Canberra, Bruce ACT, Australia
| | - Catherine Paterson
- Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce ACT, Australia
- Rehabilitation, Activity, Cancer, Exercise and Survivorship (PACES) Research Group, University of Canberra, Bruce ACT, Australia
- Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
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Topical alprostadil (Vitaros ©) in the treatment of erectile dysfunction after non-nerve-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. Urologia 2017; 85:55-59. [PMID: 28967058 DOI: 10.5301/uj.5000267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study is the evaluation of the efficacy and safety of the treatment with topical alprostadil (Vitaros©) in post-robot assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) rehabilitation therapy of patients with erectile dysfunction (ED). METHODS Seventy-four patients were enrolled and underwent non-nerve-sparing RARP. INCLUSION CRITERIA age <75, preoperatively International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) >16, erection hardness score (EHS) ⩾2, weekly sexual intercourse ⩾1, affirmative answers to Sexual Encounter Profile Question (SEP-Q) 2 and SEP-Q3, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) ⩽5, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status ⩽1, no moderate/severe cardiovascular disease. RESULTS Vitaros was administered ⩾2 twice a week. At month 6, the IIEF-5 decreased from 20.5 preoperative to 18.1 post-treatment. EHS score decreased from a mean of 3.3 to a mean of 3.0. The quality of life score decreased from an average of 5.1 to 2.3. Weekly sexual intercourse decreased from an average of 2.1 to 1.7. Six patients dropped out; 89.7% patients showed a positive SEP-Q2 and 77.8% a positive SEP-Q3. All patients responded positively to Global Assessment Questions (GAQ)-1 and 97% to GAQ-2. Of all 68 analyzed patients, 13 (17.6%) switched to intracavernous injection therapy. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, Vitaros may become a viable alternative to common injective therapies in well-selected patients after RARP.
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Evidence Supporting Couple-Based Interventions for the Recovery of Sexual Intimacy After Prostate Cancer Treatment. CURRENT SEXUAL HEALTH REPORTS 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s11930-017-0095-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Mardani-Hamooleh M, Heidari H. Perception of Iranian Patients with Cancer Regarding Sexual Health: A Content Analysis Study. SEXUALITY AND DISABILITY 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s11195-016-9467-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Anaissie J, Hellstrom WJ. Clinical use of alprostadil topical cream in patients with erectile dysfunction: a review. Res Rep Urol 2016; 8:123-31. [PMID: 27536559 PMCID: PMC4977016 DOI: 10.2147/rru.s68560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common and debilitating disorder seen in over 50% of men older than 70 years. Oral phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors are the mainstay of treatment for ED, but cannot be used by a significant subset of patients due to systemic side effects and drug-drug interactions. Second-line therapy may include intracavernosal therapies, but are associated with poor compliance due to their invasive nature. Alprostadil has a mechanism of action different from that of PDE5 inhibitors. Clinical trials have shown topical alprostadil cream to be effective, increasing the erectile function (EF) score of the International Index of EF by up to 13 points from baseline. It has also proven to be safe and well tolerated, with mild-to-moderate and transient treatment-related adverse events that are generally localized to the application site. Topical alprostadil cream is a safe and effective second-line therapy for ED, indicated for those who cannot tolerate, or are not satisfied with, oral PDE5 inhibitor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Anaissie
- Department of Urology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Wayne Jg Hellstrom
- Department of Urology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
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Perz J, Ussher JM, Gilbert E. Feeling well and talking about sex: psycho-social predictors of sexual functioning after cancer. BMC Cancer 2014; 14:228. [PMID: 24673768 PMCID: PMC3986691 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-14-228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Changes to sexual wellbeing are acknowledged to be a long-term negative consequence of cancer and cancer treatment. These changes can have a negative effect on psychological well-being, quality of life and couple relationships. Whilst previous conclusions are based on univariate analysis, multivariate research can facilitate examination of the complex interaction between sexual function and psycho-social variables such as psychological wellbeing, quality of life, and relationship satisfaction and communication in the context of cancer, the aim of the present study. METHOD Six hundred and fifty seven people with cancer (535 women, 122 men) and 148 partners (87 women, 61 men), across a range of sexual and non-sexual cancers, completed a survey consisting of standardized measures of sexual functioning, depression and anxiety, quality of life, relationship satisfaction, dyadic sexual communication, and self-silencing, as well as ratings of the importance of sex to life and relationships. RESULTS Men and women participants, reported reductions in sexual functioning after cancer across cancer type, for both people with cancer and partners. Multiple regression analysis examined psycho-social predictors of sexual functioning. Physical quality of life was a predictor for men and women with cancer, and for male partners. Dyadic sexual communication was a predictor for women with cancer, and for men and women partners. Mental quality of life and depression were also predictors for women with cancer, and the lower self-sacrifice subscale of self-silencing a predictor for men with cancer. CONCLUSION These results suggest that information and supportive interventions developed to alleviate sexual difficulties and facilitate sexual renegotiation should be offered to men and women with both sexual and non-sexual cancers, rather than primarily focused on individuals with sexual and reproductive cancers, as is the case currently. It is also important to include partners in supportive interventions. Interventions aimed at improving sexual functioning should include elements aimed at improving physical quality of life and sexual communication, with a focus on psychological wellbeing also being important for women with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janette Perz
- Centre for Health Research, University of Western Sydney, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith South 2751, Australia
| | - Jane M Ussher
- Centre for Health Research, University of Western Sydney, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith South 2751, Australia
| | - Emilee Gilbert
- Centre for Health Research, University of Western Sydney, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith South 2751, Australia
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Lehuluante A, Fransson P. Are there specific health-related factors that can accentuate the risk of suicide among men with prostate cancer? Support Care Cancer 2014; 22:1673-8. [PMID: 24515278 PMCID: PMC4008778 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-014-2150-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2013] [Accepted: 01/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The aim of this study was to explore if there were some specific factors pertinent to health-related quality of life (HRQoL) that could affect self-experienced suicide ideation in men with prostate cancer (PCa). Methods Questionnaires containing 45 items were distributed to members of the Swedish Prostate Cancer Federation in May 2012. Out of 6,400 distributed questionnaires, 3,165 members (50 %) with PCa completed the questionnaires. Those members expressed their experienced HRQoL and experienced suicide ideation using VAS-like scales as well as multiple-choice questions. Both descriptive and analytical statistical methods were employed. A regression model was used to explore the relationship between experienced health-related quality of life and experienced suicide ideation. Results Generally, the respondents rated their self-experienced health-related quality of life as good. About 40 % of the participants had experienced problem with incontinence, and 23 % had obstructions during miction. About 7 % of the respondents experienced suicidal ideation, at least sometime. The regression model showed statistically significant relationships between suicide ideation, on the one hand, and lower self-rated health-related quality of life (P < 0.001), physical pain (P = 0.04), pain during miction (P = 0.03), and low-rated mental / physical energy (P = 0.03), on the other. Conclusion It is quite necessary to know which specific disease and treatment-related problems can trigger suicide ideations in men with prostate cancer and to try to direct treatment, care, and psychosocial resources to alleviate these problems in time.
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