CAREGIVER GUIDE
SEX AND INTIMACY Challenges with intimacy are common in many relationships, particularly after a cancer diagnosis. However, prostate cancer treatment presents its own unique challenges since erectile dysfunction (ED) is such a common side effect. For this reason, prostate cancer is sometimes referred to as a “couple’s disease.” Talk with your healthcare team about treatment options and these potential impacts to you and your partner’s quality of life. There are several treatment options for ED. Before and after surgery or radiation therapy, working with a physical therapist to strengthen the pelvic floor may help to manage or prevent ED, as well as urinary incontinence. Other aids to treat ED include medications, injections, vacuum devices, and implants. Using these to have sex may take some getting used to. Some of these options limit spontaneity and may take more planning. Talk with your healthcare team about management of ED, including pelvic floor exercises. Even if your partner does not experience ED, prostate cancer and its treatment can still affect intimacy. Every man is different, but the feelings caused by having cancer and the physical stress of treatment can affect the way they feel about their body and may lead to fatigue, a lack of interest in sex, or a lower libido. It is important for you to talk to your partner about how you both are feeling about intimacy. Don’t try to guess or assume what your partner wants. Your partner’s ED or loss of interest in sex does not mean they have lost interest in a loving and supportive relationship. Discuss with your partner how you can remain physically intimate. Intimacy means much more than sexual intercourse, and you may need to redefine what intimacy means to you as a couple. You and your partner may also want to talk to a sexual health professional. Ask for a referral from your doctor or go to the following websites to find a professional near you: aasect.org or sstarnet.org. Another source of information and comfort may be a prostate cancer caregiver support group. Intimacy challenges and their emotional toll are commonly discussed in these groups. If interested in joining a prostate cancer caregiver support group (or a patient support group), visit zerocancer.org/supportgroups. The loss of sex in a relationship, changes in the way a couple have sex, or starting sex again after prostate cancer treatment, can all affect a relationship. With time and work, you and your partner may be able to have a satisfying sex life despite these challenges.
ZEROCANCER.ORG
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