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The psychosocial aspects of sexual recovery after prostate cancer treatment

International Journal of Impotence Research volume 21, pages 99–106 (2009)Cite this article

Abstract

Prostate cancer affects one in six American men. Erectile and sexual dysfunctions are long-term side effects of prostate cancer treatment. PubMed database was searched for papers on prostate cancer-related sexual recovery for men and couples. The search yielded articles on (1) the treatment of erectile dysfunction, (2) men's psychological and culturally diverse adaptation to the sexual side effects; (3) the impact of prostate cancer on couples' relationships; and (4) interventions to promote sexual function. Erectile dysfunction after prostate cancer treatment has been widely studied. Research on the sexual recovery of men and couples or understanding it in a cultural context is scarce. Greater focus on the impact of sexual sequelae of prostate cancer treatment on men as well as couples in diverse groups is needed. Clinical implications for treating sexual dysfunction and promoting sexual recovery for prostate cancer survivors and their partners are discussed. Recommendations for future research are provided.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

    D Wittmann, D P Wood Jr & J E Montie

  2. center for Sexual Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

    D Wittmann & S Foley

  3. School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA

    L Northouse

  4. Department of Urology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA

    S Gilbert

  5. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA

    R Balon

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  1. D Wittmann
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  6. R Balon
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Correspondence to D Wittmann.

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Wittmann, D., Northouse, L., Foley, S. et al. The psychosocial aspects of sexual recovery after prostate cancer treatment. Int J Impot Res 21, 99–106 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1038/ijir.2008.66

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