Long-term effects of testicular cancer on sexual functioning in married couples

Abstract

Long-term sequelae of testicular cancer have not been reported from the perspective of patient and spouse. As part of a larger study, both members of 34 married couples were interviewed individually, almost 4 years after treatment ended. Spouse and patient responses were compared for concordance (agreement) regarding psychosexual functioning and fertility issues. Wives perceived fewer long-term problems than husbands and were extremely supportive throughout their husbands' illnesses. At interview, whereas 23.5% of patients still felt less attractive as a result of treatment, no spouses shared this perception. Patients were more likely to report decreased, and wives increased sexual satisfaction compared to before cancer. However, both patients and spouses were more likely to report decreased frequency of intercourse than increased. In other areas as well, concordance was generally high. Few couples reported that infertility would pose a problem, but 53% were parents; men who banked sperm were less likely to already have children.Cancer 64:1560-1567, 1989.ONG-TERM SURVIVORS of cancer must deal with cer-

Long-term effects on sexual function and fertility after treatment of testicular cancer

“…Despite a reasonable number of retrospective studies investigating the influence of treatment on sexual function, the question remains open whether and in what degree testicular cancer patients are at risk for sexual morbidity (Rieker et al, 1985(Rieker et al, , 1989Schover and Eschenbach, 1985;Schover et al, 1986;Moynihan, 1987;Gritz et al, 1989;Stoter et al, 1989;Tinkler et al, 1992;Aass et al, 1993;Arai et al, 1997;Jonker-Pool et al, 1997). The available data vary widely and a correlation to different treatment modalities is lacking in most studies.…”

“…The incidences of subjective aspects, like 'loss of libido', 'erectile dysfunction' and 'reduced satisfaction with sexual life' were 7%, 9% and 13% respectively. Data available from the literature ranged from 4% up to 38% in different reports (Rieker et al, 1985;Schover and Eschenbach, 1985;Moynihan, 1987;Schover, 1987;Fossa et al, 1988;Gritz et al, 1989;Jonker-Pool et al, 1997). It has been suggested that sexual dysfunctions are related to the intensity and the modality of the treatment.…”

“…The different effects of treatment on sexual functioning make their evaluation a complex problem, particularly in patients treated with more than one therapeutic modality. Large differences regarding the frequencies of sexual dysfunctions and the influence of different treatments are reported in the literature (Rieker et al, 1985(Rieker et al, , 1989Schover and Eschenbach, 1985;Schover et al, 1986;Gritz et al, 1989;Tinkler et al, 1992;Aass et al, 1993;Bloom et al, 1993;Arai et al, 1997;Jonker-Pool et al, 1997). The aim of the present descriptive investigation was to evaluate the incidence of long-term effects on sexuality and try to identify treatment-related differences.…”

Marital and sexual satisfaction in testicular cancer survivors and their spouses

“…Although attention has been paid to sexual functioning in TCSs themselves, very little research has been done into the sexual satisfaction of their partners. Two reports have been published on sexual functioning, in the same group of 34 TCSs and spouses mentioned above [7,10]. TCSs and their spouses reported a decrease in sexual frequency since the illness and treatment.…”

Sexual functions after high-dose chemotherapy in survivors of germ cell tumors

“…Even a decade after treatment, men may still suffer from anxiety, insomnia, depression and decreased sexual arousal. [16][17][18][19] In comparison to age-matched men with Hodgkin's disease or leukemia, patients with testicular GCT more often report sexual problems, suggesting that the specific location of testicular GCT plays a negative role. 20 Owing to its symbolic nature, the loss of a testicle itself may influence masculinity, sexual identity and body image.…”