Objective
Prostate cancer affects couples’ sexual intimacy, but men rarely use recommended pro-erectile aids. Our mixed methods study aimed to identify couples’ pre-prostatectomy barriers to sexual recovery.
Methods
Interviews about anticipated sexual recovery were paired with surveys: the Dyadic Assessment Scale, Protective Buffering Scale, Expanded Prostate Index Composite, Sexual Experience Questionnaire (men), Female Sexual Function Index. Barriers were derived using Grounded Theory. Quantitative data triangulated qualitative findings.
Results
Heterosexual couples (28) participated. Men were 62, partners 58 years old on average. Pre-existing and diagnosis-related barriers included aging-related sexual dysfunction, inadequate sexual problemsolving skills, stressors, worry, avoidance of planning for sexual recovery, dislike of ‘assisted’ sex. Participants endorsed moderate/high marital satisfaction (Mean DAS: men=110.0, SD ±11.4, partners=114.1, SD±12.1) and communication (Mean PBS: men=24.5.2, SD±6.1, partners=25.1, SD±6.2). Men reported mild ED and incontinence (Mean EPIC: 76.6, SD±.21.5; 88.4, SD±18.2, respectively). Men’s couple sexual satisfaction was lowest (Mean SEX-Q: 60.1, SD±26.9). Mean Total FSFI was low (21.6, SD±7.8).
Conclusions
Heterosexual couples face prostatectomy-related sexual side-effects having experienced developmental sexual losses. Couples use avoidant strategies to defend against worry about cancer and anticipated prostatectomy-related sexual changes. These barriers are modifiable if couples can learn to cope with sexual losses and accept sexual rehabilitation strategies.