Sexuality and intimacy following radical prostatectomy: Patient and partner perspectives.

Abstract

Most research on adjustment following radical prostatectomy has focused on limited assessments of urinary and erectile functioning. In this study, the authors provided a more comprehensive assessment of sexuality from 134 radical prostatectomy patients and their partners and determined the extent to which various components of sexuality are associated with psychosocial adjustment. Measures of sexuality and intimacy modestly predicted patients' emotional distress and quality of life (QoL), with body image and dyadic adjustment playing the most important roles after controlling for medical variables, general physical functioning, and optimistic outlook. Urinary incontinence and other sexuality variables were not unique predictors. In contrast, partner ratings of sexual satisfaction played a more important role in predicting their QoL.

Renegotiating Sexuality and Intimacy in the Context of Cancer: The Experiences of Carers

“…While the experiences of intimate partners are often neglected in research on sexuality and intimacy in the context of cancer (Reichers, 2004), there is growing acknowledgement of their unmet needs in this area (De Groot et al, 2005;Perez, Skinner, & Meyerowitz, 2002). Reported disruptions include, fear of initiating sex with the person with cancer, difficulty maintaining a level of ''normality'' within the sexual relationship, decreases in their own sex drive, and feeling unwanted and unattractive following cessation of sex (Harden et al, 2002;Maughan, Heyman, & Matthews, 2002;Sanders, Pedro, Bantum, & Galbraith, 2006).…”

Describing Health-Related Outcomes for Couples Experiencing Prostate Cancer: Differences and Similarities

“…some researchers have noted that partners of patients with prostate cancer experience more psychological distress than the patient (Harden, 2005;Kiss & meryn, 2001;Perez, skinner, & meyerowitz, 2002). The patients also reported frustrations with their relationship and often find it difficult to share emotions and concerns with their partner (Harden).…”

A longitudinal study of changes in provider–patient interaction in treatment of localized prostate cancer

“…Studies have described the course of psychosocial adjustment of patients with localized prostate cancer in terms of, e.g. emotional distress, traumatic stress symptoms, decisional uncertainty, or satisfaction with life [1][2][3]. A successful and caring communication between the provider and the patient is essential to meet patients' information needs and can reduce the emotional distress of cancer patients [4,5].…”