PREDICTORS OF PATIENT AND PARTNER REPORTED SEXUAL SATISFACTION FOLLOWING RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY

• Authors: Cailey Guercio, Emory University; Akanksha Mehta, Emory University; Martin Sanda, Emory University; D Patil, Emory University; M Goodman, Emory University
• Journal Title: The Journal of Sexual Medicine
• Volume: Volume 14, Number 2
• Publisher: Elsevier: 12 months | 2017-02-01, Pages E81-E82
• Type of Work: Article | Post-print: After Peer Review
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.sxmr.2017.08.005
• Subjects: Health Sciences, Medicine and Surgery; Health Sciences, Oncology
• Keywords: Science & Technology; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; Urology & Nephrology

Abstract

Introduction: The diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer adversely affects the physical and emotional well-being of patients and partners and has been associated with sexual dysfunction in patients and their intimate partners. Aim: To identify predictors of sexual satisfaction in prostate cancer survivors and their partners based on a review of the current literature. Methods: We performed a comprehensive review of the PubMed database from January 2000 to May 2017 focused on the (i) prevalence of patient and partner sexual dysfunction related to radical prostatectomy, (ii) differences in patient and partner perspectives of sexual function and dysfunction, and (iii) predictors of patient and partner sexual satisfaction after radical prostatectomy. Main Outcome Measures: Patient- and partner-reported sexual satisfaction. Results: There is a paucity of published data examining sexual satisfaction in prostate cancer survivors and their partners. Patients and partners can have different expectations of sexual outcomes after radical prostatectomy and different attitudes toward the relative importance of recovery of sexual function after surgery. Available data suggest that patients' and partners' mental and physical health and the quality of communication between them are important contributors to their sexual satisfaction. Patient-perceived partner support also is associated with better patient-reported erectile function and greater relationship satisfaction. Conclusion: Mental health, physical health, quality of interpersonal communication, and patient-perceived partner support appear to be the most important predictors of sexual satisfaction for patients and partners in the post-prostatectomy period. There is a definite need for further research on this topic to develop interventions to improve sexual function and quality of life for prostate cancer survivors and their intimate partners.