Sexual function disorders after local radiotherapy for carcinoma of the prostate.
In order to contribute some insight into the extent to which local radiotherapy for carcinoma of the prostate is followed by disorders in sexual functioning, 18 patients whose age ranged from 60 to 82, were interviewed 4 to 45 months after their Radiotherapy (RT). Our results confirmed the fact that RT was followed by impotence as such in only a minority of cases (3 out of 12 or 0.25). However, when other aspects of sexuality were taken into account, a higher proportion appeared to have problems. In a substantial number of patients, psychogenic factors seemed to be (at least partly) responsible. More attention to these facts and, when necessary, psychiatric assistance, may help reduce the incidence of sexual disorders following RT to the prostate.
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007989:Libido / Q000528:radiation effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010410:Penile Erection / Q000528:radiation effects*; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011882:Radiotherapy, High-Energy / Q000009:adverse effects*