title: Effects of early pelvic-floor muscle exercise for sexual dysfunction in radical prostatectomy recipients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Sexual dysfunction is common after radical prostatectomy (RP). Although pelvic-floor muscle exercise (PFME) has been recommended for sexual dysfunction, the optimal time for starting exercises after this surgery and the effects of exercise still need to be examined.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The present study was intended to explore the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and to assess the efficacy of PFME in sexual dysfunction following RP.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants were randomly distributed into an experimental group (n = 35) or a control group (n = 27). The experimental group took part in PFME as part of regular daily activities after catheter removal post-RP. The control group was taught the exercise in the third month after RP. We followed up the participants at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All of the patients experienced a severe degree of sexual dysfunction after receiving RP. A t test showed a significant difference in the sexual function mean score between the experimental and control groups at 6 and 12 months. A mixed-model analysis indicated that, after a controlled surgical approach, there was a significant difference in group effect. The experimental group's sexual function was better than the control group's sexual function.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study demonstrates that early PFME is an effective intervention for sexual dysfunction in prostatectomy patients. The results can help healthcare providers to include this intervention in patients' discharge plans.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patient sexual dysfunction after an RP is common. Nurses should evaluate and manage patients' sexual dysfunction and promote the early return of patients' potency.
authors.affiliation: Nursing Department, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Yu-Hua
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Tsan-Jung
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.forename: Victor Chia-Hsiang
authors.initials: VC
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Hua-Pin
authors.initials: HP
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Kevin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lu
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D017773:Pelvic Floor; D011468:Prostatectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome