title: Pursuit of sexual function post-radical prostatectomy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In the event of the implementation of prostate cancer screening, younger men will be diagnosed more frequently. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a frequent long-term complication in men post-radical prostatectomy (RP). Since the introduction of RP, urologists have strived to improve postoperative sexual function. There is little literature, however, in the area of ED prescribing and sexual pursuit in men post-RP. We assessed the pursuit of sexual function in this group of patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study involved a detailed questionnaire sent to patients who have undergone radical retropublic prostatectomy (RRP) by one surgeon in one institution to ascertain the impact of ED on lifestyle and ED therapy prescription use.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a response rate of 59%; most patients who responded were in the 61 to 70 year age group at the time of the survey. About 25% of patients had intercourse more than once in the 4 weeks prior to the survey. A total 50% of patients had no problem or a very small problem with their sexual function. Overall 80% of patients were prescribed ED therapy, but less than 35% of them used it.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Sexual frequency peaked in younger patients who were 3 years or more from surgery. Of note, 46% of men either declined the offer of ED therapy or got the prescription and never used it. Only 34% of men had used their ED prescription in the last 4 weeks. Urologists frequently find that patients behave differently postoperatively, with less interest in sexual activity. Interestingly, we found that 50% of our patients classified their sexual function, as at most a small problem.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
authors.forename: Lisa G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Smyth
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
authors.forename: Ivor M
authors.initials: IM
authors.lastname: Cullen
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
authors.forename: David M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Quinlan