title: Assessing couples' preferences for postoperative sexual rehabilitation before radical prostatectomy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the readiness of couples to engage in a sexual rehabilitation programme (SRP) before radical prostatectomy (RP) and to identify barriers to participation in an SRP after RP. To identify couples' current levels of sexual function and intimacy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and their partners completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) to measure sexual function. Couples completed the Miller Social Intimacy Scale (MSIS) to measure intimacy in relationships. All participants were seen by a sexual health clinician after completing the measures to discuss barriers to participation in an SRP, and to receive an education session.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Study participants comprised 143 patients and 104 partners. Patients <60 years old had significantly higher sexual function (P < 0.002) compared with those patients aged 60 years and older. Partners' sexual function scores were suggestive of need for further medical evaluation. Partners' participation was cited by patients as important to them enrolling in an SRP. Couples' intimacy levels were strongly correlated (P < 0.0001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results suggest that less than 50% of patients are interested in receiving information about the impact of RP on sexual function before surgery. Female sexual function should be assessed as part of any SRP because they may require medical treatment if they are to support rehabilitation efforts for their spouses. Baseline assessment of a couple's sexual function and willingness to participate in an SRP should be performed preoperatively.
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada. joyce.davison@usask.ca
authors.forename: B Joyce
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Davison
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Matthew
authors.forename: Stacy
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Elliott
authors.forename: Erin
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Breckon
authors.forename: Shannon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Griffin
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D057240:Patient Preference; D011468:Prostatectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012747:Sexual Partners / Q000523:psychology