title: Sexuality and intimacy after definitive treatment and subsequent androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer.
abstract: There are more than 2 million prostate cancer survivors in the United States. Primary therapy with surgery or radiation results in permanent changes in sexual function. More than half of these men are subsequently treated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) at some point. The addition of ADT further compromises sexuality, intimacy, and a couple's relationship. This review will highlight the challenges faced by patients and couples and reveal the tremendous need for better education of physicians, patients, and couples as well as for more research in sexuality and intimacy with the goal of improving quality of life for this large population of survivors. Suggestions for clinicians to better help patients and their partners regarding sexuality and intimacy are offered.
authors.affiliation: FACP, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Seattle, WA 98109-1023, USA. thigano@u.washington.edu
authors.forename: Celestia S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Higano
mesh_terms: D000726:Androgen Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012747:Sexual Partners; D019529:Sexuality; D017741:Survivors
chemical_list: D000726:Androgen Antagonists