title: The Effects of Radical Prostatectomy on Gay and Bisexual Men's Mental Health, Sexual Identity and Relationships: Qualitative Results from theRestoreStudy.
abstract: The effect of prostate cancer treatment in gay and bisexual men is an under-researched area. In 2015, we conducted in-depth telephone interviews with 19 gay and bisexual men who had undergone radical prostatectomies. Across the respondents' five emotional themes emerged: (1) shock at the diagnosis, (2) a reactive, self-reported "depression", (3) sex-specific situational anxiety, (4) a sense of grief, and, (5) an enduring loss of sexual confidence. Identity challenges included loss of a sense of maleness and manhood, changes in strength of sexual orientation, role-in-sex identity, and immersion into sexual sub-cultures. Relationship challenges identified included disclosing the sexual effects of treatment to partners, loss of partners, and re-negotiation of sexual exclusivity. Most to all of these effects stem from sexual changes. To mitigate these negative effects of radical prostatectomy, and to address health disparities n outcomes observed in gay and bisexual men, all these challenges need to be considered in any tailored rehabilitation program for gay and bisexual men.
authors.affiliation: Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, 1300 S. 2 St. #300, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
authors.forename: B R Simon
authors.initials: BR
authors.lastname: Rosser
authors.affiliation: Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
authors.forename: Benjamin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Capistrant
authors.affiliation: Department of Communication Studies, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, MN, USA.
authors.forename: Beatriz
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Torres
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
authors.forename: Badrinath
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Konety
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
authors.forename: Enyinnaya
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Merengwa
authors.affiliation: Malecare, New York, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Darryl
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mitteldorf
authors.affiliation: Department of Writing Studies, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: West