Changes in specific domains of sexual function and sexual bother after radical prostatectomy

A new study at Yale School of Medicine, USA, aimed to quantitatively assess the effect of radical prostatectomy on the specific domains that comprise overall sexual function. Researchers focused on the relationships among these domains and overall sexual function in order to identify predictors for recovery of sexual function over time, as a decline in sexual function and sexual bother are known potential complications of treatment for prostate cancer.

The study finds radical prostatectomy affects specific domains of sexual function to differing degrees. Compromised erectile function is most commonly reported among these specific domains and seems to play a more dominant role in determining overall sexual function, but notably none of the domains of function were closely linked to sexual bother. Because education is protective in the perception of bother, appropriate counselling and the setting of expectations for outcomes in overall and specific domains of sexual function might lead to improved quality of life after treatment for prostate cancer.