Men's sexual issues after breast cancer in their wives: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background: Husbands of women with breast cancer may experience problems in their sexual relationships with their wives. Adjustment to sexual issues can be affected by cultural norms and beliefs. Understanding men's perceptions and responses to their new sexual status after diagnosis of their wife's disease and during its treatment may help clinicians to better support the couple.

Objective: The objective of this study was to explore the sexual issues of Iranian men after breast cancer in their wives.

Methods: A qualitative research method based on the grounded theory approach was used. In-depth interviews were conducted with a purposive sampling of Iranian men experiencing breast cancer in their wives. Data analysis was based on the constant comparative method.

Results: Eighteen men were interviewed. Five main themes emerged: sexual relationship changes, sexual avoidance, sexual abstinence, sexual restraint, and efforts to normalize the relationship.

Conclusions: The participants experienced problems in their sex lives. Because cultural and religious beliefs were important factors affecting the men's sexual adjustment, health system providers should encourage husbands to tolerate and adjust to their sexual issues in the context of their culture and religion.

Implications for practice: The findings of this study could help nurses and other healthcare professionals recognize sexual issues in the husbands of women with breast cancer and promote the couples' healthy sexual life.