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. 2013 Dec;10(12):3135-43.
doi: 10.1111/jsm.12295. Epub 2013 Sep 30.

Impact of prostate cancer on sexual relationships: a longitudinal perspective on intimate partners' experiences

Scott D Ramsey  1 , Steven B Zeliadt, David K Blough, Carol M Moinpour, Ingrid J Hall, Judith Lee Smith, Donatus U Ekwueme, Catherine R Fedorenko, Megan E Fairweather, Lisel M Koepl, Ian M Thompson, Thomas E Keane, David F Penson
Affiliations

Impact of prostate cancer on sexual relationships: a longitudinal perspective on intimate partners' experiences

Scott D Ramsey et al. J Sex Med. 2013 Dec.

Abstract

Introduction: In this prospective study of localized prostate cancer patients and their partners, we analyzed how partner issues evolve over time, focusing on satisfaction with care, influence of cancer treatment, and its impact on relationship with patient, cancer worry, and personal activities.

Aims: Our study aims were twofold: (i) to determine whether the impact of treatment on patients and partners moderate over time and (ii) if receiving surgery (i.e., radical prostatectomy) influences partner issues more than other treatments.

Methods: Patients newly diagnosed with localized prostate cancer and their female partners were recruited from three states to complete surveys by mail at three time points over 12 months.

Main outcome measures: The four primary outcomes assessed in the partner analysis included satisfaction with treatment, cancer worry, and the influence of cancer and its treatment on their relationship (both general relationship and sexual relationship).

Results: This analysis included 88 patient-partner pairs. At 6 months, partners reported that cancer had a negative impact on their sexual relationship (39%--somewhat negative and 12%--very negative). At 12 months, this proportion increased substantially (42%--somewhat negative and 29%--very negative). Partners were significantly more likely to report that their sexual relationship was worse when the patient reported having surgery (P = 0.0045, odds ratio = 9.8025, 95% confidence interval 2.076-46.296). A minority of partners reported significant negative impacts in other areas involving their personal activities (16% at 6 months and 25% at 12 months) or work life (6% at 6 months, which increased to 12% at 12 months).

Conclusion: From partners' perspectives, prostate cancer therapy has negative impact on sexual relationships and appears to worsen over time.

Keywords: Partner; Prostate Cancer; Sexual Function.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest:

Drs. Ingrid Hall, Judith Lee Smith and Donatus Ekwueme are employees of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the primary funding agency for this research. Other authors have no conflicts of interest pertaining to the information reported in this manuscript.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Consort flow diagram for the Family And Cancer Therapy Selection (FACTS) study.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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