The psychological aspects of sexual dysfunction associated with the treatment of prostate cancer

Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer found inAmerican men. Men of any age can get prostate cancer; it is generally diagnosed in menover 50. More than 8 out of ten men with prostate cancer are over the age of 65. By andlarge men of this age group are married or have a long term partner. Consequently, theemotional impact of a diagnosis of prostate cancer will not only impact the man, but hispartner as well.Fortunately, there is now a longer expected survival for most prostate cancersurvivors. Quality of life issues have become a major concern in the evaluation of thedifferent treatment options. Long term goals will certainly include maximizing survival,but in the short term cancer survivors wish to know how treatment will affect theirquality of life.This review article will present an overview of the current literature regardingpsychological aspects of sexual dysfunctions associated with the treatment of prostatecancer. We will review current pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatmentregimens. Lastly, we will present our multidisciplinary approach to this problem.