Sexual effects of cancer: men and people born with male reproductive organs
- Pugh, Julia
- Buckley, Lynn
Abstract
Both cancer and its treatments can affect a person's sexual wellbeing, either directly or indirectly. This article - the second in a two-part series about the sexual impacts of cancer - explores these effects on men and people born with male reproductive organs. It discusses how health professionals can approach the subject of sexual wellbeing, and support patients and their partner(s) through such issues. It suggests health professionals use a framework to do this, such as the bring up, explain, tell, timing, educate, record (BETTER) model.
This article has been double-blind peer reviewed
In this article…
The physical impact of cancers and their treatments on patients' sexuality
The psychosocial effects on sexual function, sexual identity and sexual relationships
How to introduce and address sexual issues with patients and their partners
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Key points
Due to the varied systems involved in sexual activity, it can be affected by treatments for a wide range of cancer types
The impacts on patients' sexuality can be physical, psychological and/or social
Cancer and its treatments can directly and indirectly cause erectile dysfunction
Cancers of the reproductive organs can have specific impacts for people from the LGBTQ+ community
Frameworks are available to help health professionals support patients and their partners