The treatments currently used for patients with prostate cancer will affect overall sexuality and fertility. Different treatment options have different effects on overall health, sexuality and vitality, but all treatments affect fertility. Researchers from Hospital Sainte Marguerite in Marseille, France recently published a piece on the impact of prostate cancer treatment on sexuality in journal Progres En Urologie.
According to the researchers who authored the piece, fertility desires need to be discussed before treatment begins. Sperm can be cryopreserved for future use. Infertility is likely a lifelong side effect of prostate cancer treatment. Couples also need to discuss sexuality honestly with the attending specialist before treatment. Maintaining a healthy sex drive is one of the main concerns for prostate cancer patients, but doctors prefer a realistic outlook on sexuality prior to diagnosis to best choose course of treatment and evaluate success after treatment. Information on the possible impact on sexuality and fertility needs to be delivered to the patient and partner.
Source: Colson MH, Lechevallier E, Rambeaud JJ, Alimi JC, Faix A, Gravis G, Hannoun-Levi JM, Quintens H, Rébillard X, Droupy S. Sexuality and prostate cancer. Prog Urol. 2012 Sep;22 Suppl 2:S72-92. doi: 10.1016/S1166-7087(12)70039-8.