Official websites use. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Corresponding author: Celestia S. There are more than However, the review by Voznesensky et al 3 highlights the fact that treatment of men with other malignancies, including bladder, testicular, colorectal, and those treated with marrow or peripheral stem cell transplant, can also play havoc with erectile function.
The authors explain the anatomy and physiology of normal erections and explain how surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and hormonal therapy can cause ED, dry ejaculation, climacturia leaking urine during orgasm , or anorgasmia difficulty reaching orgasm. They provide a thorough discussion of the standard approaches to ED and conclude that patients should be referred to urologists for treatment of cancer-related ED. Sexuality is complex, and sexual function after diagnosis and treatment of cancer is even more complex.
In addition to the physical and physiologic problems, psychological, relational, and cultural aspects of sexuality must be taken into account.
What research has now made clear is that the partner plays a crucial role in coping with the impact of cancer treatments on the quality of life of the patient, a perspective that was not mentioned by Voznesensky et al. The review by Voznesensky et al 3 assumes that the goal of treatment of ED is the return of erectile function and ability to have coital sex.
However, there is now a strong trend in the field toward a more holistic approach to sexuality that incorporates more than penetrative activities. Because libido, erection, and orgasm all are separate but often interlinked processes , sexual intercourse is just one of an array of options for a fulfilling sexual life. Other caveats specific to treatments for ED that were not discussed by Voznesensky et al 3 should be mentioned.
