Male Sexuality and Prostate Cancer

Traditionally, erectile dysfunction has been considered as a major side effect of prostate cancer treatments, both organ-confined and metastatic. Nowadays, sexuality is understood more vastly, and research is conducted in other organic issues as ejaculation, orgasm and penile morphology. Psychological effects are being taken more into consideration as changes in self-body imaging, masculinity, libido and relationship partners. With this enhanced definition, sexuality will not remain unchanged for almost all the patients. In addition, prostate cancer treatments alter sexuality in non-heteronormative groups that require a specific counsel and management. As interest in sexuality is increasing, practitioners should know that sexual counselling in prostate cancer survivors can be sometimes challenging. In this chapter, we are going to review the major organic and psychological effects of radical prostatectomy, radiotherapy and hormonal treatments. Also, a subchapter addressing sexuality issues in non-heteronormative population with prostate cancer is included.