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BMC Urology
Published in: BMC Urology 1/2019

Open Access 01-12-2019 | Prostate Cancer | Research article

The importance of sexuality, changes in erectile functioning and its association with self-esteem in men with localized prostate cancer: data from an observational study

Authors: Caren Hilger, Martin Schostak, Stephan Neubauer, Ahmed Magheli, Thomas Fydrich, Silke Burkert, Friederike Kendel

Published in: BMC Urology | Issue 1/2019

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Abstract

Background

Treatment for localized prostate cancer (PCa) can cause long-term changes in erectile functioning. However, data on the importance of sexuality and possible consequences of altered erectile functioning on self-esteem in men with localized PCa are lacking.

Methods

Self-report questionnaires were completed by 292 men with PCa, initially managed with active surveillance (AS) or radical prostatectomy (RP). Independent t-tests were conducted to evaluate group differences. A sequential multiple regression model was fitted to analyze the associations between the importance of sexuality, changes in erectile functioning and impairment of self-esteem. Interaction effects were tested using simple slope analyses.

Results

Participants were 70 ± 7.2 years old and 66.5% rated sex as being “rather/very important”. The two groups differed markedly in changes in erectile functioning, importance of sexuality and impairment of self-esteem (p < .001), with higher values in RP patients. Regression analysis showed that after adjustment for control variables and importance of sexuality, changes in erectile functioning were still associated with impairment of self-esteem (B = .668, SE = .069, p < .001). The interaction of changes in erectile functioning and importance of sexuality reached significance (B = .318, SE = .062, p < .001).

Conclusions

RP patients report more changes in erectile functioning than AS patients. Moreover, in men with localized PCa, erectile functioning and self-esteem are closely related. Sexuality seems to be important for the majority of these men. Physicians should address the possibility of erectile dysfunction and its potential effects on psychological well-being before the treatment decision.
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Metadata
Title
The importance of sexuality, changes in erectile functioning and its association with self-esteem in men with localized prostate cancer: data from an observational study
Authors
Caren Hilger
Martin Schostak
Stephan Neubauer
Ahmed Magheli
Thomas Fydrich
Silke Burkert
Friederike Kendel
Publication date
01-12-2019
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Urology / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2490
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12894-019-0436-x

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