By Dr. David Samadi
Prostate cancer is frequently described as a disease that affects both the patient and their partner, having a significant impact on both individuals. The treatments for prostate cancer can significantly affect sexual quality of life, impacting over a million partners in the U.S. alone. Recent studies have shed light on the challenges faced by partners of prostate cancer patients, particularly regarding their sexual health and overall quality of life.
The Emotional Toll on Relationships
The treatment for prostate cancer frequently leads to sexual side effects, which can put a strain on relationships. Couples may struggle to communicate openly about these issues, leading to stress and tension. Many partners grieve the loss of familiar sexual activities and the intimacy they once enjoyed. Some partners feel “invisible,” with their needs for intimacy overlooked both in their relationship and within the healthcare setting. They often find it difficult to prioritize their sexual needs amidst the chaos of a cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Shared Concerns and the Need for Support
Both prostate cancer patients and their partners frequently express dissatisfaction with the lack of counseling on sexual side effects from their healthcare providers. They yearn for more support as they navigate the complexities of their altered sexual relationship and strive to establish a “new normal.”
Effective Strategies for Couples
The studies highlighted several strategies that can help couples manage the sexual problems arising from prostate cancer treatment:
- Open Communication: Discussing sexual issues openly can help couples maintain or re-establish emotional and physical intimacy.
- Expanding Sexual Repertoire: Finding new ways to be physically intimate can rejuvenate the sexual relationship.
- Seeking Support: Accessing help from urologists specializing in sexual medicine, sex therapists, counselors, or support groups can provide much-needed guidance and support.
A New Tool for Assessing Sexual Concerns
The insights from these studies led to the creation of a new questionnaire, the Sexual Concerns in Partners of Patients with Prostate Cancer – Female (SHIPPP-F). This tool aims to evaluate the sexual quality of life for female partners of prostate cancer patients, helping to identify areas where additional support is needed. The questionnaire was tested with 200 female partners across the U.S., providing valuable data on their experiences.
Future Research and Resources
Future research will focus on the sexual quality of life for male partners of prostate cancer patients, with plans to develop a male version of the questionnaire (SHIPPP-M). This will further broaden the understanding of how prostate cancer affects couples.
If you are a female partner of a prostate cancer patient, you can download the SHIPPP-F questionnaire and compare your scores with those from the study. Higher scores indicate worse symptoms, signaling a need for additional support, whether through healthcare providers, counseling, sex therapy, or support groups.
Prostate cancer profoundly affects the lives of patients and their partners. By addressing sexual health concerns and seeking appropriate support, couples can find their way through these challenges and still maintain intimacy and more profound connections during their cancer journey.
Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy. Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, available online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncolo gy and prostate cancer 911.