Male Sexual Rehabilitation After Pelvic Cancer

Abstract

The aim of this chapter is to discuss management strategies for sexual rehabilitation of men after pelvic cancer treatment. Cancer treatments can significantly impair erectile function, and the effective management of erectile dysfunction can result in improved objective and subjective clinical outcomes for physical parameters, sexual satisfaction, and rates of erection. While the use of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5-I) is now one of the most recognized management strategies for men with erectile dysfunction, many men will require a combined management approach, incorporating exercise and lifestyle modifications, psychosexual counseling, and other treatments or devices. This chapter provides a comprehensive algorithm for managing men with ED associated with pelvic cancer treatments (including surgery, radiotherapy, and androgen deprivation treatment). In addition to using the algorithm, an understanding of the rationale for the type and timing of ED management strategies is crucial for clinicians, patients, and their partners.