Prostate cancer and sexual function.

Erectile dysfunction is a condition affecting 1 in every 10 men. Although its occurrence is related to ageing, illness and its necessary therapy can play a major role. Prostate cancer can lead to erectile dysfunction both psychologically through depression and emotional distress, and physically through therapy for the disease. An international quality of life survey involving 401 patients with prostate cancer was conducted. The objectives of the study were to investigate the patients' understanding of the treatment options they received, to explore the importance of the patient-doctor communication in the treatment of prostate cancer and to see what effect treatment had on patient's sexual function. One of the main findings of the survey was that too little counselling or information on treatment options and their effects on sexual function was provided to patients. Patients themselves felt that psychosexual counselling, in particular, would be helpful. In addition, therapy for prostate cancer appears to have a significant impact on patients' lifestyle and also on their libido, sexual function and activity.