Sexual dysfunction is a prevalent complication after cancer treatment that includes the disruption of the quality of sexual life, marital satisfaction, and emotional wellbeing. Cancer survivors face many challenges related to their sexual health due to the side effects of treatment such as impotence, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, reduced sensation, low libido, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, loss of breast tissue, urinary issues, fatigue, depression, anxiety, body image changes, fertility concerns, etc. These consequences can have significant impacts on men's relationship with themselves, partners, and society. The impact of surgery on sexual function can be devastating for both patients and their spouses because it threatens men's masculinity, self-esteem, identity, intimacy, confidence, attraction, and emotional connection to their loved ones. Thus, this paper will explore how men reconcile the physical and psychological changes associated with oncological surgery with relational intimacy and emotional connection in long-term relationships. It will provide insights into understanding the experiences of individuals who have undergone prostate or testicular cancer surgeries.
Reconciling the Impact of Oncological Surgery on Sexual Function with Relational Intimacy and Emotional Connection
Following oncological surgery, there are several factors that may affect the quality of sex life among men and women. Prostate cancer is a common malignancy among males, with 10% to 20% recurrence rate after initial treatment (Sandhu et al., 2017). Treatment options include watchful waiting, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, androgen deprivation therapy, and radical prostatectomy. While these treatments help prevent cancer growth and spread, they also impair sexual functions such as erection, ejaculation, orgasm, arousal, libido, and pleasure due to side effects including urinary incontinence, painful intercourse, fatigue, and lack of energy. In addition, cancer diagnosis causes depression, anxiety, fear, social isolation, uncertainty about the future, body image concerns, and relationship challenges. These issues can worsen the negative impacts of surgery and threaten marital satisfaction (Dunn & McKeon, 2016; Zhang et al., 2021). The process of accepting and dealing with surgery's physical and psychological changes requires time, patience, support, communication, understanding, and emotional connection between partners. Men must learn new ways of experiencing intimacy while redefining their sexual identity to maintain relational bonds with their loved ones.
Testicular cancer is another type of malignancy that affects male fertility. It is curable if detected early but may cause infertility through testicle removal or impotence due to nerve damage during surgery (Rubio-Valera et al., 2018).
It may take longer for men to recover from its psychosocial consequences because they experience a significant loss of masculinity and identity. They feel shame and self-blame, perceive themselves as less capable lovers, and worry about potential stigmatization by society (Jensen et al., 2021). Therefore, patients need individualized care plans, education on alternative sexual techniques, and counseling support to overcome these emotions and regain confidence in themselves and their relationships.
The impact of oncological surgeries on sexual function and intimacy varies among individuals depending on various factors such as age, stage of illness, treatment choice, partner support, and psychological wellbeing. While there are many challenges associated with these treatments, men can reconcile them with relational intimacy and emotional connection by embracing the new normal, communicating openly and honestly, seeking professional help, practicing self-care, finding pleasure in non-sexual activities, exploring alternative erotic sensations, trying different positions/techniques, accepting body changes, and expressing vulnerability. Patients must learn how to accept and adapt to the changes to maintain healthy marital satisfaction and overall quality of life. Healthcare providers should also play an active role in educating patients and partners about the effects of cancer and providing personalized support to meet their unique needs.
How do men reconcile the impact of oncological surgery on sexual function with relational intimacy and emotional connection?
Men may find it difficult to reconcile the effects of oncological surgery on their sexual function with their relational intimacy and emotional connection. This is because cancer treatment can cause physical changes that affect their ability to engage in sexual activity, which can lead to feelings of shame and guilt.