Nearly 90% of men who undergo prostate cancer treatment and almost 50% of men treated for other types of cancer experience some degree of sexual dysfunction or erectile challenges. Despite the prevalence of these issues, most men rarely open up about them, suffering in silence. However, experts emphasize that this need not be the case, as there are numerous ways to address sexual challenges in men with cancer.
The impact of cancer treatment on sexual health is often overlooked in the broader conversation about survivorship. Treatments such as surgery, radiation, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy can lead to erectile dysfunction, loss of libido, and other sexual problems. Yet, many men are reluctant to discuss these issues with their healthcare providers, often due to embarrassment or the misconception that nothing can be done. Healthcare professionals stress that sexual health is a critical component of quality of life and should be addressed as part of comprehensive cancer care.
Available interventions range from medications like phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (e.g., Viagra) to vacuum erection devices, penile injections, and penile implants. Counseling and sex therapy can also help both patients and their partners navigate changes in intimacy. Additionally, lifestyle modifications such as exercise, stress reduction, and pelvic floor physical therapy may improve outcomes. The key is for patients to initiate the conversation with their doctors, who can then tailor a treatment plan based on individual needs and the specifics of the cancer therapy.
As the quest for better cancer treatments with minimal side effects continues at companies like Calidi Biotherapeutics Inc. (NYSE American: CLDI), there is hope that future therapies will reduce the burden of sexual side effects. However, for current patients, addressing sexual health remains an essential part of holistic care. By breaking the silence, men can reclaim an important aspect of their well-being during and after cancer treatment.
