Last updated on May 4th, 2022 at 11:15 am
Read on to hear about our recently published research in the International Journal of Nursing Studies (IJNS) ‘Education and support for erectile dysfunction and penile rehabilitation post prostatectomy’. Here at Men’s Health Collective, we believe all men should be offered an individualised penile rehabilitation plan regardless of whether or not they are sexually active. Getting an erection is important not just for having sex, but for sense of self, self-satisfaction and just for restoring a bodily function. Men need a holistic approach to altered sexuality and practitioners should facilitate education and treatment in a non-judgmental and all-inclusive approach.
Francesca conducted a qualitative systematic review which was recently accepted for publication in the International Journal of Nursing Studies.
The incidence of prostate cancer is increasing across the world, with over 1.2 million men diagnosed in 2018. Survival rates have increased significantly however the morbidity remains high. Men do report unmet sexual health needs post prostatectomy, despite this, many do not pursue treatment.
In Australia 20,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer per year, the 5-year survival rate exceeds 95%, with over 90% of men living 10 years post diagnosis. Subsequently there are over 200,000 men living with or beyond a prostate cancer diagnosis in Australia. This in turn means there are many men living with the side effects of prostatectomy.
The objective of this research was to explore men’s perceptions of the education and support they receive surrounding post-prostatectomy erectile dysfunction and penile rehabilitation.
Synthesised findings were extracted from 13 articles; four synthesised findings were identified from nine categories with 57 findings and 108 illustrations. The findings related to a perceived lack of education and support regarding all aspects of sexuality post prostatectomy. Practitioners’ knowledge of gay, bisexual, and single men’s needs was particularly lacking. Nurses and nurse practitioners were considered to contribute positively to educational needs.
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The findings from this review indicate that all men should receive education on changes to sexuality following treatment for prostate cancer, regardless of whether or not they are sexually active. Practitioners need to be mindful of the terminology they use, referring to changes post-prostatectomy as ‘erectile dysfunction’ is misleading. Men experience changes to their sense of self, the structure of their penis and their role in their relationship or sexual encounter; a more holistic approach to sexuality is needed.
Practitioners should not be reticent to ask patients about their sexual preferences to avoid being perceived as presumptive and judge- mental. It should also not be presumed that if the patient is not ‘sexually active’ that they will not be concerned about changes to their penis and inability to achieve erections, for their sense of self, self-satisfaction, or simply restoring a bodily function.
Practitioners can contribute positively to men’s wellbeing by providing individualised, person-centred care and supporting them through- out their journey. Further research is needed into how to implement penile rehabilitation with a person centred, holistic approach. Such research has the potential to develop recommendations to inform health care practitioners and develop educational programs to strengthen their ability to approach sexuality holistically and meet the unmet needs of men with prostate cancer.
Rogers, F., Rashidi, A., & Ewens, B. (2022). Education and support for erectile dysfunction and penile rehabilitation post prostatectomy: A qualitative systematic review. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 130, 104212.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2022.104212