Sexual dysfunction after treatment for testicular cancer: a systematic review

We aimed to assess the nature and risk of sexual dysfunction in men after treatment for testicular cancer.

Systematic review of sexual dysfunction in men treated for testicular cancer. The odds ratio or proportions of subjects with reduced sexual drive, erectile dysfunction or orgasmic/ejaculatory dysfunction was calculated.

A detailed review of 79 of the 227 citations was conducted. The highest level of evidence found, were controlled studies. Six controlled studies examined sexual function in 709 patients after they had received treatment. Seven uncontrolled studies examined sexual function in 337 subjects before and after treatment for testicular cancer. Most studies were limited by low response rates, use of unvalidated questionnaires and inclusion of a variety of treatment modalities. Few assessed psychological function and none examined its possible interaction with sexual dysfunction. Meta-analysis of the controlled studies indicated significantly reduced or absent orgasm (OR=4.62, 95% CI=2.47-8.63) together with erectile (OR=2.47, 95% CI=1.54-3.96) and ejaculatory dysfunction (OR=28.57, 95% CI=1.75-464.78) up to 2 years after treatment. Effects on sexual function were less consistent in the uncontrolled studies.

The controlled studies indicate that sexual dysfunction persists for up to 2 years after treatment. However, better evidence is needed in studies that control for the impact of the testicular cancer, the treatment modality and psychological reactions to both.