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Seeking help for erectile dysfunction after treatment for prostate cancer
Leslie R Schover1, Rachel T Fouladi, Carla L Warneke
1Department of Behavioral Science, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas, Houston, Texas 77030-4009, USA. lschover@mdanderson.org
Archives of Sexual Behavior
|August 12, 2004
Summary
Men with erectile dysfunction (ED) after prostate cancer are more likely to seek medical help if they have positive attitudes towards seeking help and experience higher distress. Addressing negative beliefs may increase help-seeking behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Oncology
- Psychology
Background:
- Prostate cancer survivors with erectile dysfunction (ED) have higher help-seeking rates than other men with sexual dysfunction.
- Factors influencing help-seeking for ED post-prostate cancer are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate factors associated with seeking medical help for ED among prostate cancer survivors.
- To identify predictors of current and future help-seeking behavior for ED in this population.
Main Methods:
- A postal survey of 1,188 men with ED after prostate cancer treatment.
- Utilized a new questionnaire to measure attitudes towards seeking sexual health help.
- Employed hierarchical logistic regression to analyze factors correlated with help-seeking.
Main Results:
- Help-seeking for ED was associated with prostate cancer treatments preserving sexual function and higher distress about postcancer ED.
- Positive attitudes on the Help-Seeking Questionnaire significantly predicted actual help-seeking behavior.
- Intent to seek help was linked to recent treatment, sexual dissatisfaction, ED distress, loss of sexual desire, and prior help-seeking.
Conclusions:
- Positive attitudes toward seeking help are crucial for men experiencing ED after prostate cancer.
- Cognitive-behavioral interventions targeting negative beliefs about help-seeking could improve outcomes for prostate cancer survivors with ED.