Development and evaluation of a prostate sexual rehabilitation clinic: a pilot project

To evaluate a sexual rehabilitation service for men with prostate cancer and to use these results to inform the development of future care.

The study participants included 155 men with prostate cancer referred to a sexual rehabilitation clinic by their urologists or radiation oncologists, of whom the partners of 58 were in attendance. Questionnaires to measure sexual function and positive feelings towards the partner were completed before the clinic visit; and for satisfaction with the clinic service immediately after the appointment; and for sexual function, positive feelings towards the partner, and satisfaction with treatments at 4 months afterward.

Ninety patients completed the 4-month evaluation, of whom 35 were couples. Enhancement of erection and understanding sexual changes related to treatment were the two main concerns of patients. Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors and intracavernosal injections were the treatments of choice. Compared with partners, patients had significantly greater positive feelings towards their partners at both measurement times and were more satisfied with their prescribed treatment. The total scores on sexual function were significantly higher at 4 months.

These results support the need to include partners as a necessary part of these men's sexual rehabilitation. A structured follow-up is necessary to monitor the success of treatment and to document the quality of erection.