Re-constructing masculinity following radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Psychology
• Sociology

Background:

• Prostate cancer surgery (prostatectomy) is common in older men.
• Post-surgery complications include erectile dysfunction (ED) and incontinence, significantly impacting masculine identity.
• Men's experiences and concerns following prostatectomy require deeper understanding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore how men construct their masculinity after prostatectomy.
• To identify the discourses men use to discuss the impact of surgery on their sense of self.
• To understand the psychological adjustment challenges faced by men post-prostatectomy.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving interviews with seven men who underwent prostatectomy.
• Foucauldian Discourse Analysis applied to interview transcripts.
• Analysis focused on identifying language and narratives used to construct masculinity.

Main Results:

• Men constructed penetrative sex as central to masculine identity.
• Inability to achieve penetrative sex was normalized through discourses of aging.
• Participants drew on discourses of emotional control and rationality, alongside experiencing new physical vulnerability.

Conclusions:

• Masculinity post-prostatectomy is complex, involving negotiation of sexual function, aging, and emotional resilience.
• Clinical management of ED should consider these psychosocial factors for better patient adjustment.
• Understanding men's discourses is crucial for supporting post-treatment adaptation and well-being.