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Updated: Nov 22, 2025

A Bioluminescent and Fluorescent Orthotopic Syngeneic Murine Model of Androgen-dependent and Castration-resistant Prostate Cancer
Published on: March 6, 2018
Prostate cancer and sexual consequences among men who have sex with men
Patrick J Martin-Tuite1, Alan W Shindel2
1Department of Urology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143-0738, USA.
Abstract:
Prostate cancer and its treatment frequently lead to sexual side effects that negatively impact personal identity, sexual function, and intimate relationships. The sexual consequences of prostate cancer treatment on men who have sex with men (MSM) differ in some ways from what is observed in heterosexual men. This review summarizes literature from the past two decades exploring how MSM are affected by, and adapt to, prostate cancer treatment. The evidence on whether prostate cancer has a lower prevalence in MSM is unclear but lower screening rates are well-documented within this population. Prostate cancer treatment affects urinary, bowel, and sexual function in both MSM and heterosexual men. These changes may have different sexual and psychological ramifications in MSM when compared to heterosexual men. A common concern among MSM treated for prostate cancer is absence of support, both from the medical profession and in some cases from their own communities. Many MSM with prostate cancer have developed coping strategies and altered sexual practices to accommodate side effects. Lessons learned from this population may have relevance to sexual wellness in non-MSM prostate cancer survivors. Concise recommendations for caring for MSM with prostate cancer are provided.
Insights
Prostate cancer treatments cause sexual side effects impacting men who have sex with men (MSM). This review details their unique challenges, adaptations, and the need for better support for MSM prostate cancer survivors.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Sexual Health
- Men's Health
Background:
- Prostate cancer and its treatments often result in sexual dysfunction, affecting identity and relationships.
- Sexual consequences of prostate cancer treatment can differ for men who have sex with men (MSM) compared to heterosexual men.
- Lower screening rates for prostate cancer are documented in the MSM population, though prevalence data is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature from the past two decades on how men who have sex with men (MSM) are affected by and adapt to prostate cancer treatment.
- To explore the unique sexual and psychological ramifications for MSM undergoing prostate cancer treatment.
- To provide recommendations for improved care of MSM with prostate cancer.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of literature published over the last 20 years.
- Analysis of studies focusing on the experiences of men who have sex with men (MSM) undergoing prostate cancer treatment.
- Synthesis of evidence regarding sexual function, psychological impact, and coping strategies.
Main Results:
- Prostate cancer treatment impacts urinary, bowel, and sexual function in both MSM and heterosexual men, with potentially different ramifications for MSM.
- MSM with prostate cancer often experience a lack of support from medical professionals and sometimes their communities.
- Many MSM survivors develop coping strategies and modify sexual practices to manage treatment side effects.
Conclusions:
- Men who have sex with men (MSM) face distinct challenges related to sexual health after prostate cancer treatment.
- Addressing the unique needs and support gaps for MSM prostate cancer survivors is crucial for their sexual wellness.
- Insights from MSM survivors can inform better sexual health strategies for all prostate cancer survivors.
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