Sexual rehabilitation and male radical cystectomy

Sexual function was assessed before radical cystectomy in 112 men: 20 per cent were sexually inactive and 35 per cent had erectile dysfunction. Sexual function before cystectomy was an index of general health status and correlated significantly with survival free of disease. Followup data on sexual function were provided by 73 men at an average of 13 months postoperatively. After cystectomy, which was performed via standard operative techniques, 91 per cent of the men experienced some degree of erectile dysfunction but 50 per cent remained sexually active, at least using noncoital stimulation. Thirteen men chose to have a penile prosthesis implanted. Sexual counseling was rated as satisfactory by 80 per cent of the men.