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Updated: May 23, 2026
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Published on: May 19, 2022
Dosimetric Predictors of Problematic Receptive Anal Intercourse After Prostate Radiation Therapy
Daniel R Dickstein1, Thodori Kapouranis2, Andre Williams1,2,3
1Department of Radiation Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York.
Advances in Radiation Oncology
|May 22, 2026
Summary
Radiation dose to anal canal and erectile tissues impacts receptive anal intercourse (RAI) function and pleasure. This study identifies preliminary dose thresholds for dysfunction, aiding future counseling for prostate cancer survivors undergoing radiation therapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiation Oncology
- Sexual Health
Background:
- Prostate radiation therapy's effects on erectile function are known, but impact on receptive anal intercourse (RAI) is understudied.
- RAI is prevalent among gay and bisexual men, highlighting the need to understand treatment side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between radiation dose to RAI functional anatomy and problematic RAI.
- To identify preliminary, clinically meaningful dosimetric parameters for RAI dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective evaluation of 14 prostate cancer survivors who engage in RAI.
- Delineation of RAI functional anatomy and extraction of dosimetric parameters.
- Assessment of dose-outcome relationships using correlation and logistic regression.
Main Results:
- Anal canal and erectile tissue radiation doses strongly correlated with orgasm ability and pleasure.
- Levator ani and internal pudendal artery (IPA) doses showed moderate associations with sexual function.
- Exploratory dose thresholds for dysfunction were identified for the anal canal, levator ani, erectile tissues, and IPA.
Conclusions:
- This study offers the first evidence linking radiation dose to RAI functional anatomy and problematic RAI.
- Findings may guide future research and inform patient counseling regarding sexual health after prostate radiation therapy.
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