Sexuality and Prostate Cancer

Karen Tamlyn, MN (UNB, Nursing), Dr. S. E. Kumar (Oncology Department, Saint John Regional Hospital), Cindy Letts, Ph.D. and I collaborated on a research project investigating the effects of prostate cancer treatment on men’s sexual functioning. We conducted interviews with 20 men who received external beam radiation, or radical prostatectomies and/or hormonal treatment for prostate cancer. This research was funded by Medical Research Fund of New Brunswick.

We found that although the men in our study shared similar experiences regarding the negative physical changes in sexual functioning post treatment, the nature, extent and impact of these changes varied across individuals. Participants described experiencing decreased sexual desire, a loss of complete erections, and orgasms that were less intense and harder to experience. For most men in our study, erectile dysfunction was the most distressing change in sexual functioning post-treatment. Consequently, sexual relations with their partners ceased for the majority of the men. Factors that facilitated men’s coping with the sexual changes included having a supportive partner, comprehensive and accurate information, good communication, and expanding their sexual repertoire. We have shared these findings with men from the Prostate Cancer Support Groups in Fredericton, Moncton, and Miramichi. This work was published in the Journal of Psychosocial Oncology. 

Here are our publications and presentations based on this work:

      Letts, C., Tamlyn, K., & Byers, E. S. (2010). Exploring the impact of of prostate cancer on men’s sexual well-being. Journal of Psychosocial Oncology, 28, 490-510.

Tamlyn, K., Letts, C., Byers, S., & Kumar, S. E. (2003, October). How’s your sex life?: Sexual changes following treatment for prostate cancer. Paper presented at the 15th Annual Canadian Association in Oncology Conference, Ottawa.

Tamlyn, K., Letts, C., Byers, S., & Kumar, S. E. (2004). How’s your sex life?: Sexual changes following treatment for prostate cancer (Abstract). Canadian Oncology Nursing Journal, 14, 57.

Tamlyn, K., Letts, C., Byers, E. S. & Kumar, S.E. (May 2004). How's your sex life?: Sexual changes following treatment for prostate cancer. Paper presented at the annual University of New Brunswick, Faculty of Nursing Research Day, Fredericton, New Brunswick.