Sexual dysfunction after radical radiation therapy for prostate cancer: a prospective evaluation

• Published in: Urology (Ridgewood, N.J.) N.J.), 1999-07, Vol.54 (1), p.124-129
• Main Authors: Turner, S.L, Adams, K, Bull, C.A, Berry, M.P
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Biological and medical sciences; Diseases of the urinary system; Erectile Dysfunction - etiology; Humans; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Nephrology. Urinary tract diseases; Prospective Studies; Prostatic Neoplasms - radiotherapy; Radiotherapy - adverse effects; Radiotherapy. Instrumental treatment. Physiotherapy. Reeducation. Rehabilitation, orthophony, crenotherapy. Diet therapy and various other treatments (general aspects); Surveys and Questionnaires; Tumors of the urinary system; Urinary tract. Prostate gland
• ISSN: 0090-4295; 1527-9995
• DOI: 10.1016/S0090-4295(99)00032-1

Objectives. To determine the rate of loss of potency after radiation therapy (RT). Methods. Two hundred ninety men with localized prostate cancer were evaluated prospectively before and after RT to the prostate alone for change in erectile function. Data were collected before treatment by way of a questionnaire using a simple three-tier potency scale and after RT by the clinician at each follow-up visit. Results. At 12 months, 62% of men (90 of 146) who were potent before RT preserved their potency; at 24 months, this figure was 41%. Men who had “normal” potency before RT were statistically significantly more likely to remain potent after RT. Conclusions. We believe that detailed knowledge of potency rates before and after RT is important for current decision-making and for evaluating new treatment techniques.