Sexuality and exercise in men undergoing androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer

Objective Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for the management of prostate cancer results in a range of side effects including sexual dysfunction. Exercise is proposed as a potentially effective therapy to counteract changes in sexual function. The current study explored the impact of ADT on men’s...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Supportive care in cancer 2015-01, Vol.23 (1), p.133-142
Main Authors: Hamilton, K., Chambers, S. K., Legg, M., Oliffe, J. L., Cormie, P.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adaptation, Psychological
Aged
Androgen Antagonists - therapeutic use
Androgens
Body image
Care and treatment
Data Collection
Exercise
Exercise - physiology
Exercise therapy
Health aspects
Humans
Male
Masculinity
Medical treatment
Medicine
Medicine & Public Health
Middle Aged
Nursing
Nursing Research
Oncology
Original Article
Pain Medicine
Prostate cancer
Prostatic Neoplasms - drug therapy
Qualitative Research
Rehabilitation Medicine
Sexual disorders
Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological - chemically induced
Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological - therapy
Sexual Partners
Sexuality
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Summary:Objective Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for the management of prostate cancer results in a range of side effects including sexual dysfunction. Exercise is proposed as a potentially effective therapy to counteract changes in sexual function. The current study explored the impact of ADT on men’s sexuality and the effect of exercise on this experience. Methods Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 18 men (age = 63.1 ± 3.8) who were on ADT for prostate cancer for ≤12 months and who were part of a pre-existing exercise intervention trial. Results Sexual concerns for men included changes in body image, partner relationships, sex drive, sexual performance and masculinity. In coping with these concerns, men described a sense of personal acceptance of sexual changes through a shift in priorities and values away from penetrative sexual intercourse, knowledge and understanding about ADT, and partner support. Exercise in a group-based setting contributed to the acceptance of sexual changes through affirming strength-based aspects of masculinity and peer support. Conclusion Exercise appears to have utility as a strategy to assist men to manage the negative impact of ADT on sexuality and masculinity more broadly.
ISSN:0941-4355
1433-7339
DOI:10.1007/s00520-014-2327-8