Changes in sexual function after radiotherapy treatment of prostate cancer

Objective To assess sexual function before and after definitive irradiation for the treatment of cancer of the prostate. Patients and methods The study comprised 67 patients (mean age 68 years) treated in five radiotherapy departments and assessed with repeated questionnaires about their libido, arousal, frequency and quality of intercourse, and sexual satisfaction. Interviews were obtained before radiotherapy and at the end of the first year after treatment. Sixty-three patients were married and 50 had a sexually effective partner, Forty-six patients presented with another pathology or medical treatment capable of inducing sexual dysfunction. Before radiotherapy, 40 patients were sexually active, with good to acceptable intercourse. Results Between 10 and 24 months after the end of radiotherapy, no disease progression was observed and prostate-specific antigen levels remained high in only two patients, Sexual function was preserved in 67% of patients but only 50% observed no change, The functional prognosis seemed to be related to the initial frequency and quality of intercourse; more than three times per month, the prognosis remained good, under three per month, it was poor. The patient's age was a predictive factor for the frequency of intercourse. Conclusion Several causes of impairment of sexual function may be associated and can change over a long time, A longer survey should be conducted to analyse the organic response to radiation.