Table 5.

Selected verbatim responses to an open-ended question about changes in sexual functioning after prostate cancer treatment

My desire for sex has decreased, My penis feels numb most of the time probably due to the androgen deprivation therapy and I have a very difficult time having an orgasm. Also, it feels funny when I have an orgasm, sometimes it would ache and hurt in the area of my prostate for several days after an orgasm. —Respondent 110, 58-year-old treated with external beam radiation and hormonal therapy Due to surgery, much of the function has affected. The surgery removed seminal vesicles so no longer was able to ejaculate. I think it had a big impact on my self-confidence and very stressed so often too uncomfortable and nervous to try to have sex. Also urine leakage is a problem that make sex a problem. —Respondent 574, 54-year-old treated with surgery I have been, or at least have felt, less attractive sexually. —Respondent 557, 64-year-old treated with surgery Since surgery, my ED means we need to discover other ways to have sex that I enjoy, and this takes time and patience. Being anal receptive is good, but I don’t want to do that all the time. I really miss having ejaculate when I masturbate to orgasm, too. —Respondent 561, 69-year-old treated with surgery Loss of libido, loss of erections, partner doesn’t know how to help—is intimidated by my condition. —Respondent 545, 69-year old-treated with external beam radiation Lack of energy in general…with the great decrease in the amount of semen ejaculated, orgasms do not have the same sensation/pleasure. —Respondent 537, 56-year-old treated with brachytherapy

N = 45