Table 1.

Symptom self-management strategies for PC survivors

	PC health domain
	Urinary	Sexual	Bowel	Vitality, general health
Symptom	Leaked urine, increased frequency, dysuria	Erectile dysfunction, compromised masculinity, poor libido, poor communication, unable to engage in sexual activity	Diarrhea, fecal incontinence, increased urgency to defecate, increased frequency, pain, hematochezia	Depression, fatigue, hot flashes, weight gain, metabolic syndrome
Self-management strategy	Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) [29–32] Bladder training (timed voiding) [33, 34] Fluid management (drinking) [35] Physical activity [36] Weight loss [37] Diet (avoid bladder irritants/caffeine) [38] Using a penile clamp [39] How to protect clothing and bedding [40]	Partner communication Making time for and enhancing intimacy [41] Creative intimacy (non-penile) [42–46] Having an orgasm without erection/avoiding climacturia [47–49] Reduce alcohol and tobacco [50, 51] Using a vacuum erection device [52–55] (NOTE: medical strategy following self-management approach)	Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) [56, 57] Diet for softer stools (fiber) [58] Diet to avoid irritation Proper fluid intake Reducing painful bowel mvts Using OTC medications [58] Managing stress [59]	Decrease fatigue [60, 61] Exercise Improve mood/depression Deal with weight changes [62] Deal with hot flashes [63] Evaluate breast or nipple tenderness