Sexual and marital relationships after radiotherapy for seminoma

• Published in: Urology (Ridgewood, N.J.) Vol. 27; no. 2; pp. 117 - 123
• Main Authors: Schover, Leslie R., Gonzales, Mario, von Eschenbach, Andrew C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Elsevier Inc 01.02.1986; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Anxiety; Biological and medical sciences; Combined Modality Therapy; Dysgerminoma - radiotherapy; Follow-Up Studies; Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics; Humans; Infertility, Male - etiology; Infertility, Male - psychology; Male; Male genital diseases; Marriage; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Orchiectomy - adverse effects; Radiation Injuries - etiology; Radiation Injuries - psychology; Radiotherapy Dosage; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological - etiology; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological - psychology; Testicular Neoplasms - radiotherapy; Tumors; Human; Erection; Impotence; Libido; Sexual intercourse; Radiotherapy; Testicle; Seminoma; Complication; Male sterility; Tumor; Ejaculatio precox; Male genital diseases; Sexual function
• ISSN: 0090-4295; 1527-9995
• DOI: 10.1016/0090-4295(86)90367-5

Questionnaires on sexual function, marital status, and fertility were returned by 84 men who received radiotherapy for seminoma (Stage I, II, or III). The mean length of follow-up was ten years. Although 93 per cent were married, 19 per cent had low rates of sexual activity, 12 per cent reported low sexual desire, 15 per cent had erectile dysfunction, 10 per cent had difficulty reaching orgasm, and 14 per cent had premature ejaculation. The most common problems were reduced intensity of orgasm (33 %) and reduced semen volume (49 %). Twenty-one men remained childless, and 30 per cent of men worried at least occasionally about infertility. Thirteen children were conceived after cancer therapy. The data suggest that sexual dysfunction and infertility are important concerns for a subgroup of men treated for seminoma.