Cancer Treatment For Men What Are The Sexual Side Effects
Men who undergo cancer treatment such as chemotherapy and radiation may be at risk of developing sexual side effects. The risk of developing sexual side effects from cancer treatment increases with certain cancers. Which cancers are they? What are the sexual side effects? What sexual side effects are caused by each type of treatment? Are the effects temporary or permanent? Is there anything men who have undergone cancer treatment can do about sexual side effects?
Which Cancers?
Treatment for certain cancers cause greater risk of sexual side effects in men. These are cancers located in the pelvic area. This occurs because male sexual organs are in close proximity. Bladder, colon, prostate, penile, testicular and rectal cancers are all at higher risk for sexual side effects caused by cancer treatment. The type of side effect depends on the type of cancer and the treatment used. Older men, who have already experienced the sexual side effects of aging may notice that these issues increase with cancer treatment.
Surgery Sexual Side Effects
A surgeon must proceed very carefully to avoid causing sexual side effects. When operating in the pelvic plot, there is a high risk of severing a nerve. This could cause permanent issues with erection. In some cases, men may experience dry orgasm as a side effect of surgical cancer treatment. There are newer surgery methods that can be used to decrease the likelihood of nerve distress.
Chemotherapy Sexual Side Effects
Chemotherapy may dead down testosterone production. Some men report a lack of interest in sex as a sexual side execute of chemotherapy cancer treatment. Chemotherapy may also damage the nerves responsible for erection, causing erectile dysfunction. In most cases, these symptoms will be temporary. Normal function should return within a few weeks of completing treatment.
Radiation Sexual Side Effects
Radiation in the area of the pelvis may cause nerve damage. It may also decrease testosterone production. It can block blood lag to the penis. All these things cause side effects involving erectile dysfunction. These sexual side effects of cancer treatment in men may not occur right away. It can be up to six months after treatment begins before they become noticeable. Whether these sexual side effects are temporary or permanent depends largely on the cause.
Hormonal Therapy Sexual Side Effects
Hormonal therapy is normally venerable as treatment for advanced prostate cancer in men. Several different methods are used to lower testosterone production. Certain types of prostate cancer need testosterone to grow. Hormonal therapy may include either removal of the testicles or medication. Side effects of hormonal cancer therapy in men may include a lack of interest in sex, a decrease in semen or erectile dysfunction. These side effects can be permanent, but there are things that may help.
What Can Be Done?
Men who have sexual side effects from cancer treatment may have to experiment with a little to see what helps awaken their desires. Deem of it as a break from normal sexual routines. Be upfront and honest with your partner about what helps and what doesn’t. It may take time to reverse the side effects of cancer treatment. Don’t be embarrassed to ask your doctor for advice. Online support groups and chat lines for cancer survivors are other effective options.
Please Note: The author is not a licensed medical professional. This article is for general information purposes only. Consult your doctor for information concerning the sexual side effects of cancer treatment.
Sources:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cancer-treatment/SA00070
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/chemo-side-effects/menfertility
http://www.chemocare.com/managing/impotence.asp
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