When a man has prostate cancer, his partner may feel the effects, too.
Those effects might not be direct, but they can greatly change a partner’s quality of life, according to a recent article in Urologic Nursing.
Prostate cancer is a “slow-growing disease,” the authors explained. Most men have a good prognosis, and treatment often focuses on a man’s quality of life in addition to the cancer itself.
Treatment can have side effects, however. Urinary incontinence and sexual problems frequently occur, and they may be permanent. Past research has analyzed patients’ views on their treatment. But for partners, little was known.
For the current study, researchers looked at 13 peer-reviewed, medical articles concerning prostate cancer and partners, focusing on papers that included comments from partners themselves.
Reading through the partner quotations, the researchers noticed some common threads (quotations from partners are in italics):
- Sexuality. Many partners felt that the man’s survival was more important than his sexual functioning. Often, patients felt frustrated by sexual limitations, but partners still felt love and intimacy regardless.
We’ve come to an arrangement now with our sex life that we’re quite happy to have a cuddle and you know we get on well; we’re good mates and that’s what counts.
- Knowledge. Some partners said they were unsure of what to expect from the man’s diagnosis and treatment and felt “in the dark.” The information they did receive tended to be “generalized and scaled down.”
I was pretty upset…I asked the doctor what is this gonna do to his sex life…and he never really addressed it.
I definitely think…some-where in those early stages… [if someone] suggested…seeing someone or seeing a counsellor, it would have made a big difference for me…for both of us.
- Isolation. The possible loss of their significant other was a source of great stress for partners. And the time partners spent caregiving left little time and for themselves.
I got very sad to see him like that, but I tried to be strong and say, “I think that the last thing he wants is to see that someone feels defeated, right? I put my pains aside…I had to shower him. I had to change him. I had to help him in all that I could, right?
I was extremely afraid of hurting [patient], and I was afraid of hurting myself as well. I was so focused on him that, in a way, I forgot myself. In retrospect, I have cried very little (tearful).
- Togetherness. In time, some partners felt closer to their significant others after the cancer diagnosis. Communication and acceptance played key roles in this togetherness.
We have said many times that we have been blessed. We have a wonderful family. We have gone together and been married for over fifty years. We just feel very blessed that the Lord has given us these wonderful kids and grandkids. He (her husband) has said many times, “If I die tomorrow, I will have lived a wonderful life.” And that is really how I feel, too.
“Findings from this review may serve to increase the shared decision-making process between the patient, his partner, and the healthcare provider,” the authors concluded.
Resources
Urologic Nursing via Medscape
Hammond, Andrew and Kristen Montgomery
“Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis of Quality of Life in Partners of Patients With Prostate Cancer”
(Full-text. July-August 2018)
You may also be interested in...
Other Popular Articles
What Is Jelqing, and Does It Actually Work?
The term “jelqing” refers to a set of penis stretching exercises that some believe can make the penis bigger. Although the practice has gained attention and popularity in blogs and internet forums in recent years, there is no scientific evidence that it is an effective way to permanently increase the size of one’s penis. In fact, in some cases, jelqing may actually cause damage to the penis, so it is a good idea to get all the facts before setting off to try it.
What Is Sensate Focus and How Does It Work?
Sensate focus is a technique used to improve intimacy and communication between partners around sex, reduce sexual performance anxiety, and shift away from ingrained, goal-oriented sexual patterns that may not be serving a couple.
What Is the Average Penis Size?
If you have ever wondered how your penis compares to others in terms of size, you are not alone. Many men are curious to know how their penises stack up compared to the average. Unfortunately, general curiosity can sometimes give way to full-on obsession and anxiety about penis size. This can be an unhealthy and often unnecessary fixation, especially because most men who think their penises are too small have perfectly normal-sized penises.
What Is Edging and Why Do People Do It?
Edging is the practice of stopping sexual stimulation before reaching orgasm to prolong a sexual experience. The term stems from the concept of approaching the metaphorical “edge” of orgasm but stopping before going over the edge.
Can Sex Reduce Menstrual Cramps?
The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine.
Having sex while you experience menstrual cramps is healthy and can provide significant benefits. While it might not be the first activity that comes to mind when your PMS or period cramping begins, many people enjoy sex to reduce menstrual cramps, experience increased pleasure and benefit from other advantages. Learn more about having sex while menstrual cramps are happening and how it can help your body.
The Sex-Positivity Movement: What it Means to Be Sex-Positive
You may have heard references to “being sex-positive” or “the sex-positivity movement” in popular culture. Various celebrities have brought attention to this movement by speaking out about their beliefs and personal experiences regarding sexuality, sexual health, body positivity, “slut-shaming,” and sexual assault.
