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Editorial's
Note
Erectile Dysfunction and Cancer
By Dr Weber Lau, Consultant, Urology Centre, SGH
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is not uncommon in patients with cancer.
Typically, it's defined as the inability to obtain an adequate erection
for satisfactory sexual activity. Most patients and their partners
can benefit from brief counseling that includes education on the impact
of cancer treatment on sexual functioning; suggestions on resuming
sex comfortably and improving sexual communication before treatment.
Although ED is more common in men over age 65, it can occur at any
age and in any man. Patients with cancer can have co-existing ED,
which may not be related to the cancer itself, however, some have
distinctive features which may be related to the disease and/or its
management:
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- Type
of cancer. Men with cancer in the pelvis such as bladder
and prostate cancer who undergo surgery are more likely
to develop ED.
- Type
of treatment. Men who undergo radiation for cancer in the
pelvis or hormonal therapy for prostate cancer are at risk
to develop ED.
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In general, there are both non-physical and physical causes that may
account for ED in patients with cancer. The most common nonphysical
causes are stress, anxiety and fatigue. ED is also an occasional side
effect of psychological problems such as depression. Negative feelings
toward your sexual partner such as resentment, hostility or lack of
interest also can be a factor in ED. Physical causes include smoking,
diabetes, heart disorders affecting the blood supply to the pelvis,
medications, operations for pelvic cancer such as the prostate, fractures
or cancer that affect the spinal cord, hormonal disorders, and alcoholism
and other forms of drug abuse.
If ED lasts longer than 2 months or is a recurring problem, you are
recommend to see a doctor for a physical exam or be referred to a
doctor who specializes in erectile problems such as the urologist.
They can help assess your condition, determine its cause and identify
safe and effective treatments.
A wide variety of options exist for treating ED. They include everything
from medications and simple mechanical devices to surgery and psychological
counseling. The cause and severity of your condition are important
factors in determining the best treatment or combination of treatments
for you. At the National Cancer Center, the urologists who are dedicated
to serve the special needs of cancer patients could provide such treatment.
For more information on Men’s Health topics, visit the website:
http://
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/menshealth.html
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