Sexual health care in prostate cancer for men and their partners

Grondhuis Palacios, L.A. (2024)

Doctoral Thesis

Current sexual health care has not yet succeeded to guide men and their partners sufficiently when it comes to dealing with the consequences of prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis and treatment. The majority of men need a standardized consultation with a specialized healthcare provider (HCP) to discuss sexual health issues preferably within three months after treatment. Although current written information provision coming from urology departments discusses sexual health more often than radiotherapy departments; sexual dysfunction (SD) is still not routinely addressed. Focus during consultations is mostly on men while most of the partners also experience difficulties when dealing with sexual side effects. Regarding HCPs, urology residents experience lack of knowledge and competence to treat SD after PCa treatment and an unmet need exists for additional education and training. A symposium on sexual health care in PCa led to an increase of awareness to discuss SD more often during consultations. In case HCPs feel lack of knowledge, competence, time or tools to discuss sexual health after PCa treatment, referral to a specialized HCP should occur; according to the needs and preferences of men and their partners. However, management of outpatient clinics and availability of referral options are still in need of melioration.

• Sexual health care
• Sexual dysfunction
• Prostate cancer
• Partners

• All authors: Grondhuis Palacios, L.A.
• Supervisor: Pelger, R.C.M.
• Co-supervisor: Elzevier, H.W.; Oudsten, B.L. den
• Committee: Putter, H.; Mooijaart, S.P.; Osanto, S.; Incrocci, L.; Reisman, Y.
• Qualification: Doctor (dr.)
• Awarding Institution: Faculty of Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden University
• Date: 2024-02-13
• ISBN (print): 9789464697377