The effects of radical prostatectomy on gay and bisexual men's mental health, sexual identity and relationships: qualitative results from the restore study
ABSTRACT The effect of prostate cancer treatment in gay and bisexual men is an under researched area. In 2015, we conducted in depth telephone interviews with 19 gay and bisexual men who had undergone radical prostatectomies. Across the respondents' five emotional themes emerged: (1) shock at the diagnosis, (2) a reactive, self reported "depression" (3) sex specific situational anxiety, (4) a sense of grief, and, (5) an enduring loss of sexual confidence. Identity challenges included loss of a sense of maleness and manhood, changes in strength of sexual orientation, role in sex identity, and immersion into sexual sub cultures. Relationship challenges identified included disclosing the sexual effects of treatment to partners, loss of partners, and re negotiation of sexual exclusivity. Most to all of these effects stem from sexual changes. To mitigate these negative effects of radical prostatectomy, and to address health disparities n outcomes observed in gay and bisexual men, all these challenges need to be considered in any tailored rehabilitation program for gay and bisexual men.
Sexual and relationship therapy journal of the British Association for Sexual and Relationship Therapy