Loading...
Threat of sexual disqualification : The consequences of erectile dysfunction and other sexual changes for gay and bisexual men with prostate cancer
Ussher, Jane M. Perz, Janette Rose, Duncan Dowsett, Gary W. Chambers, Suzanne Williams, Scott Davis, Ian Latini, David
Ussher, Jane M.
Perz, Janette
Rose, Duncan
Dowsett, Gary W.
Chambers, Suzanne
Williams, Scott
Davis, Ian
Latini, David
Abstract
Gay and bisexual (GB) men with prostate cancer (PCa) have been described as an “invisible diversity” in PCa research due to their lack of visibility, and absence of identification of their needs. This study examined the meaning and consequences of erectile dysfunction (ED) and other sexual changes in 124 GB men with PCa and 21 male partners, through an on-line survey. A sub-sample of 46 men with PCa and seven partners also took part in a one-to-one interview. ED was reported by 72 % of survey respondents, associated with reports of emotional distress, negative impact on gay identities, and feelings of sexual disqualification. Other sexual concerns included loss of libido, climacturia, loss of sensitivity or pain during anal sex, non-ejaculatory orgasms, and reduced penis size. Many of these changes have particular significance in the context of gay sex and gay identities, and can result in feelings of exclusion from a sexual community central to GB men’s lives. However, a number of men were reconciled to sexual changes, did not experience a challenge to identity, and engaged in sexual re-negotiation. The nature of GB relationships, wherein many men are single, engage in casual sex, or have concurrent partners, influenced experiences of distress, identity, and renegotiation. It is concluded that researchers and clinicians need to be aware of the meaning and consequences of sexual changes for GB men when designing studies to examine the impact of PCa on men’s sexuality, advising GB men of the sexual consequences of PCa, and providing information and support to ameliorate sexual changes.
Keywords
prostate cancer, gay and bisexual men erectile dysfunction, sexual changes, gay identity masculinity
Date
2017
Type
Journal article
Journal
Archives of Sexual Behavior: an interdisciplinary research journal
Book
Volume
46
Issue
7
Page Range
2043-2057
Article Number
ACU Department
Faculty of Health Sciences
Collections
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
Published as ‘gold’ (paid) open access
License
CC BY 4.0
File Access
Open