Sexual experiences after non-nerve sparing radical prostatectomy

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the experiences and expectations of patients who underwent non-nerve sparing radical prostatectomy. Methods: A qualitative descriptive, exploratory, study, based on hermeneutic phenomenology. Sixteen indepth interviews were carried out between February and December 2017. An inductive analysis of data was performed. Results: Two themes reflecting the patients' experiences emerged from the analysis: (1) Sexual changes as a key factor of the adaptive response, with the subthemes "Sexual difficulties after surgery" and "Issues with intimate relationships and psychosocial wellbeing". (2) Prostatectomy: the need of adaptation to a holistic sexuality, with the subthemes "Questioning the experiences from the current sexual behavior" and "Adapting sexuality and intimacy after surgery". Conclusion: Patients undergoing prostatectomy face sexual difficulties such as erectile dysfunction. These changes cause problems in sexual and intimate relationships that affect their wellbeing. Given this situation, some participants question their usual sexual practices and try to adapt to a holistic sexuality not centered on coitus by incorporating innovative forms of sexuality. Knowing the experiences of men who underwent radical prostatectomy might help healthcare workers to provide new strategies for coping with the environmental changes involved in prostate surgery.