A randomized controlled trial for the effects of sexual behaviour guidance on sexual function among young and middle-aged male patients with rectal cancer after miles operation

Abstract

Purpose This study was conducted to explore the effect of intervention in the form of sexual behaviour guidance on the quality of sexual life of young and middle-aged male patients with rectal cancer. Methods Twenty cases of young and middle-aged male patients with rectal cancer were randomly divided into experimental and control group in each group including 10 cases per group. The control group was given the traditional health education after the rectal cancer Miles operation. While the experimental group was given sexual behaviour guidance and "sex-focused training therapy" after the Miles operation and before sexual intercourse in order to overcome erectile dysfunction. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire was used to measure the sexual functionality of both groups upon admission, at the time of discharge and after 3, 6 and 9 months. Results In the experimental group, patients with normal sexual function at the 6th and 9th month after discharge were 7 cases and 9 cases respectively, which were significantly higher than the control group which included 5 cases and 6 cases (p-value < 0.05). Conclusion In conclusion, sexual health education not only could effectively improve the sexual function of young and middle-aged male patients with rectal cancer after a Miles operation, but also could improve the quality of the sexual life of the patients. It is considered to be worthy of promotion and application on clinical practice.