Sexual Function in Men with Castrate Levels of Testosterone: Observations of a Subgroup of Sexually Active Men with Prostate Cancer Undergoing Androgen Deprivation Therapy

Abstract

Purpose: To identify possible factors that influence sexual function in men undergoing maximal androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Patients and Methods: A descriptive exploration was performed looking at characteristics of twenty-two men reporting sexual activity after nine months of maximal ADT. This previously published Phase II study, involved 250 prostate cancer patients undergoing intermittent ADT. An analysis between this cohort and the group that did not maintain sexual function was performed to ascertain if age, testosterone level, functional status or maintenance of quadriceps strength had an impact upon sexual function. Results: There was no difference in age, testosterone level or ECOG performance status between the sexually active and non-sexually active groups. Over the course of 9 months of ADT, the sexually active group appeared to maintain quadriceps muscle strength as measured with physical stands, and maintained overall health as measured by quality of life questionaries, compared to the non-sexually active group. Conclusions: This retrospective study suggests that exercise during ADT may reduce the impact of ADT on sexual function. This warrants further testing, and could be the focus of future randomised controlled trials.