Restoration of satisfying sex for a castrated cancer patient with complete impotence: a case study

J Sex Marital Ther. 2006 Oct-Dec;32(5):389-99. doi: 10.1080/00926230600835346.

Abstract

We present a first-hand account of a fully impotent, testosterone-suppressed prostate cancer patient who has satisfying, multiorgasmic sex using a strap-on dildo. We use his narrative to examine dildos as an alternative to erectile dysfunction treatments for men, such as this patient, who find selective inhibitors of PDE-5 ineffective and surgical intervention unacceptable. We explore what conditions allowed this man to progress from suspicious distrust of the dildo to full acceptance. In terms of making a dildo acceptable to other patients, we contrast offering it to them as a penile prosthesis in a formal medical setting versus treating it as a toy in fantasy sex play. Last, we present a neurobiological hypothesis involving sensory integration to help explain why sex with the strap-on dildo can be satisfying to a male.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Coitus*
  • Erectile Dysfunction / etiology*
  • Erectile Dysfunction / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Narration
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Penile Prosthesis
  • Physical Therapy Modalities / instrumentation
  • Play Therapy
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / complications*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / surgery