Sex After Prostate Cancer in Gay and Bisexual Men: A Review of the Literature

Meghan K McInnis; Caroline F Pukall

doi:10.1016/j.sxmr.2020.01.004

Sex After Prostate Cancer in Gay and Bisexual Men: A Review of the Literature

Sex Med Rev. 2020 Jul;8(3):466-472. doi: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2020.01.004. Epub 2020 Mar 10.

Authors

Meghan K McInnis¹, Caroline F Pukall²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Psychology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
² Department of Psychology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada. Electronic address: pukallc@queensu.ca.

PMID: 32169431
DOI: 10.1016/j.sxmr.2020.01.004

Abstract

Introduction: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among males globally, and it has one of the highest 5-year net survival rates of all cancers. Most diagnosed individuals, therefore, must live with the consequences of the disease and its treatments, including sexual side effects. Unfortunately, little is known about the sexual outcomes of PCa in individuals who identify as gay or bisexual.

Objectives: To highlight the unique concerns, experiences, and needs of gay and bisexual men with PCa by reviewing the literature on sexual outcomes in this patient population.

Methods: A literature review through June 2019 was conducted, with a focus on sexual outcomes in gay and bisexual men with PCa; comparisons of sexual outcomes between heterosexual and gay and bisexual men with PCa; and the health care experiences of gay and bisexual men with PCa, specifically with regards to discussing sex with health care providers.

Results: Gay and bisexual men with PCa report a number of unique sexual concerns compared to their heterosexual counterparts. They face heteronormative biases and homophobia in the health care system and are frequently dissatisfied with the information they receive with regards to PCa and sexuality.

Conclusion: There has been limited research on the experiences of gay and bisexual men with PCa; additional research to replicate and extend upon the findings of previous studies is warranted. Research on the experiences of PCa patients and survivors should be inclusive of participants of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Research results must be translated into clinical practice, so that health care providers can communicate specific and relevant information to their gay and bisexual patients. McInnis MK, Pukall, CF. Sex After Prostate Cancer in Gay and Bisexual Men: A Review of the Literature. Sex Med Rev 2020;8:466-472.

Keywords: Health Care; LGBTQ Persons; Prostate Cancer; Sexual Function; Sexual Health.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

Homophobia
Homosexuality, Male / psychology*
Humans
Male
Prostatic Neoplasms* / physiopathology
Prostatic Neoplasms* / psychology
Sexual Behavior*
Sexual and Gender Minorities / psychology*