Sexuality and Intimacy after Prostate Cancer - "Not Tonight Dear"
Posted Dec 02 2010 12:00am
Sexuality and intimacy after prostate cancer is a hot issue for many prostate cancer patients, survivors and their partners. That’s why I’ve approached various aspects of this topic at this site from time to time.
Now I’ve been invited to present a keynote address at the annual Us TOO, International meeting, Friday December 3, 2010. The title I’ve selected for my talk is, “Not Tonight Dear - Sex after Prostate Cancer.”
Clearly prostate cancer treatment side effects like ED are experienced by most prostate cancer survivors (at least 50% or more), so the threat to our sense of manhood is very real. This is largely due to our culturally-determined self-perception that our sexual functioning is the basis of our masculinity.
For those who are interested, here is the main thrust (pardon any pun) of my address tomorrow. I will make my remarks available at a later date. But the following descriptive paragraphs may be helpful in and by themselves.
This upbeat presentation will describe men‘s need to grapple with challenges to their masculinity after experiencing prostate cancer treatment side effects, such as E.D., reduced libido, physical frailty or decline, and increased pain or stress.
What can men say and do to address these concerns, bolster their self esteem, and enhance their relationships, either on their own or when interacting with their doctors, spouses or partners?
It all starts with our asking the right questions, redefining manhood and sexuality, and being upfront with ourselves and others. What’s called for is a paradigm shift that can help men and women improve their quality of life when prostate cancer strikes.
Sexuality and intimacy after prostate cancer is a hot issue for many prostate cancer patients, survivors and their partners. That’s why I’ve approached various aspects of this topic at this site from time to time.
Now I’ve been invited to present a keynote address at the annual Us TOO, International meeting, Friday December 3, 2010. The title I’ve selected for my talk is, “Not Tonight Dear - Sex after Prostate Cancer.”
Clearly prostate cancer treatment side effects like ED are experienced by most prostate cancer survivors (at least 50% or more), so the threat to our sense of manhood is very real. This is largely due to our culturally-determined self-perception that our sexual functioning is the basis of our masculinity.
For those who are interested, here is the main thrust (pardon any pun) of my address tomorrow. I will make my remarks available at a later date. But the following descriptive paragraphs may be helpful in and by themselves.
This upbeat presentation will describe men‘s need to grapple with challenges to their masculinity after experiencing prostate cancer treatment side effects, such as E.D., reduced libido, physical frailty or decline, and increased pain or stress.
What can men say and do to address these concerns, bolster their self esteem, and enhance their relationships, either on their own or when interacting with their doctors, spouses or partners?
It all starts with our asking the right questions, redefining manhood and sexuality, and being upfront with ourselves and others. What’s called for is a paradigm shift that can help men and women improve their quality of life when prostate cancer strikes.