Sexual Dysfunctions Following Radical Prostatectomy in Prostate Cancer Patients

Research has shown that radical prostatectomy (RPE), a gold standard for treating non-metastatic prostate cancer (PCa), frequently results in a spectrum of sexual disorders, including erectile and orgasmic dysfunction, diminished libido, androgen deprivation symptoms, and alterations in penile morphology. A recent study published in Vestnik urologii, a journal of the Ministry of Health of Russian Federation and Rostov State Medical University, has critically evaluated the accumulated body of evidence pertaining to the diagnosis and management of sexual dysfunctions following RPE. The study analyzed peer-reviewed articles from 2014 to 2024, as well as foundational literature and comprehensive sources addressing sexual dysfunction in PCa patients post-RPE. The findings of the review underscore the multifaceted nature of sexual disorders encountered in patients following RPE, emphasizing the need for innovative interventions to enhance sexual health outcomes.

Key Takeaways:

• Radical prostatectomy (RPE) is a gold standard for treating non-metastatic prostate cancer (PCa), but it frequently results in sexual disorders, including erectile and orgasmic dysfunction, diminished libido, androgen deprivation symptoms, and alterations in penile morphology.
• The multitudes of sexual disorders encountered in patients following RPE include erectile and orgasmic dysfunction, diminished libido, androgen deprivation symptoms, and alterations in penile morphology.
• The primary treatment modalities for prostate cancer can lead to sexual disorders in patients, significantly impacting their quality of life, self-esteem, and interpersonal relationships.
• The study critically evaluated the evidence from 2014 to 2024, including peer-reviewed articles authored by international and domestic researchers, as well as foundational literature and comprehensive sources addressing sexual dysfunction in PCa patients post-RPE.
• The findings of the review highlight the necessity for the development and implementation of innovative interventions aimed at enhancing sexual health outcomes in patients undergoing radical prostate surgery.

Statistics:

• The scope of sexual disorders following RPE encompasses erectile and orgasmic dysfunction, diminished libido, androgen deprivation symptoms, and alterations in penile morphology (Sexuality of prostate cancer patients following radical prostatectomy).
• A review of peer-reviewed articles from 2014 to 2024 and foundational literature found that sexual disorders following RPE are highly prevalent, exerting a profound impact on patients' quality of life, self-esteem, and interpersonal relationships.
• In a study published in Vestnik urologii, researchers analyzed 20 studies that investigated the prevalence and impact of sexual disorders in PCa patients post-RPE.

Sources:

• Vestnik urologii: "Sexuality of prostate cancer patients following radical prostatectomy", 2025, 13(2): 92-102. (Vestnik urologii - http://www.urovest.ru)
• NewsRx: "New Study Findings from Kuban State Medical University Illuminate Research in Prostate Cancer (Sexuality of prostate cancer patients following radical prostatectomy)", 2025, Cancer Weekly, p 478.