Men treated with Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) have a further decline in their ability for sexual intercourse and a decrease in sexual desire compared with men who are not treated with ADT. On the other hand, antiandrogen mono-therapy and Intermittent Androgen Deprivation (IAD), have been shown to be associated with significantly better sexual function outcomes.
Pre-treatment counselling should include pre-diagnosis sexual activity assessment, as well as patient and partner education and inclusion in treatment decisions. Post treatment management should include additional sexual health discussions and the offering of psychological, pharmacological, and if necessary, mechanical aids that can mitigate secondary sexual problems. Physicians should reduce known factors; explain to the patients the risks and benefit of the therapy, and work multi-disciplinary to achieve the optimal benefit for their patients.
