Sexual health after treatment for testicular cancer: a one year follow-up 1

Summary Purpose: A retrospective study at the University Medical Centre Groningen (UMCG), The Netherlands, showed sexual dysfunction in 30%-40% of patients treated for testicular cancer (follow-up seven years). This finding gave rise to the performance of a prospective study. Methods: Sexual health was assessed with the Questionnaire for Sexual Dysfunctions (QSD), and a questionnaire assessing sexuality- and illness-related aspects, at 0 (T1), 6 (T2) and 12 months after diagnosis (T3). Results: response: 49 patients (64.5%) at T1, 37 (48.5%) at T2 and 35 (46%) at T3. Mean age: 30.4 years. Sexuality oriented behaviours showed no differences between patients and normal controls. Sexual dysfunctions were reported by less than 14% of the patients; there were no differences with controls. Sexuality related aspects: at T3 only 10% felt less attractive, 86% did not want a prosthesis. Illness-related aspects: at T3 almost all patients reported a good physical and mental health. Partner relations improved in 32%, none deteriorated. Patients treated with orchidectomy alone reported the highest rate of sexual dysfunction. Conclusion: One year after diagnosis testicular cancer patients report little sexual dysfunctioning, and they enjoy good physical and mental health. These outcomes are lower than outcomes of an earlier retrospective study in the same region. However, one year after treatment patients are still in the midst of their disease story. A retrospective study, performed at another time and in other circumstances, may reveal information that is no less 'true' than results of a prospective study, but just offers information about a different 'reality'.