Assessing The Impact Of Sexual Function On Perceptions Of Masculinity Among Prostate Cancer Survivors In The United States: Findings From The Prostate Cancer Registry

BackgroundProstate cancer carries emasculating symptoms and treatment effects. These symptoms and treatment effects impact a man's sexual function; a central-theme to masculinity. This study seeks to assess the impact of sexual function on perceptions of masculinity.MethodsA voluntary-sample of men self-selected into the registry. Data were based on a series of questions related to Health-Related Quality of Life and functional status.ResultsBased on the analysis, 50.2% of men did not feel less masculine, 33.2% of men were still interested in sex, 40.2% of men still engaged in sex "a little bit," and 34.8% of men still found sex "quite a bit" enjoyable. Additionally, 31.1% of identified issues with erectile dysfunction and 45.5% of men showed no discomfort with being sexually active.ConclusionSexual function has an impact on perceptions of masculinity but additional underlying issues outside of sexual function may contribute to perceptions of masculinity.