Should I be concerned about my sexual health during prostate cancer screening and treatment?
Concerns About the Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
It’s common for men to worry that a digital rectal exam (DRE) might affect their sexuality or sexual health. If you have these concerns, consider discussing them with the Walnut Warriors support group, where you can connect with others who may share similar experiences.
Sexual Health After Treatment
Prostate cancer treatment can impact sexual activity and libido, leading many men to feel a change in their sexual function diminishes their masculinity or affects their relationship. It’s important to address these concerns openly, involving your partner and seeking guidance from a your doctor or resources such as Movember’s SharEclinic (https://sharec.truenth.ca/) to help with sexual health recovery
Talking to Your Partner
Many partners want to be involved in the care journey but might hesitate to bring up sexual health concerns out of sensitivity. Starting a conversation can help open the door for support, as research shows that involving a spouse often strengthens the relationship.
Considerations for Gay, Bisexual, and Trans Women
Gay and Bisexual Men: Some may avoid early screening due to concerns about discrimination. However, early screening significantly increases survival rates, making it critical regardless of sexual orientation.
Trans Women: Trans women (assigned male at birth) still have a prostate and are at risk for prostate cancer. Standard risk factors, screening methods, and treatments apply.
If you identify as gay, bisexual, or a trans woman and are of African/Caribbean descent, 40 years or older, or have other risk factors, please refer to our Screening and Treatment sections for more information.
What is Prostate?
What is Prostate? The prostate is a small gland about the size of a walnut, located deep in a man's pelvis, just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It surrounds the upper part of the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. While the prostate...
What is Prostate Cancer?
What is Prostate Cancer? In general, cancer is a condition in which a normal cell becomes abnormal and starts to grow and/or reproduce uncontrollably without having the signals or “brakes” that stop typical cell growth. Prostate cancer occurs when a normal prostate...
Non-Cancerous Prostate Conditions
Non-Cancerous Prostate Conditions Certain non-cancerous prostate conditions may have similar symptoms to prostate cancer, but they do not increase the risk of developing it. However, it’s important to see a physician if you experience symptoms like difficulty...
Are Black men more likely to get prostate cancer?
Are Black men more likely to get prostate cancer? According to the Canadian Cancer Society, 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. For Black men 1 in 6 will be diagnosed and are nearly twice as likely as white men to die from prostate cancer. While the...
Does prostate cancer run in families?
Does prostate cancer run in families? Your family history can provide important clues about your risk for prostate cancer. While lifestyle factors play a role, genetic factors are also significant. Some cancers, including prostate, breast, ovarian, and pancreatic, can...
How do I know if I have prostate cancer?
How do I know if I have prostate cancer? In its early stages, prostate cancer often has no symptoms, making regular screenings essential, especially for men over 40, those of Black or African/Caribbean descent, or those with other risk factors. Early detection through...
Why is Prostate Cancer Screening Important?
Why is Prostate Cancer Screening Important? Prostate cancer often shows no symptoms in its early stages. In fact, only 4% of men discover they have prostate cancer through screening tests, while just 5% find out because of urinary or erectile symptoms. This makes...
What are the different types of prostate cancer screening tests?
What are the different types of prostate cancer screening tests? Prostate cancer is most often detected through screening tests rather than symptoms, making regular screenings vital, especially for men over 40 or those of African/Caribbean descent. Here are the main...
What Does My Diagnosis Mean: Grading and Staging of Prostate Cancer?
What Does My Diagnosis Mean: Grading and Staging of Prostate Cancer? Grading tells us how aggressive the cancer is, while staging shows how far it has spread. Grading: The Gleason ScoreThe Gleason Score is a method used to determine the aggressiveness of prostate...
What is the treatment for prostate cancer?
What is the treatment for prostate cancer? Getting opinions from multiple specialists, including at least one surgeon and one radiation oncologist, to make an informed decision. Surgery: Radical ProstatectomyRadical prostatectomy is a surgical procedure that removes...
What are the side effects of prostate cancer treatment?
What are the side effects of prostate cancer treatment? Prostate cancer treatment can have several side effects, including incontinence, erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, emotional changes, fatigue, and infertility. Here’s what you need to know: Incontinence:...
How can friends and family support a loved one with prostate cancer?
How can friends and family support a loved one with prostate cancer? Prostate cancer impacts not only the person diagnosed but also their loved ones, including family and friends. It’s normal to feel a range of emotions—sadness, fear, anger, or even numbness—when...
What should I do after being diagnosed with prostate cancer?
What should I do after being diagnosed with prostate cancer? If you’ve just been diagnosed with prostate cancer, here are some practical tips from other survivors: Expect Mixed Emotions: It’s normal to feel a range of emotions and even experience a...
What Are the Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer?
What should I do after being diagnosed with prostate cancer? If you’ve just been diagnosed with prostate cancer, here are some practical tips from other survivors: Expect Mixed Emotions: It’s normal to feel a range of emotions and even experience a...