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Long‐term effects of testicular cancer on sexual functioning in married couples
Author(s) -
Gritz Ellen R.,
Wellisch David K.,
Wang HeJing,
Siau Jessie,
Landsverk John A.,
Cosgrove Malcolm D.
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.052
H-Index - 304
eISSN - 1097-0142
pISSN - 0008-543X
DOI - 10.1002/1097-0142(19891001)64:7<1560::aid-cncr2820640735>3.0.co;2-b
Subject(s) - spouse , concordance , medicine , fertility , psychosexual development , infertility , gynecology , clinical psychology , pregnancy , developmental psychology , psychology , population , environmental health , sociology , biology , anthropology , genetics
Long‐term sequelae of testicular cancer have not been reported from the perspective of patient and spouse. As part of a larger study, both members of 34 married couples were interviewed individually, almost 4 years after treatment ended. Spouse and patient responses were compared for concordance (agreement) regarding psychosexual functioning and fertility issues. Wives perceived fewer long‐term problems than husbands and were extremely supportive throughout their husbands' illnesses. At interview, whereas 23.5% of patients still felt less attractive as a result of treatment, no spouses shared this perception. Patients were more likely to report decreased, and wives increased sexual satisfaction compared to before cancer. However, both patients and spouses were more likely to report decreased frequency of intercourse than increased. In other areas as well, concordance was generally high. Few couples reported that infertility would pose a problem, but 53% were parents; men who banked sperm were less likely to already have children.