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The prevalence and nature of orgasmic dysfunction after radical prostatectomy
Author(s) -
Barnas Jennifer L.,
Pierpaoli Steven,
Ladd Patricia,
Valenzuela Rolando,
Aviv Nadid,
Parker Marilyn,
Waters W. Bedford,
Flanigan Robert C.,
Mulhall John P.
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
bju international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.773
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1464-410X
pISSN - 1464-4096
DOI - 10.1111/j.1464-410x.2004.05009.x
Subject(s) - orgasm , medicine , prostatectomy , erectile dysfunction , sexual function , sexual dysfunction , urology , prostate , cancer
Section Editor Michael G. Wyllie Panel of Advisors Ian Eardley, UK Jean Fourcroy, USA Sidney Glina, Brazil Julia Heiman, USA Chris McMahon, Australia Bob Millar, UK Alvaro Morales, Canada Michael Perelman, USA OBJECTIVE To define the type of orgasmic dysfunction in men after radical prostatectomy (RP), as absence of orgasm and orgasmic pain are recognized complaints, and changes in orgasm may lead to significant sexual dissatisfaction. PATIENTS AND METHODS Using an unvalidated questionnaire, demographic, erectile function and orgasmic function questions were answered by 239 patients who had previously undergone a retropubic RP. RESULTS Of the 239 patients, 22% had no change in orgasm intensity, 37% reported a complete absence of orgasm, 37% had decreased orgasm intensity and 4% reported a more intense orgasm after RP than before. Pain during orgasm (dysorgasmia) occurred in 14% of the patients; in these respondents the pain reportedly occurred always (with every orgasm) in 33%, frequently in 13%, occasionally in 35%, and rarely in 19%. Most patients (55%) had orgasm‐associated pain for <1 min. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that orgasmic functional changes are relatively common after RP and are worth considering by clinicians and researchers.