Assessing the impact of sexual function on perceptions of masculinity among prostate cancer survivors in the United States: findings from the prostate cancer registry

Background Prostate 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. Methods A 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. Results Based 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. Conclusion Sexual function has an impact on perceptions of masculinity but additional underlying issues outside of sexual function may contribute to perceptions of masculinity.