Testosterone, confidence, and sex after chemotherapy and cancer surgery: Dr. P explains the “bedroom issues.”
—
QUESTION:
I have been having issues in the bedroom and I was wondering if this has an effect regarding my post-recovery? Or is this simply just in my head ? –Sean, New York, NY
ANSWER:
Sean, great question. There are a couple of reasons men have “bedroom issues” following treatment for testicular cancer whether it’s following their orchiectomy, chemotherapy, or a retroperitoneal lymph node dissection.
The first is an organic cause, hypogonadism, which is the medical term for low testosterone levels. While it is not common, some men, even with one good testicle left, can have low testosterone levels that can lead to low energy levels, libido (sexual desire) and occasionally erectile function, which can translate into poor “bedroom performance.” Technically, a fraction of one testicle should produce enough testosterone to give you a beard, erection and chase your partner around the bedroom.
Occasionally, surgery, chemotherapy and even testicular cancer itself, can cause suboptimal testosterone levels. Checking an early morning testosterone level with your doctor (testosterone release is cyclic and highest in the early morning) can assess your hormone function.
The second cause has to do with self-confidence. It takes a lot more than an erection to perform well in the bedroom. Comfort, confidence and self-assuredness can all help performance – and the lack of thereof can have negative impacts. Whatever your treatment course was, you are now missing a testicle, have at least one surgical scar and just went through the biggest scare of your life. For most young men, the diagnosis and treatment of testicular cancer is a strong blow to confidence and the sense of invincibility that most young men have. Surviving testicular cancer takes a lot more than just checking labs, CT scans and x-rays – it also has to do with resolving the emotional and psychological issues surrounding the disease. For some men, a testicular prosthesis helps them feel more normal.
For others, a short course of anti-depressant medication under the supervision of a doctor may help. For some its a tattoo to commemorate their ordeal. In Baltimore, we have regular “Beers, Bros and Balls” events, where testicular cancer survivors can meet, share their stories, common problems and solutions. So finding a group of TC survivors in your area may also help you “recover” from this life-changing diagnosis.
So my advice:
First, check a testosterone level. If it’s abnormal, it’s an easy fix. If it’s normal it may give you the confidence to “perform well” in the bedroom.
Second, I would also connect with a testicular cancer expert and survivors (whether through social media or in person) – it will let you know you are not alone and help you through these issues. A physician can help you navigate the medical side of this and other survivors can help you navigate the rest.
Good luck, you will be back to your studly self soon!
Dr. Phillip M. Pierorazio, M.D. is the Director of the Division of Testicular Cancer and works with a number of testicular cancer advocacy groups around the country. He runs the testicular cancer “Go-Team” and coordinates the department’s research efforts in testicular cancer.
◊♦◊
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Photo: Getty Images
This essay originally appeared on MrBallsy.com
Read Mr. Ballsy every week here on The Good Men Project!
And thank you for sharing this!
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
The post Problems in the Bedroom Post-Recovery and Post-Chemo—Ask Dr. P appeared first on The Good Men Project.