Sexual Function in Men Undergoing Androgen Deprivation Therapy

Abstract

With an increase in the use of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in men diagnosed with prostate cancer, there are several adverse effects that accompany its utilization. Among these, sexual dysfunction has contributed to significant deleterious effects on quality of life (QoL) and overall satisfaction. This has prompted clinicians to pursue modalities of ADT that may mitigate these adverse sexual effects, which include continuous versus intermittent ADT, changes in the duration of ADT, and novel methods of cyclical androgen exposure during treatment. Importantly, this must not come at the expense of oncological outcomes. In addition, some men treated with ADT experience persistent hypogonadism and side effects from these medications that linger well after treatment is completed. In this systematic review we discuss the pharmaceutical, mechanical, and psychological methods that play an important role in the mitigation of these sexual side effects, including erectile dysfunction and decreased libido, and their uses and benefits are further discussed. Ultimately, the benefits of ADT and the possible morbidity that these men may experience from use of ADT, as well as options to minimize their side effects need to be discussed with the patient and their partner to make an informed decision and ensure patient autonomy while providing the most up-to-date evidence. Given the prevalence of prostate cancer in the aging male population, this systematic review aims to further explain the different ADT regimens and options for men, as well as discuss the sexual side effects that accompany these treatments and ways in which to mitigate these side effects to improve patient QoL.