SUPPORT GROUPS
Support groups can be extremely helpful for patients and partners experiences sexual changes during the prostate cancer journey. This can include both in-person or online support groups. Some groups are specific to different stages of prostate cancer, and there are dedicated support groups for partners/caregivers.
The Prostate Cancer Foundation offers many different support groups, including dedicated groups for newly diagnosed prostate cancer, as well as patients with metastatic prostate cancer and those undergoing nonsurgical treatments and active surveillance. There are also dedicated groups for gay and bisexual men, transgender women, African American men, veterans, prostate cancer caregivers and family survivors.
Virtual and/or in-person support groups are also available for patients and/or caregivers through other organizations such as ZERO Prostate Cancer, Male Care, the Prostate Health Education Network (PHEN) and Fans for the Cure.
SEX THERAPISTS AND EDUCATORS
Sex therapists, educators and counselors can also be extremely helpful for couples during the prostate cancer journey. There are many ways to maintain intimacy and sexual satisfaction for prostate cancer, and these providers can provide couples with support in this process. The American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists AASECT website has a tool to find a provider in each state. In addition, the Society for Sex and Research (SSTAR) has a tool to find sex therapists on its website. You can also look for therapists in your area with an expertise in sexual issues.
SEXUAL MEDICINE DOCTORS
Sexual medicine doctors may be helpful to learn more about possible medical or surgical options for management of sexual side effects from prostate cancer treatment. These are typically urologists who have undergone specialized training in sexual medicine, which is a different subspecialty from oncology. To identify a sexual medicine specialist in the US, the Sexual Medicine Society of North America SMSNA offers a find-a-provider tool on their website.