Erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence after prostate cancer treatment.

OBJECTIVES

To review the current knowledge and treatment of incontinence and erectile dysfunction after treatment of localized prostate cancer.

DATA SOURCES

Journal and research articles.

CONCLUSION

The unique aspects of each treatment lends to different considerations in treatment techniques that mitigate incontinence and impotence. Although the pathophysiology of incontinence and impotence after various treatments can be different, the treatments can be similar in many ways.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Nursing care of men undergoing treatment of prostate cancer begins at the time of diagnosis and continues throughout the management of the two main adverse effects of treatment: erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence. Nursing care focuses heavily on psychosocial support and education to help patients to live with the aftermath of prostate cancer.