4.5 Article

Effects of Early Pelvic-Floor Muscle Exercise for Sexual Dysfunction in Radical Prostatectomy Recipients

Journal

CANCER NURSING
Volume 35, Issue 2, Pages 106-114

Publisher

LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS
DOI: 10.1097/NCC.0b013e3182277425

Keywords

Pelvic-floor muscle exercise; Radical prostatectomy; Sexual dysfunction

Funding

  1. National Science Council (NSC) [97-2314-B-214-009-MY2]

Ask authors/readers for more resources

Background: Sexual dysfunction is common after radical prostatectomy (RP). Although pelvic-floor muscle exercise (PFME) has been recommended for sexual dysfunction, the optimal time for starting exercises after this surgery and the effects of exercise still need to be examined. Objectives: The present study was intended to explore the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and to assess the efficacy of PFME in sexual dysfunction following RP. Methods: Participants were randomly distributed into an experimental group (n = 35) or a control group (n = 27). The experimental group took part in PFME as part of regular daily activities after catheter removal post-RP. The control group was taught the exercise in the third month after RP. We followed up the participants at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Results: All of the patients experienced a severe degree of sexual dysfunction after receiving RP. A t test showed a significant difference in the sexual function mean score between the experimental and control groups at 6 and 12 months. A mixed-model analysis indicated that, after a controlled surgical approach, there was a significant difference in group effect. The experimental group's sexual function was better than the control group's sexual function. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that early PFME is an effective intervention for sexual dysfunction in prostatectomy patients. The results can help healthcare providers to include this intervention in patients' discharge plans. Implications for Practice: Patient sexual dysfunction after an RP is common. Nurses should evaluate and manage patients' sexual dysfunction and promote the early return of patients' potency.

Authors

I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.

Reviews

Primary Rating

4.5
Not enough ratings

Secondary Ratings

Novelty
-
Significance
-
Scientific rigor
-
Rate this paper

Recommended

No Data Available
No Data Available