Sex Life and Vitality During Treatment for Prostate Cancer: It Is Possible! A Case Report

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Published: Jun 30, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52600/2763-583X.bjcr.2026.6.1.bjcr207
Keywords:
Prostatic neoplasms, Erectile dysfunction, Quality of life, Psychotherapy group, Penile erection

Main Article Content

Ivan Mumic Silva
State University of Campinas (UNICAMP)
https://orcid.org/0009-0007-1498-7255
Angela Maria Elizabeth Piccolotto Naccarato
State University of Campinas (UNICAMP)
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4344-7972
Lucas do Prado Paz
State University of Campinas (UNICAMP)
https://orcid.org/0009-0004-7254-8494
Adriano Fregonesi
State University of Campinas (UNICAMP)
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6853-1014
Aline Akel Ferruccio
State University of Campinas (UNICAMP)
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2178-1550
Maria Eduarda Bueno de Souza Barbuio
State University of Campinas (UNICAMP)
Paloma Maria Ribeiro Lescura França
State University of Campinas (UNICAMP)
https://orcid.org/0009-0004-2264-1447
Ubirajara Ferreira
State University of Campinas (UNICAMP)
Wagner Eduardo Matheus
State University of Campinas (UNICAMP)
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0811-2616

Abstract

Life expectancy and survival rates for prostate cancer (PCa) are improving but maintaining quality of life (QoL) during and after treatment remains a major clinical challenge. Erectile dysfunction (ED), psychosocial distress, and disturbances in body image and masculinity are highly prevalent in this population. A 66-year-old man with high-risk PCa (PSA 28.8 ng/mL; Gleason 4+5; pT3b pN1) underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, adjuvant radiotherapy, and intermittent hormone therapy, presenting with ED unresponsive to oral phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors. Health-related QoL (HRQoL) and erectile function were prospectively assessed using FACT-P (version 4) and IIEF-5. The patient attended weekly group psychotherapy from June 2022 and progressed to intracavernous injection therapy (alprostadil + papaverine + phentolamine). IIEF-5 scores improved from 5 (severe ED) to 25 (normal erectile function). FACT-P demonstrated sustained gains in emotional well-being and global QoL. A coordinated multidisciplinary pathway combining intracavernous injection therapy and continuous group psychotherapy enabled recovery of normal erectile function, sexual satisfaction, and overall well-being despite multimodal oncologic treatment.

Article Details

How to Cite
Silva, I. M., Naccarato, A. M. E. P., Paz, L. do P., Fregonesi, A., Ferruccio, A. A., Barbuio, M. E. B. de S., França, P. M. R. L., Ferreira, U., & Matheus, W. E. (2026). Sex Life and Vitality During Treatment for Prostate Cancer: It Is Possible! A Case Report. Brazilian Journal of Case Reports, 6(1), bjcr207. https://doi.org/10.52600/2763-583X.bjcr.2026.6.1.bjcr207
Issue
Vol. 6 No. 1 (2026): January/December - 2026
Section
Clinical Case Reports
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Author Biographies

Ivan Mumic Silva, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP)

State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.

Angela Maria Elizabeth Piccolotto Naccarato, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP)

State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.

Lucas do Prado Paz, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP)

State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.

Adriano Fregonesi, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP)

State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.

Aline Akel Ferruccio, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP)

State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.

Maria Eduarda Bueno de Souza Barbuio, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP)

State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.

Paloma Maria Ribeiro Lescura França, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP)

State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.

Ubirajara Ferreira, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP)

State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.

Wagner Eduardo Matheus, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP)

State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.

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