Dr Gür and colleagues from the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Mersin University School of Medicine in Turkey investigated the effect of total or partial laryngectomies with or without adjuvant treatments on couples' sexual functions.
The study included 39 male patients with laryngeal cancer and their female partners who were sexually active. Twenty-six patients underwent total laryngectomy, and 13 had partial laryngectomy.
The authors found that laryngectomies have negative impact on male erectile and ejaculatory functions, and also have negative effect on female partners' sexual functions. Presence of pre-operative erectile dysfunction and additional chemo-radiation therapy were the predictors to decrease in erectile and ejaculatory functions after surgery. The authors recommend that male patients and their female partners should be counselled about these issues before and after undergoing laryngeal surgery and adjuvant therapy. Those who experience sexual difficulties may be able to benefit from medical and psychological interventions.
Click to read about the impact of laryngectomee on sexuality and intimacy.
Click to read about the impact of laryngectomee on sexuality and intimacy.