Intimacy during Prostate cancer treatment

[Jengadreads]

Hi everyone. My husband has been diagnosed with Prostate cancer. Thankfully it’s contained in the Prostate. My husband is paranoid about going to the gym and being intimate as he thinks it will raise testosterone levels and advance cancer cells. I can’t find anything specifically about my question. Are these things ok during Prostate treatment? I want to reassure my partner about the facts on it all.

[Shooter1]

Usually as much physical activity as you can stand is good. Keeps muscle loss to a minimum and helps to keep your stamina up. Sex--- get all you can while you can... my wife and I had a chemical enhanced week long orgy before my non-nerve sparing prostatectomy and enjoy the memories...

[NPfisherman]

Is he undergoing treatment and with what?? Gleason score?? These things make a difference.. If he is a G6 and they are just monitoring him, well...enjoy...

Don Pescado

[Jengadreads in reply to NPfisherman]

This made me laugh 😂

[NYC_talker]

The idea that testosterone or a normal elevation of it advances prostate cancer has been put to bed by scientists. Activity is good for him, and he should be in his best shape going into any treatment, which will make recovery that much easier. The misunderstanding about testosterone stems from the fact that depriving the body of testosterone for more advanced prostate cancer helps to slow down the cancer -- androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT).

But too much (or rather, a normal amount of) testosterone doesn't cause cancer to grow. The metaphor that I saw used by a prostate cancer oncologist was that of a plant in a well-drained pot or soil, with the plant being like the cancer and water being like testosterone. Depriving water will kill the plant, but too much water will just drain out.

[Jengadreads in reply to NYC_talker]

This is such a great reply. Thank you. And it’s such a good metaphor! I hope others see this info too 😊

[CAMPSOUPS]

The prostate doesn't hold let alone produce testosterone.Exercise in any form is good.

[addicted2cycling]

Jengadreads Joined February 1, 2022 --- so welcome and additional information, only if comfortable supplying, regarding your husband's diagnosis/treatment will be useful in obtaining helpful replies from the amazingly informed individuals on the Forum.

[Jengadreads in reply to addicted2cycling]

Thanks for the info, I was actually recommended this page for such things. Once my husbands treatment is in place I’ll be able to get more info

[kevinf]

If he is on Active Surveillance (as I am) he will be advised to take exercise that raises his heart rate to over 100 at least once every day. However, for at least 72 hours before a PSA blood test he must avoid all strenuous activity, no riding bicycles and do absolutely nothing that involves ejaculation.

So routine sex is fine, most of the time. However, he is taking eg Tamsulosin he may be having issues with 'back firing' or 'dry finishes'. This can cause frustration and can put you off wanting to do anything.

[Jengadreads in reply to kevinf]

Thank you for your reply 😊

[Desanthony]

Well I didn’t stop any of these things though some times intercourse is difficult depending on treatment being given. If he works out like a top flight Olympic athlete it may make a slight difference. He may be thinking of being told at some stage not to have inter course or work out in the 48 hours prior to a PSA test as this could mean the test result could be very slightly higher but although this may be so I personally have forgotten this and cycles for 30+ miles the day before a PSA test and it made no difference at all.

Exercising through Hormone Treatment and Radiotherapy as I did I believe helped me with the side effects of weight gain, fatigue, muscle loss and mood swings only putting on about half a stone during treatment and no visible or noticeable muscle loss and a general sense of well being. Exercise and a good diet along with a good positive outlook is important to get through this.

[Jengadreads in reply to Desanthony]

You’re absolutely right, positive outlook always. My husband has decided to go to the gym daily. I hope this message finds you healthy 😊💪🏻

[Desanthony in reply to Jengadreads]

Yes absolutely healthy thanks. all the best to the two of you.