There are a lot of feeling attached to ups and downs of dealing with the results of the treatment of prostate ca. The downs begin with the inability to get an erection. Feeling unable to perform sexually, feeling like I'll never be able to enjoy sex again. Feeling like I'll be able to be in a satisfying relationship. No real upside that I can see at this point. It's been six months since the radiation and the seed implantation.

The emotional and social ups and downs? The gay culture is somewhat paranoid about a lack of sexual performance. Most men fear death and become depressed, but the gay community turns away from prostate survivors. It is like AIDS where you don't see the disease at first and conditions often change trying new therapies with new side effects. So the patient feels old, tired, at the end of life. Also prostate cancer often affects men over 55 years old and the gay community is looking at younger men, so we get a double whammy.

My lover died of HIV/AIDS 15 years ago. Having suggestions for men who are married or partnered to men, is certainly a positive emotional help. You know "plugging in" is not the only thing in life, and sensuality can include back rubs, kissing, caressing, spending time together. A relationship depends on five areas: physical, financial, spiritual, intellectual, and emotional. There is no mention of having sex, it really does not have to be the center of a relationship. Both members work on all five of their areas as best they can, and they communicate with each other. If your lover likes to talk about current events, then you should watch the news and read the newspaper. Same thing with sports, computer games, cooking, or whatever you have in common.

For post-treatment sexual helpful hints I am lucky. I stopped therapy one year ago and I can have orgasms when I masturbate. They are not like they were, but better than nothing! I found a gay church that preaches that Jesus and God love gays! It is an MCC church. I found two other men with prostate cancer and we have a meeting on Wednesdays that is introspective. I can share my feelings openly. I also have five years clean in a 12-step program. I sponsor two men and go to 2 meetings a week. I have three other diseases, heart, diabetes, and kidney disease. Also, I am urine incontinent and I had cancer for eleven years. I am 74 years old. Life goes on and I am moving into a retirement center to get nursing help if needed and get kidney dialysis. I truly enjoy life and wish you all well.

Hi Guys,

Since my surgery in 2013, I have written of my up's and down's. Please go to my profile

TucsonCowboy to read these. It has been "interesting" and in some ways I am not quite

where I viewed I would be at present as far as side effects go. That being said my life now is good. After surgery I began doing volunteer work which i had done in the past. The view I have taken is since I am retired to continue doing something as long as it is fun. I am quite busy with my life and my volunteer work as really helped me get back into life and feel a part of things again. I will be 70 in six months and after years of very much involvement with the "Gay community" to speak, am at a very different place in my life.

I feel I am so lucky to be a member of a faith which is totally supportive of LGBTQ individuals. These people I view as my family so to speak and had been made to feel so

welcome and have began given a sense of belonging. Maybe I have said to much but I just feel so happy that I am alive and cancer free (regardless of some of the still occurring side effects). Yes, "sex" is clearly not where I want it to be but I am very content with my life.

Rick in Tucson

Early days for me, Darryl. Six months post-op. The challenge for me is in re-defining what it means to "perform sexually" in the light of a cock that does not stand up and that dribbles on occasion. I hope to believe that I am more that my cock and that sexual expression allows broader avenues than sticking that cock in some hole. Before surgery I found the most pleasure in pleasing my partner; I still do. Before surgery I had a profoundly loving partner; I still do. And I have a lot of questions: the main one is in talking to my straight married age peers, many (most) gave up on sex a long time ago. Is the drive for sexual experience/expression/release different in gay men? Do we remain sexual for a longer time, perhaps? Others I read cite religious issues and living their lives. Happily as a member of a liberal religious community and "welcoming church" that has not been an issue in the three years I have been out. I am grateful for that. It is a pathway that is mine. I would not have chosen it. But it is my pathway. I am happy to participate in the RESTORE study and I strongly encourage others to do the same. There is so much not known about gay men and prostate cancer.

Thanks, and since you mention the Restore study, guys can learn more and sign up, here: malecare.org/restore

I am not ready or willing to abandon my sexuality. I am trying to be as proactive as possible. I love to masturbate and I like bate clubs like NY Jacks and I enjoy my body, so I am doing what I can to get back to that by participating in the Restore program. I ignore the “ageist” notion that gay culture is focused on youth. I enjoy men my age and older (have always preferred older men). Even as I struggle with ED, I am looking for other ways to express myself. I am looking into such programs as Body Electric, Easton Mountain, and the like. I am also considering a sacred intimate who might help me come to terms with this new reality.

Moreover I have been thinking that gay men with prostate cancer could form their own bate club and learn from each other.

It was good and a surprise to see the heading ”Helpful hints for a Gay Man with prostate Cancer. Living in Denver, CO I have been trying to find a gay prostate cancer support group, but it does not seem to exist.

I was diagnosed with prostate cancer last August and after a parting with the Denver health & Hospitals – they were telling me directly lies. I am now at the Urology Clinic of Colorado. At the Clinic they do have a monthly support group, but it is comprised as much as I can determine only guys with their wives or daughters in attendance.

I was able to get into a clinical study with the treatment plan of a Lupron shot every three months, which ceases the production of Testosterone. I am also in a 9-week radiation treatment plan that really saps my energy.

Getting an erection is possible with a great deal of work while ejaculation is a surprise. I am a member of a gay nudist group here in Denver and it is depressing to see other guys naked while my penis remains soft for the most part.

For that reason, I find myself not wanting to go out a meet other guys or attend any parties. As a guy who has been sexually active since my early teens with a same age cousin, the concept of no sex is making my life difficult.

I met with my regular doctor and showed him the materials from Restore and got him to send a prescription for sildenafil. He was encouraging. He also said I should wait 6-8 weeks after surgery before using the anal dilators. On the extrovert-introvert spectrum we both tend towards the introverted end so this speaking openly about masturbation, penile pumps, butt plugs and the like was a breakthrough. He is gay so that helped.

This is so subjective depending on the type of treatment and the extent of the cancer. Realize that many doctors tend to dish out the news and implications little-by-little so they don't overwhelm you. So it make take awhile to grasp fully the situation you are dealing with and the longterm (hopefully) consequences. Just try to make it about LIVING and not sexual performance. Your like will change forever in so many ways. If you are younger the sexual part may be more important to you than when you are older. PC sucks and there is no other way to look at. Try to be open to new experiences like meditation if you haven't tried it before. The sex part will come back or it won't. As the old prayer loosely goes, "Give me the wisdom to understand and accpet the things I cannot change and the strenght to change those things that are in within my power." Recognize the signs of depression and try to fight it. Ask for help when needed. Smell the roses and LIVE.