Researchers looked at whether counseling and exercise programs could help men with prostate cancer who experience sexual health problems. They combined results from 14 different studies that tested these types of programs. The programs typically involved education about sexual health, counseling support, and physical activity guidance.
Men who participated in these programs reported small but noticeable improvements in both their sexual function and how satisfied they felt with their sexual lives. The improvements were consistent enough across studies that researchers believe these programs can be helpful.
It's important to note that the studies varied quite a bit in how they designed their programs, which makes it hard to say exactly what type of program works best. The review also didn't report any information about side effects or whether people found the programs easy to stick with.
This research suggests that counseling and exercise programs could be a valuable part of prostate cancer care. If you're experiencing sexual health concerns after prostate cancer treatment, talking with your healthcare team about whether such programs might be right for you could be a good first step.
