Abstract:
Information on male potency in testicular cancer (TC) patients treated with
chemotherapy is insufficient. We aimed to assess the levels of depression and
anxiety symptoms, sexual function and gonodotrophins. Participants (n = 27)
were identified and recruited from the genitourinary services of two medical
centres, one in Inonu University and the other in the Firat University. All
patients are TC patients treated with chemotherapy after unilateral orchiectomy.
Participants completed follow-up assessments after the completion of the
chemotherapy regimen. Serum luteinising hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone
and testosterone levels were determined after blood samples had been
taken in the morning after an overnight fast. International Index of Erectile
Function (IIEF-15) was also used to evaluate erectile dysfunction (ED) score.
Beck Depression and Beck Anxiety Scale were used to assess psychological
symptoms. The findings indicated that men treated with chemotherapy had
significantly different IIEF-15 and Beck Anxiety scores compared with men
who did not receive chemotherapy. But no statistically significant difference
was determined in the serum gonodotrophin levels and depression score
between the two groups. It is concluded that patients with TC undergoing chemotherapy
have greater risk than normal men for ED, independently of the
gonodotrophin’s level.
