Bladder cancer: a focus on sexuality.

BACKGROUND A bladder cancer diagnosis and the effects of treatment can have a significant impact on a patient's physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Because healthcare providers tend to focus on these aspects of care, a patient's concerns with changes regarding sexual health are often overlooked. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this article is to provide oncology nurses with an overview of causes of and treatment for sexual dysfunction as it relates to patients with bladder cancer. METHODS Data were extracted using key words and phrases such as bladder cancer, cystoscopy, cystectomy, pelvic exenteration, and sexual dysfunction. FINDINGS Oncology nurses are ideal healthcare providers to assess the sexual health concerns of patients with bladder cancer. Oncology nurses can be valuable resources for patients by giving them permission to discuss sexual health, educating them and their partners about potential implications of treatment on sexuality, reviewing treatment options, and facilitating referrals to other providers who specialize in treating sexual dysfunction.