Let's talk about gay sex: gay and bisexual men's sexual communication with healthcare professionals after prostate cancer

Abstract

Although sexual changes after prostate cancer (PCa) have specific meanings and consequences for gay and bisexual (GB) men, little is known about how GB men navigate sexual well-being support. We surveyed 124 GB men with PCa and 21 male partners, and interviewed a sub-sample of 46 GB men and 7 male partners, to examine GB men's experiences of sexual communication with healthcare professionals (HCPs) since the onset of PCa. GB men perceived a number of deficits in HCPs communication: medical support dominated sexual and psychological support; heterosexuality of GB patients was often assumed; sexual orientation disclosure was problematic; and GB men perceived rejection or lack of interest and knowledge from a majority of HCPs with regard to gay sexuality and the impact of PCa on GB men. Facilitators of communication were acknowledgement of sexual orientation and exploration of the impact of PCa on GB men. In order to target improved support for GB men with PCa, it is concluded that HCPs need to address issues of hetero-centricism within PCa care by improving facilitation of sexual orientation disclosure, recognising that GB men with PCa might have specific sexual and relational needs, and increasing knowledge and comfort discussing gay sexuality and gay sexual practices.