Sexual Dysfunction Among Adolescent and Young Adult Men Diagnosed with Cancer

Purpose: Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients frequently demonstrate sexual dysfunction; however, there is a lack of data quantifying the severity and frequency. Methods: Males aged 18–39 years, diagnosed with cancer of any kind and who were scheduled to begin, were actively receiving, or had completed cancer treatment within 6 months, were offered validated surveys during their oncology appointment. These surveys included the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-6), Masturbation Erection Index (MEI), 36-Item Short Form Survey, and 5-point Likert scales to assess their desire and ability to engage in sex and masturbation. Results: Forty subjects completed the IIEF survey with a mean score of 17.7 ± 11, erectile dysfunction (ED) prevalence accordingly was 58%. Thirty-eight subjects completed the MEI with a mean score of 25.3 ± 5.3, ED prevalence was again 58%. Age and IIEF scores demonstrated a statistically significant ( p