Peter's Story

Ethnicity
White British
Age
70-79
Work
Other (please specify)
Sexual Orientation
Straight
Geography
East Anglia
Relationship status
Married/In a Civil Partnership

Hormone Therapy (tablets)

Tips and advice for any sexual side effects of treatment

My urologist had suggestions such as an exercise pump to encourage blood flow where it is needed and Viagra or variants such as Cialis. These helped a bit but the harsh reality is that this hormone treatment depletes or eradicates testosterone which is kind of essential for sex drive and performance.

Tips and advice for any physical side effects of treatment

The hot sweats abated after about 6 months. The weight gain has been mainly around the middle which is not a good look and a sensible diet regrettably does not seem to have any affect.

Tips and advice for any mental and emotional side effects of treatment

The increase in midriff is not very attractive! This comes with middle age but isn't helped by the treatment. Nevertheless, we have to keep in mind that this is a small price to pay for beating the disease.

How this treatment impacted my life the most

Knowing that it is a form of chemical castration is not ideal. The effect on sex life is probably the most significant impact. Perhaps I've been fortunate but the other side effects are relatively mild.

If I had to do it all over again, would I choose the same treatment?

Yes

Why did I give this answer?

The only alternative in my case is an absence of treatment which would almost certainly result in metastatic cancer which would not end well. My understanding is that when I finally come off this hormone treatment I will be cancer free.

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