Sexless marriage phenomenon, prostate cancer, and bioethics

Authors

Abstract

The term sexless marriage refers to the lack of sexual activity or intimacy in a marital union for one year.
Prostate cancer treatment can cause this phenomenon, leading to a reality in which the lack of sexual
activity affects marriage. The objective of this literature review is to investigate the impact of the disease
on the relationship and redefine the role of this partnership with new strategies, so that sexual relations
are not restricted to the genitals. The PubMed, SciELO, and Google Scholar databases were consulted,
as well as widely circulated websites, using the descriptors prostate cancer, relationship intimacy,
partner, sexless marriage, and treatment. The patient’s dependence on his partner is noticeable,
affecting his self-esteem, whereas she feels responsible for the success of the therapy and bears the
anguish imposed by the disease. Welcoming the partner is an opportunity to include a disease with
multiple consequences in a current and ethical debate.

Keywords:

Sexual Behavior, User embracement, Bioethics, Equity, Prostatic Neoplasms
Vol. 32 (2024): Continued publication

Published:

2024-12-04

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-803420243765PT

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How to Cite

1.
Vilalva Mestrinho B, Marra da Motta Vilalva Mestrinho V, Verna Leal de Oliveira R. Sexless marriage phenomenon, prostate cancer, and bioethics. Rev. bioét.(Impr.). [Internet]. 2024 Dec. 4 [cited 2025 Feb. 3];32. Available from: https://revistabioetica.cfm.org.br/revista_bioetica/article/view/3765

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