Survival rates for many cancers affecting males have improved significantly. As a result, more men are living for decades after treatment. However, the consistent management of long-term sexual health after cancer care has ended has not progressed at the same pace.
A study published in January 2026 in the International Journal of Impotence Research provides important evidence highlighting this gap. It demonstrates that sexual dysfunction remains clinically significant among male cancer survivors, often long after treatment has concluded.
What the study examined
The researchers analysed 2,712 men who presented with new-onset sexual dysfunction at a tertiary andrology centre between 2005 and 2022. All underwent a detailed medical and sexual assessment, including completion of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF).
This cohort reflects men actively seeking help, rather than survey respondents or trial volunteers, making the findings particularly relevant to everyday clinical practice.
How common is sexual dysfunction after cancer?
Almost 9% of men seeking help for sexual dysfunction reported a history of non-metastatic cancer. The most common cancers were prostate cancer (36%) and colorectal cancer (10.5%).
Across all cancer survivors in the study:
- Erectile dysfunction was the most frequent complaint, reported by 76%
- Other conditions included Peyronie’s disease, reduced sexual desire or ejaculatory disorders
Men with a history of prostate or colorectal cancer experienced more severe erectile dysfunction and significantly lower IIEF-EF scores than men treated for other malignancies.
Why erectile dysfunction persists after cancer treatment
Cancer treatments can disrupt erectile function through several well recognised physiological pathways. Pelvic surgery and radiotherapy can impair blood flow, damage nerves involved in erection, and lead to structural tissue changes such as fibrosis and loss of elasticity. Hormonal therapies and long-term medications can further contribute.
Importantly, these changes may evolve gradually. Some men’s symptoms worsen years after treatment, rather than immediately afterwards. This helps explain why erectile dysfunction can appear or progress long after routine follow-up has ended.
A gap in long-term care
One of the most important conclusions from the study is the need for sexual health assessment to be part of long-term follow-up, not something addressed only if a patient raises it.
The authors state that andrological evaluation should be included during follow-up for male cancer survivors. This reflects a growing recognition that sexual function is a core quality-of-life outcome, not a secondary concern.
In practice, sexual health is still often overlooked once cancer surveillance focuses solely on recurrence. As this study shows, that approach leaves many men without assessment or support for conditions that are both common and treatable.
What this means for men
For men who have undergone cancer treatment, particularly for prostate or colorectal cancer, ongoing erectile dysfunction is not unusual – it is a recognised physiological consequence of treatment.
It may also explain why some men find that oral medications become less effective over time. When blood flow, tissue structure, and nerve signalling are affected, managing symptoms alone may not address the underlying problem.
Many men therefore look for options that are non-invasive and focused on restoring physiological function, rather than relying solely on on-demand support.
Why this matters to Ohh-Med Medical
At Ohh-Med Medical, our work is centred on supporting men who wish to take an active role in their sexual health following cancer treatment. Advances in non-invasive, clinically tested technologies mean that there are now options designed to support blood flow, tissue health and erectile function over time, rather than relying only on short-term solutions.
For many men, this represents an opportunity to address long-standing changes in sexual function in a way that respects their treatment history and supports long-term quality of life.
As cancer survivorship continues to grow, so too does the opportunity to help men move beyond simply being cancer-free towards feeling more like themselves again. Evidence such as this study helps point the way forward by highlighting where meaningful improvements in men’s sexual health and wellbeing can be achieved.
Technology to make a difference
This perspective informed the development of Vertica, a non-invasive medical device designed to support erectile function by targeting vascular and tissue-related mechanisms over time.
Alongside this, VerticaPro, an upcoming clinic-based system, is intended to support healthcare professionals seeking a structured, technology-led option for managing erectile dysfunction within longer-term follow-up and recovery pathways. These developments aim to complement existing care by expanding evidence-led options available to men following cancer treatment.
For those who wish to review the full study, the paper by Cilio et al. was published in the International Journal of Impotence Research (January 2026).
