Abstract
Prostate cancer has become the most common non-skin malignant neoplasm in men in Western countries. As treatment efficacy has improved, issues related to post-therapy quality of life and sexual functioning have become more important. In this overview, we discuss the various methods used to evaluate sexual dysfunction and the definition of potency. The aetiology of erectile dysfunction (ED) after brachytherapy for prostate cancer is also reviewed, and the literature is summarised. Rates of ED vary from 0 to 89% after brachytherapy, with or without external-beam radiotherapy. In most of the studies the analysis is retrospective, the definition of ED is not clear, and non-validated instruments are used. The aetiology of post-radiation ED is not completely understood. Patients should be informed about the availability of effective treatments for ED, such as sildenafil, intracavernosal injection, and erection prostheses.