(590) Trajectories of Sexual Well-being and Dyadic Coping in Couples Following Prostate Cancer Treatment

Abstract Introduction Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer and the fifth leading cause of cancer-related death among men worldwide, with an estimated 1.46 million new cases and 396,000 deaths in 2022. In the United States, more than 3.5 million men are currently living with a history of prostate cancer, and five-year relative survival for localized disease exceeds 98%. However, while survivorship rates have improved, localized therapies often lead to persistent sexual dysfunction, including erectile difficulties, diminished sexual desire, and changes in orgasmic function. These sequelae extend beyond the physical domain, profoundly affecting both survivors and their partners. Sexual changes frequently erode intimacy, strain communication, and reduce relationship satisfaction. Understanding how couples adapt to such challenges is critical for informing survivorship care. Objective This study examined longitudinal trajectories of sexual satisfaction, sexual interest, and dyadic coping among PCa survivors and their partners over a six-month period. Methods A total of 80 couples (n=160) completed assessments at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months post diagnosis. Sexual satisfaction was assessed using the PROMIS Global Satisfaction with Sex Life (GSSL) scale; sexual interest was measured using the PROMIS Interest in Sex Life; and dyadic coping was evaluated with the Dyadic Coping Inventory–Short Form (DCI-SF). Among female partners, sexual function was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Descriptive statistics were utilized to appraise changes over time. Repeated measures and t-tests analyses were conducted to assess role-based differences and within-group changes. Results Patients had a median age of 61 years, were predominantly White (75%) and treated with radical prostatectomy (81%) for localized (T1/T2, 86%) PCa. Median PSA at diagnosis was 6.3 ng/mL, and 40% reported at least one comorbidity. Partners were primarily female (96%), with a median age of 59 years and similar racial and socioeconomic background. Patients reported significant declines in sexual satisfaction (ΔM = -7.66, p .001, d = 1.33) and interest (ΔM = -3.92, p = .003, d = 0.53) over six months. In contrast, partners’ sexual satisfaction remained relatively stable, though FSFI scores declined significantly (ΔM = -3.85, p .001, d = 0.67), indicating worsening sexual function. Dyadic coping scores showed minimal change over time but perceptual differences were registered, with patients rating their partners’ coping behaviors more positively. Conclusions Decline in sexual satisfaction and interest in the first 6 months after prostatectomy can be expected, given that most men are still adjusting and do not recover erectile function at this time point. Partners’ deterioration in sexual function has been shown to parallel that of the patients. Dyadic coping remained stable, as would be expected in these long-term couples, yet it was experienced differently by each member of the dyad. These divergent coping patterns highlight the importance of attending to the emotional and relational challenges experienced by patients and partners. Longitudinal, dyadic assessments are essential to capture the evolving interplay between partners and to inform interventions that support both members of the couple throughout sexual recovery following prostate cancer treatment. Disclosure No