From the Guidelines
Anti-testosterone treatments for prostate cancer can cause penile retraction or shrinkage, as evidenced by the potential side effects of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) on hormone-responsive tissues like the penis. The American Cancer Society Prostate Cancer Survivorship Guidelines 1 highlight the importance of considering baseline function and comorbidity during sexual function recovery, but do not directly address the specific issue of penile retraction due to anti-testosterone treatments. However, it is known that ADT can lead to a decrease in testosterone levels, which may result in penile tissue atrophy and shrinkage.
Key points to consider:
- The penis depends on testosterone for maintaining its normal size and function
- Suppression of testosterone through ADT can lead to penile tissue atrophy and shrinkage
- The extent of shrinkage varies among individuals, but can range from 1-3 centimeters
- This effect is usually reversible if hormone therapy is discontinued, though complete recovery may not occur in all cases, especially after prolonged treatment
It is essential for patients to discuss this potential side effect with their healthcare provider before starting treatment, as it can impact quality of life and sexual function. While the provided evidence does not directly address the question, the known effects of ADT on hormone-responsive tissues support the conclusion that anti-testosterone treatments for prostate cancer can cause penile retraction or shrinkage.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Anti-Testosterone Treatments and Penis Retraction
- The provided studies do not directly address the issue of penis retraction as a side effect of anti-testosterone treatments for prostate cancer 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, the studies do mention various side effects associated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), including erectile dysfunction 3, 4, which could be related to changes in penis size or function.
- The studies focus on the effects of ADT on body composition, bone health, cardiovascular risk, cognitive function, and other aspects of patient health 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- There is no explicit mention of penis retraction as a specific side effect of anti-testosterone treatments in the provided studies.
Related Side Effects
- Erectile dysfunction is a known side effect of ADT, which could potentially be related to changes in penis size or function 3, 4.
- Loss of libido and decreased physical strength are also mentioned as side effects of ADT 3, which could indirectly affect penis health.
- The studies emphasize the importance of managing side effects and monitoring patient health during ADT 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.