Rigi10™ Malleable Penile Prosthesis
Also Known As
Partner sexual satisfaction, Couple satisfaction, Relationship sexual satisfaction, Dyadic sexual satisfaction
Definition
Partner satisfaction, in a medical and urological context, refers to the level of contentment and fulfillment experienced by a patient’s sexual partner with regard to their shared sexual intimacy and overall relationship quality, particularly following medical or surgical interventions aimed at treating conditions such as erectile dysfunction (ED) or prostate cancer.¹ It is a crucial patient-reported outcome measure that extends beyond the individual patient’s physical recovery, encompassing the partner’s perspective on the success of treatment and its impact on their relational and sexual well-being. Assessing partner satisfaction involves understanding the partner’s motivation to maintain or return to sexual intimacy, their contentment with the sexual experience, and the patient’s perception of that satisfaction.²,³ Clinicians recognize that a partner’s encouragement and satisfaction are often pivotal in motivating a patient to seek and continue with treatment, highlighting the interconnectedness of patient and partner experiences in achieving successful therapeutic outcomes.¹ A holistic approach to treatment, therefore, considers the complexities of the medical condition and emphasizes the partner’s central role in the overall success of treatment and the restoration of a satisfactory sexual experience for the couple.¹,²
Clinical Context
Partner satisfaction is a critical consideration in various clinical scenarios within urology, particularly when managing conditions that significantly impact sexual function and quality of life. It is routinely assessed, or should be, in the context of treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED), where the partner’s perspective on sexual intimacy and the effectiveness of interventions like phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors are paramount to overall treatment success.¹ For instance, even when erectile rigidity and durability are restored, a high proportion of men may discontinue treatment if broader aspects of the sexual experience, including partner satisfaction, are not addressed through pretreatment education and follow-up.¹
Following radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer, partner satisfaction is also a key outcome measure, as the diagnosis and treatment can adversely affect the physical and emotional well-being of both patients and their partners, often leading to sexual dysfunction.² Understanding predictors of sexual satisfaction for both the patient and partner is essential in this setting. Research indicates that factors such as the mental and physical health of both individuals, the quality of their interpersonal communication, and patient-perceived partner support are significant contributors to sexual satisfaction post-RP.² Partner involvement in the evaluation and treatment of ED, which is common post-RP, has been shown to increase adherence to rehabilitation, improve sexual function, and enhance relationship satisfaction for both members of the couple.²
Patient selection criteria for interventions often implicitly or explicitly involve the partner’s willingness to engage in the treatment process and their motivation for a return to sexual intimacy.¹ The expected outcomes of treatments that affect sexual function, such as penile implant surgery or medical therapies for ED, are increasingly evaluated not just by physiological improvements in the patient but also by the degree of satisfaction reported by the partner. A holistic approach that recognizes the partner’s central role is advocated to optimize treatment outcomes and achieve a satisfactory sexual experience for the couple.¹,²