Prostate Cancer and Sex Drive: Can Testosterone Be Used?

Dear Dr. Motola,

My prostate cancer is confined to the prostate. Right now a "wait & see" approach is being taken to the situation. Meanwhile, I believe I need a lot more testosterone to restore my flagging libido. Would testosterone therapy be dangerous, and if so, why?

Patients who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer should not receive testosterone replacement therapy, as this could be associated with a worsening of the cancer. Watchful waiting for cancer may be an appropriate treatment for some patients depending on the patient's age and the extent of cancer that they have.