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Jeffrey Albaugh, PhD, APRN, CUCNS

Jeffrey Albaugh is a board-certified Advanced Practice Urology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Researcher and Author in Chicago, IL. He is also a certified sexuality counselor. In addition to runinng the Sexual Health Clinic at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center in Chicago serving our Veterans, he previously worked at Endeavor/NorthShore University HealthSystem and at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. In addition to his many publications in peer-reviewed journals and chapters in books, Jeff has published several books. He is an internationally recognized speaker and expert who has spoken throughout the United States as well as Spain, Italy, Scotland, England, Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia. Dr. Albaugh completed his PhD at the University of Illinois in Chicago with National Institutes of Health funded research examining quality of life after treatment of erectile dysfunction in men following prostatectomy. Dr. Albaugh has been acknowledged with multiple awards including 2 nursing excellence awards and the patient’s first award from Northwestern, multiple lectureship and literary awards, both SUNA President’s awards for contributions to urologic nursing and to the Society of Urologic Nursing and the Edward C. Kaps Hope Award for his contributions to men with prostate cancer. He has been quoted in the media including WGN News, CBS 2 News in Chicago, Chicago Tribune Red Eye, and was featured in the Ask the Expert column of the Chicago Tribune.

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Click above to watch Video

Diane Newman dialogues with Jeff Albaugh to discuss Albaugh's 30-year experience, his freely accessible guide for men with erectile dysfunction, and the significant role patient narratives and research play in making informed choices. Focusing on prostate cancer treatments, they delve into the effects on erectile function and recovery timeline. They explore different treatments, emphasizing the vacuum erection device, seen as penile "physical therapy." The conversation explores pre- and post-treatment regimens for penis rehabilitation, such as taking drugs like sildenafil or tadalafil. Aimed at preserving penile health and facilitating post-surgery recovery, Albaugh explains the pump's mechanics, its role in intercourse, and possible first-time user difficulties. He also mentions penile injections, often effective despite initial apprehension. The talk underlines patient education and personalized treatment importance, acknowledging each method's unique challenges and potential side effects. 

 Biographies: 

 Jeffrey Albaugh, Ph.D., APRN, CUCNS, Advanced Practice Urology Clinical Nurse Specialist at NorthShore University Health System & the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center in the Chicago area. 

  Diane K. Newman, DNP, ANP-BC, BCB-PMD, FAAN, Adjunct Professor of Urology in Surgery, Research Investigator Senior, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, and Former Co-Director of the Penn Center for Continence and Pelvic Health, Philadelphia, PA

Reclaiming Sex & Intimacy After Prostate Cancer

A Guide for Men and Their Partners 2nd Edition

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Foreword

Erectile dysfunction (ED) was once considered to be entirely psychogenic in its origin and was frequently neglected by healthcare providers. More recently, there has been increased recognition of its many physiological causes, and its impact on the daily life of men and their partners is starting to get the attention it deserves. Intimate relationships in patients with cancer has been greatly improved due to this increased recognition and advancement in therapies.
Dr. Jeff Albaugh is a pioneer in the field of sexual medicine whom I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with for over 15 years. Dr. Albaugh emphasizes that treating a man with prostate cancer requires an assessment of his sexual history. As a result of Dr. Albaugh’s persistence and dedication, ED is no longer considered a foregone conclusion for patients with prostate cancer. His mission is to secure the quality of life and sexual health for the patient and his significant other after traditional cancer treatments are completed.
Assessing a man’s sexual health is particularly important in the treatment of prostate cancer. Almost all treatments for prostate cancer can result in some degree of ED. Physicians understandably emphasize the importance of curing the cancer and have historically neglected to recognize the impact of ED and/or sexual dysfunction that occurs after the cancer was treated. Similarly, patients are often so focused on treating their cancer, that they never discuss the sexual repercussions before undergoing treatment. Dr. Albaugh has changed the landscape by teaching doctors and patients that sexual health after prostate cancer is something that should be discussed at the same time as the cancer treatment plan. In the past, it wasn’t uncommon to hear otherwise healthy patients express regret about their cancer therapy due to the sexual dysfunction that continued to plague them long after their body otherwise healed.
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Dr. Albaugh has developed a unique model that should be considered the gold standard for all men who are recently diagnosed with prostate cancer. I am fortunate to work alongside Dr. Albaugh so that before any prostate cancer treatment is performed, all patients and their partners undergo a sexual health assessment. During these visits, Jeff assesses sexual health goals and sets forth a plan to preserve sexual dysfunction. Just like the treatment of the cancer needs to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis based on the nature of the disease and the patient’s history, the same is true for sexual health. Jeff treats each patient situation differently and helps lay the groundwork for a plan of rehabilitation before any treatment begins. This support has dramatically improved the quality of life of patients and their significant others.
All men and their partners should read this book prior to undergoing prostate cancer treatment. This second edition highlights the patient and partner experience of acknowledging that sexual health is a fundamental part of treating the whole patient. It presents real-life interviews that have been conducted over the past 6 years. These voices tell the stories and experiences of men and their partners with prostate cancer. These stories make discussing a traditionally private topic easier. It is through this honesty that we are able to initiate discussions about topics that are truly important to patients and help to improve their quality of life before, during, and after prostate cancer treatments. I am truly honored and proud to work with Jeff on a daily basis. It is through his caring ways that he continues to touch the lives of so many patients. This book will be an invaluable resource for all men with prostate cancer and their partners.
Brian Helfand, MD, PhD
Chief Division of Urology
Ronald L. Chez Family and Richard Melman Family Endowed Chair of Prostate Cancer
John and Carol Walter Center for Urological Health
NorthShore University HealthSystem
Glenview, IL
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Second Edition
Available for free Download

The book can be downloaded for free from this website thanks to the generous support of donors. If you would like to make a tax deductible donation to the foundation that created the book, supports research in sexual health and patient education at
NorthShore University HealthSystem Foundation please use the following link:

First Edition
Available for free Download

The book can be downloaded for free from this website thanks to the generous support of donors. If you would like to make a tax deductible donation to the foundation that created the book, supports research in sexual health and patient education at
NorthShore University HealthSystem Foundation please use the following link:

Clinic Information

To learn more about Dr. Albaugh's Clinic at NorthShore or to make an appointment click the following link: http://www.northshore.org/Urological-Health/Conditions/Sexual-Health/

Order my Book

Now available: Reclaiming Sex & Intimacy after
Prostate Cancer 2 nd edition. The new edition includes updates since the publication of the original book in 2012 and is infused with quotes throughout the book from men with prostate cancer and their partners (from Dr. Albaugh’s study of the lived experience of men with prostate cancer and partners). You get the new edition for the same great price as the previous addition.