Agreed. At first it seems strange that the group opting for AS would see a 22% increase in negative sexual side and higher urinary issues, one year after deciding to begin AS.

However, it may make some sense when one realizes that 1/3 of those who initially opted for AS changed to surgery or radiation within 5 years and those folks are still considered to be part of the “AS group”.

Based on the percent increase of negative side effects of those who initially opted for surgery or radiation, if a significant portion of the AS group went in that direction within one year, it may explain some of the AS group’s negative side effect uptick.

I think the report would have been a bit better, if they would have removed those who switched out of the AS group and placed them in the groups where they ended up. My guess is that it would have reduced the AS group’s death and negative side effects even further.

One thing is for sure…AS is the only decision that one can fully reverse.