The aim of this study was to investigate and compare sexual function in individuals with colorectal cancer, with and without a colostomy bag. A quantitative, descriptive-comparative design was employed, and a cluster random sampling method was used to recruit 252 patients with colorectal cancer. Data collection tools included a participants characteristics form, the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) for men, and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) for women. The mean IIEF total score for men with a colostomy was 26.17 ± 15.30, and for men without a colostomy, it was 29.05 ± 17.14. The mean FSFI total score for women with a colostomy was 6.40 ± 7.21, and for women without a colostomy, it was 9.10 ± 14.67. There was no statistically difference in IIEF scores between men with and without colostomy bags (p > 0.05). However, women with colostomy bags had significantly lower FSFI scores compared to women without colostomy bags (p < 0.05). Addressing sexual concerns in individuals with colorectal cancer is crucial for enhancing their sexual well-being and overall quality of life. Comprehensive support, timely interventions, and targeted services are essential to help patients navigate the challenges and improve their overall well-being.

Background Rectal and colon cancer are the second and third leading causes of cancer death in men and women in the United States. The incidence of colon and rectal cancer in Iran has increased over the past 25 years. Colorectal cancer has significant effects on the health and economy of societies. Despite developments in treatment, the numeral of people with a history of Cancer is growing. These embrace survivors alive with a permanent ostomy. Ostomies can negatively affect health-related quality of life among cancer survivors. Method This study is descriptive-comparative. To conduct the above study, 252 patients with colorectal cancer were included in the study by a convenient method and based on the inclusion criteria. The data collection tools included the demographic information form and the shortened form of the valid and reliable health-related quality of life questionnaire (SF-36). The validity and reliability of these questionnaires have already been measured. Statistical analyzes were performed using IBM SPSS statistics version 24. Results In this study, the health-related quality of life score was 43.03 ± 17.08 in people with colostomy and 51.38 ± 15.57 in people without colostomy, which indicates that the quality of life is low in these patients. Also, there was a statistically significant difference in physical performance, role limitation due to physical health, role limitation due to emotional problems and health-related quality of life in people with and without bags (P < 0.005). Conclusion Health planners at the macro level and health service providers at the micro level should be aware of the importance of this issue and provide timely interventions to improve HRQOL, and pay special attention to those aspects of HRQOL that are of great importance.

Cancer is a family of diseases unique to multicellular organisms characterized by uncontrolled growth and proliferation of cells. Gastrointestinal Cancer is one of the most common cancers associated with high mortality. Colon and rectal cancer are among the most critical public health problems worldwide, so nearly one million new colon and rectal cancer cases are diagnosed every year, and nearly half of the cases die. In 1999, Laumann and his colleagues defined sexual dysfunction as a significant public health problem. Many people who have survived colorectal Cancer are sexually active. These people can have problems with their sexual performance due to reasons such as therapeutic surgeries, radiotherapy, or the presence of an ostomy. This study is descriptive-comparative. To conduct the above study, 252 patients with colorectal Cancer were included in the study by a convenient method based on the inclusion criteria and after obtaining informed consent. The data collection tools included the demographic information form, the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), and the Women's Sexual Function Index (FSFI). The validity and reliability of these questionnaires have already been measured. Statistical analyzes were performed using IBM SPSS statistics version 24. According to the results of statistical analysis, the IIEF total score for men with a colostomy is 26.17 ± 15.30 and without a colostomy, is 29.05 ± 17.14, as well as the total FSFI score for women with a colostomy, is 7.21 ± 6.40 and without a colostomy is 14.67 ± 9.10. There was no statistically significant difference in the sexual performance score of men with pouches compared to men without pouches (P > 0.05). The sexual performance score of women with bags compared to women without bags had a lower sexual performance score, which was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Therefore, an ostomy in women causes a drop in FSFI. Health planners at the macro level and health service providers at the micro level should be aware of the importance of this issue and provide timely interventions to improve sexual performance and pay special attention to those aspects of FSFI that are of great importance.