In this paper we review evidence concerning the impact of hematopoietic SCT (HSCT) on sexuality. The aims are to determine: (1) the sexual changes experienced by patients following allogeneic or autologous HSCT, and its consequences; (2) changes in the sexual function over time and (3) the impact of physiological changes induced by intensive treatment with radiation and chemotherapy on sexual functioning. Four databases were searched for articles published between January 1995 and May 2011. A total of 14 studies were identified and analyzed. We found that (1) multiple aspects of sexuality were affected, and the impact and etiology of these sexual alterations were different between genders, and (2) recovery of sexual activity and pleasure occurred in the first 2 years after HSCT, although it appears that some survivors are more likely to experience sexual dysfunction even 5-10 years after HSCT as compared with controls; and (3) there was contradictory evidence concerning possible differences between allogeneic and autologous HSCT, although there was a significant relation between the sexual dysfunctions and the type of chemotherapy administrated as conditioning and chronic GVHD. Future prospective research in sexual dysfunction with specific reliable validated instruments and more adequate sample sizes will be required to definitively evaluate the impact of HSCT on sexuality.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2025 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.