Coital Function After Radiotherapy for Carcinoma of the Cervix Uteri

Abstract

The interference of treatment with the sexual life of the patient is an important but relatively neglected aspect of the study of carcinoma of the cervix uteri. In a study of the coital function of patients who had radiotherapy for Stages I to I11 (FIGO Classification) carcinoma of the cervix in the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Nigeria, dyspareunia and the fear of recurrence of the malignancy accounted for a marked reduction in the frequency of intercourse after treatment of their disease. A significant finding was the disruption in marital relationships directly attributable to the illness. Steps to minimise these problems are discussed.

Sexuality and Cancer in Women

“…The most convincing empirically confirmed prognostic variables which should be incorporated into future research are -partner-related factors, such as availability, attitude, health and length of relationship (Alha & Nieminen, 1974;Andersen & Hacker, 1983b;Andersen et al, 1986Andersen et al, , 1989Andreasson et al, 1986;Bos-Branolte, 1987;Beck & Nokorovicz, 1980;Harris et al, 1982;Henning & Schulz, 1975;Lamont et al, 1978;Lindner & Pecka, 1969;Moth et al, 1983;Novotna & Tuckova, 1979;Sewell & Edwards, 1980 Weijmar Schultz et al, 1986Van de Wiel, Weijmar Schultz, Wouda et al, 1990); -health-care-provider-related factors, such as patient education and/or counseling (Andersen et al, 1988(Andersen et al, , 1989Andreasson et al, 1986;Capone et al, 1980;Jenkins, 1988;Lamont et al, 1978;Lasnik & Tatra, 1986;Moth et al, 1983;Stellman et al, 1984;Weijmar Schultz et al, 1986Van de Wiel, Weijmar Schultz, Wouda et al, 1990); -past sexual experiences (i.e., pre treatment sexual behaviour) (Wei jmar Schultz & Van de Wiel, 1991); -body-image (Andersen & Hacker, 1983a, 1983bAndersen & Jochimsen, 1985;Seibel et al, 1982;Sewell & Edwards, 1980); -pretreatment libidinal level (Breitner, 1975); -anxiety (Adelusi, 1980;Andersen et al, 1989;…”

“…Furthermore, few studies have compared psychological variables with the current level of sexual functioning (Adelusi 1980;Andersen & Hacker, 1983a, 1983bAndersen & Jochimsen, 1985;Andersen et al, 1989;Breitner, 1975;Frank et al, 1983;Seibel et al, 1982;Sewell & Edwards, 1980;Wenderlein, 1979). No previous research designs have used psychophysiological instruments to clarify the exact relationship between the posttreatment physical status and sexual functioning.…”

“…Other prognostic factors that warrant additional study include physi cal factors, such as dyspareunia, oestrogen deprivation, postcoital bleed ing, vaginal shortening, stenosis and the magnitude of surgical intervention (Abitbol & Davenport, 1974;Adelusi, 1980;Andersen et al, 1989;Disaia et al, 1979;Kahanpaa & Gylling, 1951;Kilkku et al, 1982;Lasnik & Tatra, 1986;Magrina & Masterson, 1981;Picha, 1957;Schover, Fife, & Gershenson, 1989;Seibel et al, 1980Seibel et al, , 1982Sewell & Edwards, 1980;Tamburini et al, 1985;Vasicka et al, 1958).…”

Psychometric validation of the female sexual function index (FSFI) in cancer survivors

“…FSD can contribute to poor body image, reinforce stigma felt by those with a cancer diagnosis, and disrupt relationship closeness and intimacy 5. Indeed, some studies have demonstrated that up to one‐third of relationships were ended within 1 year after completing cancer treatment 9, 10. Collectively, these studies highlight the necessity of integrating sexual function assessment into routine oncologic clinical care and the importance of identifying FSD for early intervention.…”

Vaginal reconstruction in gynecologic cancer: A feminist perspective

“…Selection of issues for investigation, the refinement of research methods, and selection of measurement tools appropriate to this population are all topics of debate and development (Anderson & Hacker, 1983b;Friedenbergs, Gordon, Hibbard, & Diller, 1980). Recent literature has begun to focus upon the sexual rehabilitation of these patients and upon the specific needs of subgroups within this population (Adelusi, 1980;Lamont, Depetrillo, & Sargeant, 1978;Vera, 1981).…”