Evaluation of Sexual Dysfunction and Affecting Factors in Turkish Women with Gynecological Cancer

Abstract

This study was performed to determine the prevalence of sexual dysfunction (SD) and affecting factors in women with gynecological cancer, in a cross-sectional, descriptive and qualitative design. The study was held during the period between May 1st and June 30th 2013, in women diagnosed with gynecological cancer and the sample size consisted of 230 patients. The collection of data employed Patient Information Forms, Index of Female Sexual Function (IFSF) and In-Depth Interview Forms. In-Depth interviews were conducted with 20 women with SD. The data were evaluated by MannWhitney U, Kruskall-Walls, Multiple Regression and Content Analysis techniques. The average IFSF score of women diagnosed with gynecological cancer was revealed to be 20.36 ± 10.32, and SD was observed in 80 % of these women. According to the collected data, more cases of SD were observed in women who are 50 years of age or older, with low levels of education (primary school), unemployed, married through arrangement, married for more than 30 years, diagnosed with endometrial cancer, and underwent surgical operations (p \ 0.05). At the end of the interviews conducted with these women, it was concluded that body image, sexual role, sexual functions and reproductivity, representing the four major dimensions of sexual health associated with diagnosis and treatment process were adversely affected at a great extent. SD is a common problem in patients with gynecological cancer. In this respect, it is of utmost importance for health professionals to adopt a holistic approach towards the sexual problems of women and initiate multidisciplinary attempts for their solution.

Sexual health of endometrial cancer survivors before and after a physical activity intervention: A retrospective cohort analysis

“…In our study, survivors with lower baseline sexual health had lower educational attainment, which aligns with findings from the general female population (33) and ECS (34). In addition to education, marital or partner status can impact sexual health.…”

“…Researchers have identified risk factors for poor sexual health of women, particularly ECS (5, 6, 9-11, 32-34). In our study, survivors with lower baseline sexual health had lower educational attainment, which aligns with findings from the general female population (33) and ECS (34).…”

“…Finally, those survivors who did not complete the intervention had lower stage disease, lower educational level, and reported less moderate to vigorous physical activity than those who completed the intervention, which may have biased our results. Studies have noted differences in sexual health based on stage of disease as well as educational level (10, 34). These baseline differences could theoretically lead to variances in the change in sexual health experienced during the intervention, with an individual with very low sexual function having a greater potential for improvement compared to an individual with moderate sexual function for example.…”

Problematic Areas Related to Sexual Life of Individuals with Gynecological Cancer: A qualitative Study in Turkey

“…31 Therefore, cancer treatment process and in its aftermath, women decrease their sexual intercourse frequency with their spouses/partners or may end their sexual lives completely. 23,32,33 In the qualitative study conducted by Clearly et al 24 one of the participants expressed what she feels about sexuality as "For a long time after the surgery, it was like the section of my brain about sexuality lost its function. I did not have any need for sexuality in my life at all and I did not want it in my life at all".…”

“…Sexuality will continue to be an unsolved problem as long as questions are not raised comfortably and not talked about thanks to cultural and social factors and religious believes in this country and remain as taboo. 10,33 Before surgery, some couples may have chosen not to be sexually active, and this must be taken into account when discussing sexual activity before and after the operation. Good communication skills, especially good listening skills, are essential if a doctor is to show empathy, respect, and non judgmental attitudes when discussing sexual issues with patients.…”