From “Sex Toy” to Intrusive Imposition: A Qualitative Examination of Women's Experiences with Vaginal Dilator Use Following Treatment for Gynecological Cancer

Cullen, Kimberley; Fergus, Karen; DasGupta, Tracey; Fitch, Marg; Doyle, Catherine; Adams, Lauran

doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2011.02639.x

Cited by 50 publications

(50 citation statements)

References 29 publications

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“…This finding extends the insights of previous studies (Cullen et al, 2012;Ekwall et al, 2007;Johnson et al, 2010;Wray et al, 2007) and suggests that the decision to withhold specific information is multi-functional and dependent upon both content and context. Not only did women withhold difficult experiences, thoughts, and feelings from their friends, family, and colleagues, they also withheld information from other women with the same diagnosis.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 88%

Psychosocial distress in women diagnosed with gynecological cancer

et al. 2016

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Many women with gynecological cancer report psychosocial distress, and clarification of the risks, vulnerabilities, and protective factors is required. The aim of this study was to investigate the lived experience of gynecological cancer patients and to understand the factors that underlie psychosocial distress. Semi-structured interviews with seven women diagnosed with gynecological cancer revealed the role of social support, or its absence, selective withholding of information, and existential loneliness in women's experience of distress. Social support provided a buffer against distress, while feelings of alienation and being alone exacerbated distress. Interventions to address these concerns may lead to improved quality of life for this patient group.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 88%

Psychosocial distress in women diagnosed with gynecological cancer

et al. 2016

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“…It is recognized that there may be poor compliance with vaginal dilatation due to psychological distress and a lack of consistent or adequate information regarding dilator use 41. Educational interventions may improve patient compliance with vaginal dilatation and reduce emotional distress 13.…”

Section: Prevention Strategies and Outcomesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Radiation-induced vaginal stenosis: current perspectives

Morris¹,

Do²,

Chard³

et al. 2017

IJWH

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Treatment of gynecological cancer commonly involves pelvic radiation therapy (RT) and/or brachytherapy. A commonly observed side effect of such treatment is radiation-induced vaginal stenosis (VS). This review analyzed the incidence, pathogenesis, clinical manifestation(s) and assessment and grading of radiation-induced VS. In addition, risk factors, prevention and treatment options and follow-up schedules are also discussed. The limited available literature on many of these aspects suggests that additional studies are required to more precisely determine the best management strategy of this prevalent group after RT.

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“…The use of vaginal dilator was a big problem for most of our participants, in line with other reports. [24] A Dutch group by Bakker et al found that information about the use of vaginal dilators should be provided by radiation oncologists before radiotherapy, and psychological and practical support calls for trained oncology nurses. [25] 4.3 Trustworthiness Three focus groups were executed, which is suggested as a minimum by Krueger.…”

Section: Rehabilitationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Rehabilitation targeted late adverse effects after radiotherapy for cervical cancer – Different gains in different settings

Dieperink

Sigaard

Larsen

et al. 2017

CNS

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Many cervical cancer survivors experience late adverse effects, and rehabilitation may alleviate symptoms. This study describes participants' experiences with late adverse effects in daily living and with experiences of perceived rehabilitation in hospital, municipal, and a residential setting. Twenty-one cervical cancer survivors aged 40-72 years, curatively treated with concomitant radio-chemotherapy, with moderate/severe incontinence and sexual problems, participated in a 5-day residential rehabilitation intervention. Three focus group interviews were conducted and analyzed. Late adverse effects like incontinence, sexual problems, tinnitus and pain severely restricted everyday life. The participants described rehabilitation in hospital settings as fragmented, but several of the participants benefitted from the physical rehabilitation in municipal settings; however, no participants were offered sexual rehabilitation. In the residential setting, they gained a sense of connectedness and confidence in association with peers. More time to reflect and the anonymity gave opportunity to work with sensitive issues e.g. sexuality. Increased knowledge about late adverse effects and tools to alleviate these made the participants prepared to regain command of their lives. In conclusion, incontinence and tinnitus had especially impact on social life and every day activities. The participants benefitted especially from rehabilitation in two settings (municipal and residential). Intensively psychosocial interventions allowed participants to work with underlying problems. Women with sexual and/or incontinence problems favored the residential rehabilitation due to anonymity.

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From “Sex Toy” to Intrusive Imposition: A Qualitative Examination of Women's Experiences with Vaginal Dilator Use Following Treatment for Gynecological Cancer

Cited by 50 publications

References 29 publications

Psychosocial distress in women diagnosed with gynecological cancer

Psychosocial distress in women diagnosed with gynecological cancer

Radiation-induced vaginal stenosis: current perspectives

Rehabilitation targeted late adverse effects after radiotherapy for cervical cancer – Different gains in different settings

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