Sexuality post gynaecological cancer treatment: a qualitative study with South African women

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study investigated women’s experiences of their sexuality post gynaecological cancer treatment. Using a holistic sexuality framework, the study explored how women felt their sexual functioning, sexual relationships and sexual identity had been affected by treatment.DesignThe study was qualitative in nature and made use of an interpretive descriptive design. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.SettingData collection took place at a follow-up clinic within the gynaeoncology unit at a public-sector tertiary hospital in Cape Town, South Africa.ParticipantsPurposive sampling was used to recruit participants, and the final sample consisted of 34 women aged 29–70 (x´=52). All women had received a gynaecological cancer diagnosis and had been treated with either surgery, chemotherapy, radiation or a combination of these. On average, the participants were between 12 and 30 months post treatment.ResultsWomen expressed how their sexual functioning post treatment was both nuanced and complex, how heteronormative gender expectations influenced their intimate relationships, and how they experienced a re-embodiment of their sexual subjectivity post treatment. Participants felt that more sexual functioning information from healthcare providers, as well as peer support groups, would assist them in navigating the sexuality changes they experienced.ConclusionsThe findings of this study broaden conceptualisations of sexuality post treatment by detailing the ways that it is complex, nuanced, relational and ever shifting. More research is needed about how to incorporate holistic psychosexual support post treatment into the public healthcare system in South Africa.

Ethiopian women’s sexual experiences and coping strategies for sexual problems after gynaecological cancer treatment: a qualitative study

“…Majority of the women in this study reported changes in their sexual functioning before and after therapy, including a significant disruption in their sexual lives as a result of severe symptoms and/or treatment side effects. For instance, symptoms such as heavy bleeding, unpleasant discharge and weariness are common in late-stage gynaecological cancers and might influence a woman’s sexuality beyond the therapy and post-treatment periods 2…”

“…Healthcare providers may be able to assist patients with their psychosexual recovery, because when a healthcare expert legitimises sexuality themes in a therapy setting it allows individuals and couples to discuss them on their own. This could lead to more open discussions about sexual issues, as well as a reduction in marital conflict and sexual violence 2. Healthcare workers who work with patients with gynaecological cancer should strive to improve their understanding of sexuality in the setting of cancer by reading relevant materials and attending workshops and conferences 2 21 22…”

“…Sexuality is typically overlooked in clinical settings when it comes to gynaecological cancer treatment because it has little to do with the cure of the disease 1 2. The WHO’s 2010 definition of sexuality is used as the underlying understanding of sexuality in this article.…”

“…The WHO’s 2010 definition of sexuality is used as the underlying understanding of sexuality in this article. Sexuality encompasses sex, gender identities and roles, sexual orientation, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy, and reproduction, and is characterised as the interaction of biological, psychological, social, economic, political, cultural, ethical, legal, historical, religious and spiritual factors 2 3…”

“…Patients with cancer are frequently asexualised because they do not fit into traditional notions of sexuality. Nonetheless, for many people, sexual well-being is a significant aspect of their overall quality of life 2 4. According to research, 40%–100% of women with gynaecological cancer will experience sexual problems following treatment 5 6.…”