Understanding sexuality in women with gynaecological cancer

The quality of sexual life in women with gynaecological cancers

“…Sexuality has a wide meaning including outward appearance, giving birth, maintenance of sexual function and womanhood [4,8,16,17]. Thus, female sexuality should not only be seen in terms of sexual intercourse but also discussed from a wider perspective.…”

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

“…Furthermore, side effects of gynecological cancer treatments such as nausea, vomiting, hair loss, scars and weight changes can cause unfavorable body image in women. 6,8,20,21 In an investigation conducted in Germany by Hawighorst-Knapstein et al 22 it was determined that there was decrease in body image scores and initiative and self-confidence of women following surgery. In a qualitative study conducted on women with gynecological cancer by Stead et al 23 women expressed that they experience apprehension about not to look attractive to their spouses as they were before the illness following medical and surgical treatments, and they would become less attractive as a sexual partner and their sexual life would suffer.…”

“…The Individual Information Form generated by reviewing the literature on the matter by the researchers, a total three section were included for determining their socio-demographic (9 question), the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures (5 question), and their sexual health conditions, both before and after the disease (8 question). 1,6,10,12,[15][16][17] Semi-constructed "In-depth Interview Form" including open-ended questions was used in the study. A qualitative evaluation was made in the study about body image, sexual role, reproduction ability and sexual functions.…”

“…[9][10] Thus, ailment or absence of these organs could be interpreted as the loss of womanhood, loss of fertility, end of sexual life and may make a woman feel herself as faulty or deficient. 6,7,[9][10][11] Researches show that most of the women diagnosed with gynecological cancer experience sexual problems such as orgasmic dysfunction, dyspareunia, loss of sexual desire and decrease in sexual intercourse frequency. 5,6,[11][12][13] In our country, due to social, cultural factors and the influence on religion, sexuality is a subject that is not avoided to talk about openly and it is still regarded as a taboo.…”

“…4 Surgical interventions, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and hormonal replacement treatments applied in gynecological cancers have impact on sexual health of women. [5][6][7][8] In the patients diagnosed with gynecological cancer, specifically four elements of sexual health are affected negatively, body image, role of sexuality, sexual functions and reproduction ability, because women reproduction organs are the determiners of female identity. [9][10] Thus, ailment or absence of these organs could be interpreted as the loss of womanhood, loss of fertility, end of sexual life and may make a woman feel herself as faulty or deficient.…”