Sexual Experience of Women After Pelvic Radiotherapy for Cervical Cancer

Abstract

OBJECTIVEStudy was designed to assess sexual experience, thoughts, and problems of women who have been treatedwith pelvic radiotherapy for cervical cancer.METHODSSeventeen sexually active patients who received minimum 3-month course of pelvic radiotherapy betweenMarch 20, 2014 and June 20, 2014 gave consent to participate in the study. Sexual life beforecancer diagnosis and effects of treatment on sexual life were assessed with semi-configured score scalecreated by research group.RESULTSMain diagnostic finding was post-coital and post-menopausal bleeding, and vaginal stricture, vaginaldryness, and decreased sexual desire in partner or patient were primary sexual problems reported.CONCLUSIONHealth professionals should be aware of these effects and should encourage patients to express theirproblems and provide effective, individual counsel to each patient.