Article Text
Abstract
Introduction/Background The aim of the study was to explore changes occurring in couples’ sexuality after gynecological cancer treatment and to extract those areas that should be thoroughly investigated in study designed to propose interventions to improve couples’ sexuality after cancer.
Methodology 69 gynecological cancer survivors were eligible for this pilot retrospective cohort study. During the control visit BETTER model was used for sexual counselling. DSM-5 criteria were used to assess female and male sexual dysfunction. Changes is Sexual Function Questionnaire (CSFQ) and Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS-R) was used to assess couples’ sexuality after treatment.
Results 30 couples were finally included in the stud. Six women met the DSM-5 criteria for sexual dysfunction (20.0%). However, sexual distress (FSDS-R) was noted in 46.7%, sexual problems (CSFQ) – in 56.7%. Women survivors had worse attitudes toward sex (3.73 vs 4.48), lower sexual quality of life (63.3 vs 78.55), lower scores in arousal/excitement domain of CSFQ (7.43 vs 10.75), worse perception of their body during sex (1.36 vs 0.72) and lower sexual satisfaction both in self-concentrated and partner-concentrated domain (24.4 vs 53.5 and 28.6 vs 32.1, respectively) compared to male partners. Ten men reported Erectile Dysfunction. A decrease in importance of sex (2.7 vs 3.5), frequency of mutual masturbation (1.9 vs 3.2), and orgasm (2.9 vs 6.9) was showed. A lower satisfaction from women as a lover (3.2 vs 4.3), from sex (3.6 vs 4.1) and lower frequency of orgasm (3.8 vs 7.7) was seen in partners.
Conclusion Treatment of gynecological cancer does not decrease frequency of sexual activity but causes changes in its diversity. Differences in perception of sexual function, needs, satisfaction and sexual activity between woman and partner are noted leading to possible disturbances in couples’ s sex life. In cancer survivals with sexual partner both partners should be carefully consulted.