Introduction/Background Exploring post-treatment sexual challenges in cervical cancer (CC), this study highlights the nuanced experiences of tunisian women, urging a more holistic approach to cancer care.

Methodology A descriptive cross-sectional study of 30 cases of CC treated by radiotherapy in the radiation oncology department in Sousse, Tunisia, between 2006 and 2020. We conducted an assessment of sexual function (SF) using a standardized psychometric scale: the Arab Female Sexual Function Index (ArFSFI).

Results In our study, 86.7% of female patients treated for CC experienced sexual dysfunction. Pain during intercourse, notably reported by 80% of cases, was the most affected aspect of the ArFSFI score. Univariate analysis revealed various factors negatively impacting SF, including parametrial involvement, insufficient information on treatment side effects, patient beliefs, psychological factors, and relationship dynamics. Additionally, certain factors were associated with specific components of SF.

The desire component score correlated with the pre- and post-cancer diagnosis quality of the couple’s relationship and monthly intercourse frequency.

The arousal component score was influenced by factors such as vaginal atrophy, patient-partner communication, and post-treatment sexual relationship quality.

The Age at diagnosis, mode of diagnosis’s disclosure, decreased lubrication, and brachytherapy were linked to the lubrication component.

The orgasm component score was associated with the couple’s relationship quality, partner’s reaction to the cancer diagnosis, and support during follow-up, while the satisfaction component had diverse associations, including patient age, clinical features of cervical lesions, irradiated vaginal volume, and various aspects of the couple’s relationship.

The pain component of the ArFSFI score was linked to parametrial involvement, radiotherapy, brachytherapy, post-treatment intercourse frequency, decreased lubrication, and cutaneous fibrosis. This nuanced analysis provides comprehensive insights into the multifaceted factors influencing SF among CC survivors.

Conclusion Identifying specific factors associated with sexual dysfunction highlights the need for targeted interventions and comprehensive support in post-CC care.

Disclosures All authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.