Ma Stephanie Fay S Cagayan1. 1. Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital, Manila, Philippines. faye_cagayan@hotmail.com
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To examine the impact of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) therapy on women's sexuality. STUDY DESIGN: A questionnaire concerning various sexual problems experienced by patients treated with chemotherapy and/or surgery for GTN and in remission for 1 year or more was completed by 47 women in the outpatient clinic of the Trophoblastic Disease Section of our institution from January to June 2007. RESULTS: Ninety-five percent of the subjects continued sexual activity after treatment, but there was an increase in the incidence of sexual problems, which resulted in a slight reduction in the quality of their sex lives. Seventy percent of the women experienced absent or low sexual desire, while 42% had dyspareunia and 45% had lubrication problems. Fifty-three percent experienced changes in the relationship with their partner within the first year after remission. CONCLUSION: Sexual dysfunction is a common complication of treatment of GTN yet is given little attention as compared to other complications. Patient education and reassurance, with early diagnosis and intervention, are essential for a better quality of life for survivors.
OBJECTIVE: To examine the impact of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) therapy on women's sexuality. STUDY DESIGN: A questionnaire concerning various sexual problems experienced by patients treated with chemotherapy and/or surgery for GTN and in remission for 1 year or more was completed by 47 women in the outpatient clinic of the Trophoblastic Disease Section of our institution from January to June 2007. RESULTS: Ninety-five percent of the subjects continued sexual activity after treatment, but there was an increase in the incidence of sexual problems, which resulted in a slight reduction in the quality of their sex lives. Seventy percent of the women experienced absent or low sexual desire, while 42% had dyspareunia and 45% had lubrication problems. Fifty-three percent experienced changes in the relationship with their partner within the first year after remission. CONCLUSION:Sexual dysfunction is a common complication of treatment of GTN yet is given little attention as compared to other complications. Patient education and reassurance, with early diagnosis and intervention, are essential for a better quality of life for survivors.
Authors: Elizabeth L Jewell; Carol Aghajanian; Margaret Montovano; Sharyn N Lewin; Raymond E Baser; Jeanne Carter Journal: J Womens Health (Larchmt) Date: 2017-12-21 Impact factor: 2.681