Laura B Huffman1, Ellen M Hartenbach1, Jeanne Carter2, Joanne K Rash1, David M Kushner3. 1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States. 2. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States; Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States. 3. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States. Electronic address: DMKushner@wisc.edu.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The diagnosis and treatment of gynecologic cancer can cause short- and long-term negative effects on sexual health and quality of life (QoL). The aim of this article is to present a comprehensive overview of the sexual health concerns of gynecologic cancer survivors and discuss evidence-based treatment options for commonly encountered sexual health issues. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search of English language studies on sexual health in gynecologic cancer survivors and the treatment of sexual dysfunction was conducted in MEDLINE databases. Relevant data are presented in this review. Additionally, personal and institutional practices are incorporated where relevant. RESULTS: Sexual dysfunction is prevalent among gynecologic cancer survivors as a result of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy-negatively impacting QoL. Many patients expect their healthcare providers to address sexual health concerns, but most have never discussed sex-related issues with their physician. Lubricants, moisturizers, and dilators are effective, simple, non-hormonal interventions that can alleviate the morbidity of vaginal atrophy, stenosis, and pain. Pelvic floor physical therapy can be an additional tool to address dyspareunia. Cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown to be beneficial to patients reporting problems with sexual interest, arousal, and orgasm. CONCLUSION: Oncology providers can make a significant impact on the QoL of gynecologic cancer survivors by addressing sexual health concerns. Simple strategies can be implemented into clinical practice to discuss and treat many sexual issues. Referral to specialized sexual health providers may be needed to address more complex problems.
OBJECTIVE: The diagnosis and treatment of gynecologic cancer can cause short- and long-term negative effects on sexual health and quality of life (QoL). The aim of this article is to present a comprehensive overview of the sexual health concerns of gynecologic cancer survivors and discuss evidence-based treatment options for commonly encountered sexual health issues. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search of English language studies on sexual health in gynecologic cancer survivors and the treatment of sexual dysfunction was conducted in MEDLINE databases. Relevant data are presented in this review. Additionally, personal and institutional practices are incorporated where relevant. RESULTS:Sexual dysfunction is prevalent among gynecologic cancer survivors as a result of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy-negatively impacting QoL. Many patients expect their healthcare providers to address sexual health concerns, but most have never discussed sex-related issues with their physician. Lubricants, moisturizers, and dilators are effective, simple, non-hormonal interventions that can alleviate the morbidity of vaginal atrophy, stenosis, and pain. Pelvic floor physical therapy can be an additional tool to address dyspareunia. Cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown to be beneficial to patients reporting problems with sexual interest, arousal, and orgasm. CONCLUSION: Oncology providers can make a significant impact on the QoL of gynecologic cancer survivors by addressing sexual health concerns. Simple strategies can be implemented into clinical practice to discuss and treat many sexual issues. Referral to specialized sexual health providers may be needed to address more complex problems.
Authors: Q D Pieterse; C P Maas; M M ter Kuile; M Lowik; M A van Eijkeren; J B M Z Trimbos; G G Kenter Journal: Int J Gynecol Cancer Date: 2006 May-Jun Impact factor: 3.437
Authors: Leonard R Derogatis; Lawrence Komer; Molly Katz; Michèle Moreau; Toshio Kimura; Miguel Garcia; Glen Wunderlich; Robert Pyke Journal: J Sex Med Date: 2012-01-16 Impact factor: 3.802
Authors: Leen Aerts; Paul Enzlin; Johan Verhaeghe; Willy Poppe; Ignace Vergote; Frédéric Amant Journal: Int J Gynecol Cancer Date: 2014-10 Impact factor: 3.437
Authors: Margaret H Einstein; Kay J Park; Yukio Sonoda; Jeanne Carter; Dennis S Chi; Richard R Barakat; Nadeem R Abu-Rustum Journal: Gynecol Oncol Date: 2008-10-29 Impact factor: 5.482
Authors: Karen Roberts; Travis Chong; Emma Hollands; Jason Tan; Ganendra Raj Kader Ali Mohan; Paul A Cohen Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2019-05-18 Impact factor: 3.603
Authors: Lisa A Rubinsak; Mindy S Christianson; Aletha Akers; Jeanne Carter; Andrew M Kaunitz; Sarah M Temkin Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2018-07-26 Impact factor: 3.603
Authors: Linda Åkeflo; Gail Dunberger; Eva Elmerstig; Viktor Skokic; Gunnar Steineck; Karin Bergmark Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2022-08-05 Impact factor: 3.359
Authors: Casey M Hay; Heidi S Donovan; Erin G Hartnett; Jeanne Carter; Mary C Roberge; Grace B Campbell; Benjamin E Zuchelkowski; Sarah E Taylor Journal: Int J Gynecol Cancer Date: 2018-11 Impact factor: 3.437
Authors: Shannon D Armbruster; Jaejoon Song; Andrea Bradford; Cindy L Carmack; Karen H Lu; Karen M Basen-Engquist Journal: Gynecol Oncol Date: 2016-09-24 Impact factor: 5.482
Authors: Salvatore Giovanni Vitale; Valentina Lucia La Rosa; Agnese Maria Chiara Rapisarda; Antonio Simone Laganà Journal: Prz Menopauzalny Date: 2016-11-15