005 Changes in Sexuality in Ovarian Cancer Survivors and Their Partners; A Cross-sectional Study from the PROFILES Registry

Vos, MC; Graafsma, S.J.; Boll, Dorry; Poll-Franse, V.L. van de; Ezendam, Nicole P. M.

doi:10.1016/j.jsxm.2019.03.462

Cited by 2 publications

(5 citation statements)

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“…Difficulties with altered body image affected one-third to more than half of women with epithelial ovarian cancer, 22 41 with up to two-thirds feeling less sexually attractive since diagnosis. 22 24 Body image changes were associated with psychosexual morbidity, 6 16 sedentary behavior, 28 younger age, 34 and more time since chemotherapy ended. 20 …”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Intimate relationships were mentioned in 13 studies, with evidence of an impaired relationship or reduced enjoyment of intimacy. 22 25 36 Two-thirds of women with epithelial ovarian cancer were dissatisfied with their sex life. 18 Common reasons reported for sexual inactivity included: lack of interest in sex (51%); having no partner (35%); and their partner not being interested in sex (16%).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…20 Intimate Relationships Intimate relationships were mentioned in 13 studies, with evidence of an impaired relationship or reduced enjoyment of intimacy. 22 25 36 on November 6, 2020 by guest. Protected by copyright.…”

Section: Reduced Sexual Activitymentioning

confidence: 99%

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Psychosexual morbidity in women with ovarian cancer

Logue

Pugh

Jayson

2020

Int J Gynecol Cancer

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Increasing numbers of women are surviving for longer with epithelial ovarian cancer. Consequently, there is increased focus on long-term quality of life in national guidance. Psychosexual morbidity including vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse (dyspareunia), reduced libido, and negative perceived body image exacerbate stress and anxiety and impact intimate relationships. Although a priority for women with epithelial ovarian cancer, clinicians seldom discuss sexual problems. Therefore, psychosexual morbidity and the associated distress remain unaddressed. We synthesize evidence from primary qualitative and quantitative research studies exploring psychosexual morbidity in women with epithelial ovarian cancer to identify potential risk factors and common symptoms, to facilitate the identification and management of sexual problems in clinic. Literature (2008–19) from 10 databases identified 29 suitable publications (4116 patients). The papers were assessed to answer the question: “What are the key potential risk factors and presentations of psychosexual morbidity in women with epithelial ovarian cancer?” Current literature lacks consensus in defining clinically significant psychosexual morbidity in women with epithelial ovarian cancer. Discrepancies in measurement tools, questionnaires, and primary outcome measures confound result interpretation, limiting wider application. Key potential risk factors identified included: younger age (<53 years); pre-menopausal status at diagnosis; aim of treatment; extent of surgery; more courses of chemotherapy; cardiovascular co-morbidities; and anxiety and depression. Up to 75% of women with epithelial ovarian cancer reported adverse changes in their sex lives following diagnosis and, of the sexually active, vaginal dryness affected 81–87% and pain 77%. Other prevalent symptoms included: reduced sexual desire and activity, impaired orgasm, diminished perceived body image, and reduced partner intimacy. Psychosexual morbidity represents a significant unmet need for women with epithelial ovarian cancer. Effective treatment necessitates a multimodal approach encompassing medical, psychoeducational, and physiotherapy-based strategies. Future studies need agreement in their questionnaires, definitions, thresholds, and primary outcome measures for meaningful interstudy comparisons to be drawn.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Psychosexual morbidity in women with ovarian cancer

Logue

Pugh

Jayson

2020

Int J Gynecol Cancer

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“…This data is in line with the latest study from French oncological centres, in which 30% of patients after pelvis irradiation due to gynaecological cancer became sexually inactive [ 50 ], and with a Norwegian sample in which 4 in 10 women after treatment of cervical cancer never restarted vaginal sex [ 51 ]. However, the rate of sexually active females after the treatment varies from 56 to 90%, mostly dependent on the type of cancer, time after intervention, and the age of the women (higher rate in younger women) [ 8 , 52 – 54 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…High scores in the BESAQ indicated a more avoidant and anxious approach during sexual activity compared to healthy controls (1.36 vs. 1.25, respectively, for Polish validation study [ 37 ] and 1.3 for heathy perimenopausal women [ 49 ]). Similarly, poorer body image was noted in breast cancer survivors [ 23 ] in 2 recent studies: by Vos et al ., in which 31% felt their body changed negatively and 62% – less attractive [ 52 ], and Logue et al ., in which alterations were observed in 30–50% ovarian cancer survivors, whereas 75% felt less sexually attractive [ 7 ]. Additionally, a recent study by Michael et al .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Couples’ sexual health after gynaecological cancer diagnosis – an unexplored area for further research

Nowosielski¹,

Pałka²

2023

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Introduction The aim of the study was to assess the sexual inhibitory tone, body image, self-concept, and sexual performance in couples after gynaecological cancer treatment, and to identify areas for further prospective studies. Material and methods Thirty gynaecological cancer survivors with a heterosexual partner were assessed during a semi-structural sexual interview. Sexual excitation/sexual inhibition scales were used to evaluate proneness to sexual stimuli, whereas a body exposure during sexual activity questionnaire was used to assess body avoidance during sex. Self-concept in cancer survivors was evaluated by a sexual self-scheme scale. The differences in sexual needs, satisfaction, and sexual activity were comped between women and their partners. Results In survivors and their partners the sexual inhibitory tone was higher than the excitatory tone – 3.91 and 2.45 vs. 2.97 and 2.31, respectively. Most women were schematic-positive and co-schematic – 46.7% and 40.0%, respectively. The decrease in importance of sex was higher in women compared to their partners (D change –0.88 and –0.22, respectively). The frequency of satisfying sex decreased after treatment in women but increased in their partners – D change: –1.04 and +2.94, respectively. Satisfaction with sexual life and quality of relationship improved or did not change after cancer diagnosis in women. None of the sexual response elements were changed by the cancer diagnosis in partners. Conclusions In cancer survivors with a sexual partner, both people should be carefully counselled because there are some important differences in perception of sexual needs within the couple. Avoiding body exposure during sex and differences in proneness to sexual stimuli should be explored in further studies.

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005 Changes in Sexuality in Ovarian Cancer Survivors and Their Partners; A Cross-sectional Study from the PROFILES Registry

Cited by 2 publications

References 0 publications

Psychosexual morbidity in women with ovarian cancer

Psychosexual morbidity in women with ovarian cancer

Couples’ sexual health after gynaecological cancer diagnosis – an unexplored area for further research

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