Sexual Desire and Satisfaction in Sexual Life Affecting Factors in Breast Cancer Survivors After Mastectomy

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine impact of treatment and personality characteristics, and support need for femininity and body image on sexual desire and sexual satisfaction of women with breast cancer. The sample consisted of 123 married women who previously underwent mastectomy and applied to medical oncology clinics of a university hospital. Sexual desire of the women in this study was low, and they were slightly satisfied with sexual life. Consequently, the women required supporting needs of femininity and body image. The result of this study could be utilized to determine sexual desire and satisfaction related to sexual life of women with breast cancer.

Determination of Changes in the Sexual Lives of Young Women Receiving Breast Cancer Treatment: A Qualitative Study

“…Induction of premature menopause as a result of treatment can result in an estrogen deficiency that increases the likelihood of poor vaginal lubrication and vaginal atrophy that may in turn lead to sexual dysfunction [13]. There are also studies reporting that sexual function decreases after chemotherapy treatment [4,11,20,24]. Can et al [31], in a study of 40 breast cancer patients receiving systemic treatment, found that 40% of patients stopped having penilevaginal intercourse after the initiation of treatment, and those who did have penile-vaginal intercourse had decreased desire and arousal.…”

“…This attitude was articulated by women with low education levels who had problems with their spouses before receiving a breast cancer diagnosis or having a mastectomy. Female sexuality can be influenced by many factors [8,20,25,32], including education, working conditions [11] and surgical treatment [13,20]. Takahashi and Kai [27] also reported that the spouses or partners of women receiving breast cancer treatment warned the women not to display a negative attitude toward penile-vaginal intercourse.…”

“…The Islamic religion forbids penile-vaginal intercourse before marriage, and the Turkish culture supports that belief, which might be the underlying source of these women's' opinions [15,16]. Sexuality is still taboo in developing countries such as Turkey, whereas it is a subject that people share with each other easily in advanced societies [14,20,29].…”

“…It is quite difficult to talk about and study sexuality in countries like Turkey where traditional codes and norms still prevail dominantly [19]. In Turkish society, where sexuality is taboo [14,20], qualitative and individual in-depth interviews are suitable to determine the feelings of individuals and the changes in their sexual lives [21]. In the Turkish literature, there are few studies related to the sexual lives of women receiving breast cancer treatment, and to our knowledge, no qualitative study has been performed.…”

Early-Onset Breast Cancer: Effect of Diagnosis and Therapy on Fertility Concerns, Endocrine System, and Sexuality of Young Mothers in Germany

“…This could be due to the fact that the female breast is also understood as a sexual symbol of femininity and beauty. A mastectomy may result in a drop in self-perceived attractiveness, sexual function, and satisfaction [22], and increase the sense of security. However, this might be different in younger patients.…”