Sexuality, Intimacy, and Gynecological Cancer

Schultz, Willibrordus Weijmar; Wiel, van de Harry

doi:10.1080/713847128

Cited by 51 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 8 publications

(9 reference statements)

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Ultimately, the couple will need to renegotiate their sexuality and intimacy after the diagnosis of PVD, in the same way gynecological cancer patients do [40,41]. Thus, they need to find a way to continue their sexual relationship, despite the presence of symptoms.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Long-Term Results of an Individualized, Multifaceted, and Multidisciplinary Therapeutic Approach to Provoked Vestibulodynia

Spoelstra

Dijkstra

Driel

et al. 2011

The Journal of Sexual Medicine

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Introduction Although it is highly recommended to use a multifaceted approach to treat provoked vestibulodynia (PVD), the large majority of treatment studies on PVD used a one-dimensional approach. Aim To evaluate the long-term treatment outcome of a multifaceted approach to vulvar pain, sexual functioning, sexually related personal distress, and relational sexual satisfaction in women with PVD. Methods Retrospective questionnaire survey 3–7 years after treatment. Main Outcome Measures Sexual functioning, sexually related personal distress, and relational sexual satisfaction were measured using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS), and the Dutch Relationship Questionnaire (NRV), respectively. An additional questionnaire assessed socio-demographic variables, intercourse resumption, and the level to which the women would recommend the treatment to other women with PVD. Post-treatment vulvar pain scores were obtained using a visual analog scale (VAS). Pretreatment scores were reported in retrospect on a separate VAS. Results The questionnaires were completed by 64 out of 70 women (91%). Mean follow-up was 5 years (range 3–7). Comparison of the mean pretreatment and post-treatment VAS scores showed a significant reduction in vulvar pain. Pain reduction was reported by 52 women (81%), whereas no change and pain increase were reported by 7 women (11%) and 5 women (8%), respectively. Post-treatment, 80% of the women had resumed intercourse. Only 5 women (8%) reported completely pain-free intercourse. Comparisons with age-related FSFI and FSDS Dutch norm data showed that scores for sexual functioning in the study group were significantly lower, while scores for sexually related personal distress were significantly higher. There were no significant differences in relational sexual satisfaction ratings between the study group and the NRV Dutch norm data. Conclusion These retrospective data on long-term treatment outcome support the hypothesis that a multifaceted approach to PVD can lead to substantial improvements in vulvar pain and the resumption of intercourse.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Long-Term Results of an Individualized, Multifaceted, and Multidisciplinary Therapeutic Approach to Provoked Vestibulodynia

Spoelstra

Dijkstra

Driel

et al. 2011

The Journal of Sexual Medicine

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Sex health morbidities in patients with gynecologic cancer are common and can persist for years after their treatment has completed. 6 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 Reports of dyspareunia (ie, pain during intercourse), lack of interest in sexual activity, and difficulties with arousal and orgasm are common in women during and after treatment, regardless of the amount of time since diagnosis. For example, Lindau et al 15 found that, although long-term vaginal and cervical cancer survivors engage in sexual behaviors at rates similar to the general population, they are more than twice as likely to experience sexual health problems.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sexual Health, Mental Health, and Beliefs About Cancer Treatments Among Women Attending a Gynecologic Oncology Clinic

et al. 2017

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

IntroductionSexual health is an important, yet overlooked, aspect of quality of life for gynecologic oncologic patients. Although patients with gynecologic cancer frequently report sexual health concerns, there are limited efforts to address these problems. A comprehensive understanding of the relationship between mental health and sexual health needs to be prioritized.AimTo examine multiple components of sexual health in patients with gynecologic cancer.MethodsFor the present study, sexual health concerns (ie, sexual frequency, desire, response, and satisfaction; orgasm; and pain during sex; independent variables), beliefs about cancer treatments affecting sexual health (dependent variable), and mental health (ie, anxiety and depressive symptoms; dependent variables) of patients at a US gynecologic oncology clinic were assessed.Main Outcome MeasuresDemographics; cancer diagnosis; positive screening results for cancer; sexual health histories including sexual frequency, desire, pain, orgasm, responsiveness, and satisfaction; and mental health including depression and anxiety symptoms.ResultsMost women reported experiencing at least one sexual health concern, and half the women screened positive for experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety. Forty-nine percent of participants reported having no or very little sexual desire or interest in the past 6 months. Further, in mediation analyses, pain during sex was significantly and positively correlated with depressive symptoms (r = 0.42, P < .001), and this relationship was fully mediated by believing that cancer treatments affected one's sexual health (B = 0.16, 95% confidence interval = 0.01–0.48, P < .05).ConclusionFindings emphasize the need to further address and incorporate sexual and mental health into standard care for patients attending gynecologic oncology clinics. Screening women for whether and to what extent they perceive cancer treatments affecting their sexual health could provide a brief, easily administrable, screener for sexual health concerns and the need for further intervention. Intervention development for patients with gynecologic cancer must include mental health components and addressing perceptions of how cancer treatments affect sexual health functioning.Eaton L, Kueck A, Maksut J, et al. Sexual Health, Mental Health, and Beliefs About Cancer Treatments Among Women Attending a Gynecologic Oncology Clinic. Sex Med 2017;5:e175–e183.

show abstract

“…Estimates of the incidence of ongoing sexual distress in this population are approximately 50% . Sexual difficulties following treatment are the biggest source of distress , often accompanied by depression , and can disrupt sexual intimacy at a time when the buffering effects of intimate relationships are most needed . A decreased sense of intimacy and closeness with a romantic partner can have adverse consequences for the relationship and family .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Psychosexual distress in women with gynecologic cancer: a feasibility study of an online support group

et al. 2012

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Sexuality, Intimacy, and Gynecological Cancer

Cited by 51 publications

References 8 publications

Long-Term Results of an Individualized, Multifaceted, and Multidisciplinary Therapeutic Approach to Provoked Vestibulodynia

Long-Term Results of an Individualized, Multifaceted, and Multidisciplinary Therapeutic Approach to Provoked Vestibulodynia

Sexual Health, Mental Health, and Beliefs About Cancer Treatments Among Women Attending a Gynecologic Oncology Clinic

Psychosexual distress in women with gynecologic cancer: a feasibility study of an online support group

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About