Women Treated for Gynecologic Cancers are at Greater Risk of Sexual Dysfunction

Every year nearly 90,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with some gynecological cancer including cancer of the cervix, uterus, ovaries, vagina, and vulva. These women undergo treatments including radiation, chemotherapy and surgery. A new University of Colorado Cancer Center study has shown sexual dysfunction in women following gynecologic cancer treatment. The study shows that sexual activity goes down from 6.1-6.8 times per month before treatment to 2.6-4.9 times per month after cancer treatment.

Researcher Saketh Guntupalli said, "It is a topic that not many people want to talk about because it is uncomfortable, but for scientists it is about maintaining the quality of life after treatment for couples that have gone through it."

In addition to showing an overall decrease in sexual frequency after cancer treatment, the study also suggested that younger, pre-menopausal women are at higher risk for sexual dysfunction. Researchers also found a higher risk among women who received chemotherapy or are in committed relationships. They observed that despite decreased sexual activity, there was no accompanying increase in marital dysfunction.

Guntupalli said, "We think that if couples are given the option to go to counseling during cancer treatment it may help with their sexual health in the long run. If researchers can catch those patients that may have problems up front and offer interventions, especially younger couples, it can really enhance life after cancer."

Source: Medindia