ISSN:
1569-8041
Keywords:
breast cancer
;
quality of sex life
;
sexual dysfunction
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Background: This study examined the impact of breast cancer therapyon women's sexuality. Patients and methods: A questionnaire concerning various sexualproblems experienced before and after treatment was anonymously completed by50 women in the outpatient clinic of our hospital's Division of RadiationOncology. To be eligible, subjects had to be disease-free and sexually active.They also had to have undergone surgery at least one year previously and havecompleted CT and/or RT. Fifty-eight percent of the women involved hadundergone mastectomy and 42% had undergone quadrantectomy followed byRT. Results: Ninety percent of the subjects continued sexual activityafter treatment, but there was an increase in the incidence of sexual problemswhich resulted in a slight reduction in the quality of their sex lives.Sixty-four percent of the women experienced an absence of sexual desire and48% low sexual desire, while 38% had dyspareunia, 44%frigidity and 42% lubrication problems. Vaginismus, brief intercourseand female orgasmic disorder were reported by 30% of the subjects.Thirty-six percent suffered from sexual dysfunction before treatment, whichworsened in about 27%, while in 49% of women sexual problemsarose mainly after chemotherapy (26%) or surgery (12%). Aboutone-half experienced changes in the relationship with their partner. Conclusion: Breast cancer patients experienced sexual dysfunction;ours found it easier to discuss the problems with their partner during theirillness (62%) than with doctors and psychologists (15%).
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1008298615272
