Sexual outcomes following treatment for early stage gynecological cancer: a prospective multicenter study

Abstract

Data are presented of a prospective, longitudinal study on the impact of early stage gynecological cancer on sexuality. Women with a partner (n = 58) completed self-report questionnaires following diagnosis but prior to treatment and then at 6 and 12 months post-treatment. A single assessment was also obtained from a healthy comparison group (n = 103). Pre-treatment cancer patients reported fewer and less trouble with sexual problems compared to healthy controls. Neither sexual satisfaction nor sexual activity changed from pre- to post-treatment and was comparable to that of healthy controls. Post-treatment, relatively minor sexual difficulties were shown; a notable difficulty for cancer patients concerned lubrication. At 12 months post-treatment, the sexual functioning of cancer patients was comparable to healthy controls.