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. 2010 Nov;203(5):514.e1-7.
doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2010.08.004. Epub 2010 Sep 24.

Pelvic floor disorders and sexual function in gynecologic cancer survivors: a cohort study

Teresa L Rutledge  1 , Seth R Heckman, Clifford Qualls, Carolyn Y Muller, Rebecca G Rogers
Affiliations

Pelvic floor disorders and sexual function in gynecologic cancer survivors: a cohort study

Teresa L Rutledge et al. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2010 Nov.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of pelvic floor disorders and sexual function in survivors of gynecologic cancer.

Study design: We surveyed survivors of gynecologic cancer (survivors) and women seeking gynecologic care (control patients) who were >30 years old. All survivors were disease- and treatment-free for ≥1 year. Validated questionnaires were used to evaluate pelvic floor disorders.

Results: One hundred eight control patient and 260 survivor questionnaires were completed. A high prevalence of pelvic floor disorders was observed in both groups; 56% of control subjects and 70% of survivors reported moderate to severe urinary incontinence (P > .05). Survivors were more likely to experience fecal incontinence (42% vs 32%; P = .02). Survivors reported less sexual desire (P = .04) and less ability to climax (P = .04), despite no difference in dyspareunia.

Conclusion: Fecal incontinence and sexual dysfunction are significant problems in survivors of gynecologic cancer.

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