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. 2014 Dec;11(12):3102-11.
doi: 10.1111/jsm.12684. Epub 2014 Aug 21.

Sexual problems during the first 2 years of adjuvant treatment with aromatase inhibitors

Leslie R Schover  1 , George P Baum, Lisa A Fuson, Abenaa Brewster, Amal Melhem-Bertrandt
Affiliations

Sexual problems during the first 2 years of adjuvant treatment with aromatase inhibitors

Leslie R Schover et al. J Sex Med. 2014 Dec.

Abstract

Introduction: Sexual dysfunction has only recently been recognized as a highly prevalent side effect of adjuvant aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy for breast cancer.

Aims: A cross-sectional survey using standardized measures of female sexual function was designed to provide a detailed view of sexual problems during the first 2 years of adjuvant AI therapy and secondarily to examine whether sexual dysfunction leads to nonadherence to this therapy.

Methods: Questionnaires were mailed to all 296 women in a breast oncology registry who had been prescribed a first-time AI for localized breast cancer 18-24 months previously.

Main outcome measures: Items assessed medication adherence, demographic, and medical information. Scales included the Female Sexual Function Index, the Menopausal Sexual Interest Questionnaire, the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised, the Breast Cancer Prevention Trial Eight Symptom Scale to assess menopausal symptoms, and the Merck Adherence Estimator(®) .

Results: Questionnaires were returned by 129 of 296 eligible women (43.6%). Respondents were 81% non-Hispanic white with a mean age of 63 and 48% had at least a college degree. Only 15.5% were nonadherent. Ninety-three percent of women scored as dysfunctional on the Female Sexual Function Index, and 75% of dysfunctional women were distressed about sexual problems. Although only 52% of women were sexually active when starting their AI, 79% of this group developed a new sexual problem. Fifty-two percent took action to resolve it, including 24% who stopped partner sex, 13% who changed hormone therapies, and 6% who began a vaginal estrogen. Scores on the Adherence Estimator (beliefs about efficacy, value, and cost of medication) were significantly associated with adherence (P = 0.0301) but sexual function was not.

Conclusions: The great majority of women taking AIs have sexual dysfunction that is distressing and difficult to resolve. Most continue their AI therapy, but a large minority cease sexual activity.

Keywords: Aromatase Inhibitor; Breast Cancer; Medication Adherence; Sexual Dysfunction.

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