Effects of radiotherapy on sexual activity in women with cervical cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To assess changes in sexual activity in women treated for cervical cancer by radiotherapy over a period of 3 to 12 months.


METHODS
Women treated for cervical cancer were selected at 3 to 12 months post-treatment. Main outcome measured were changes of sexual activity in sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, dyspareunia, frequency and satisfaction. Comparisons were made between after radiation and before radiation.


RESULTS
The prevalence of sexual dysfunction increased in most patients treated with pelvic radiotherapy. There were significant reduction in sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, frequency of intercourse, and satisfaction after radiation. Increase in sexual pain was common after treatment, but was not significant in deep dyspareunia. Sexual frequency was significantly correlated with FIGO staging.


CONCLUSIONS
Sexual activities were significantly reduced following radiotherapy. Educational and counseling programs on sexual activity after treatment should be provided to the patients.
Saewong
Somnuk
S
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand.
Choobun
Thanapan
T
D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*