Sexual function changes during the 5 years after high-dose treatment and hematopoietic cell transplantation for malignancy, with case-matched controls at 5 years.
This prospective study evaluated sexual function through 5 years after myeloablative allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) for cancer to determine sexual function recovery and residual problems. Adults completed measures before HCT (N = 161), with survivors followed at 6 months and at 1, 2, 3, and 5 years. At 5 years case-matched controls also completed assessments. Analyses indicated that men and women differed in rates of being sexually active across time (P < .001) and in overall sexual function (P < .001). Both sexes declined in sexual activity rates and sexual function from before HCT to 6 months afterward (P < or = .05). Activity rates recovered for men by 1 year (74%) and for women by 2 years (55%). Men improved from their 6-month nadir in sexual function by 2 years (P = .02), whereas women did not improve by 5 years (P = .17). Both male and female survivors were below controls in rates of sexual activity and sexual function at 5 years. Most women reported sexual problems (80% of survivors vs 61% of controls, P = .11); in contrast for men 46% of survivors versus 21% of controls (P = .05) reported problems. Thus, despite some recovery, sexual dysfunction remained a major problem for men and women after HCT. Aggressive efforts are needed to treat these deficits.
Syrjala
Karen L
KL
Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA. ksyrjala@fhcrc.org
Kurland
Brenda F
BF
Abrams
Janet R
JR
Sanders
Jean E
JE
Heiman
Julia R
JR
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D018380:Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007938:Leukemia / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000503:physiopathology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors