Sexual dysfunction as a complication of treatment of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the impact of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) therapy on women's sexuality.


METHODS
A questionnaire concerning various sexual problems experienced by patients treated with chemotherapy and/or surgery for GTN and in remission for 1 year or more was completed by 47 women in the outpatient clinic of the Trophoblastic Disease Section of our institution from January to June 2007.


RESULTS
Ninety-five percent of the subjects continued sexual activity after treatment, but there was an increase in the incidence of sexual problems, which resulted in a slight reduction in the quality of their sex lives. Seventy percent of the women experienced absent or low sexual desire, while 42% had dyspareunia and 45% had lubrication problems. Fifty-three percent experienced changes in the relationship with their partner within the first year after remission.


CONCLUSIONS
Sexual dysfunction is a common complication of treatment of GTN yet is given little attention as compared to other complications. Patient education and reassurance, with early diagnosis and intervention, are essential for a better quality of life for survivors.
Cagayan
Ma Stephanie Fay S
MS
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital, Manila, Philippines. faye_cagayan@hotmail.com
D000328:Adult; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D031901:Gestational Trophoblastic Disease / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy; D011788:Quality of Life; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000209:etiology*; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000209:etiology*; D055815:Young Adult
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents