Ovarian cancer survivors: qualitative analysis of the symptom of sexuality.
OBJECTIVE
To better understand treatment-induced changes in sexuality from the patient perspective, to learn how women manage these changes in sexuality, and to identify what information they want from nurses about this symptom.


METHODS
Qualitative descriptive methods.


METHODS
An outpatient gynecologic clinic in an urban area in the southeastern United States served as the recruitment site for patients.


METHODS
Eight women, ages 33-69, receiving first-line treatment for ovarian cancer participated in individual interviews. Five women, ages 40-75, participated in a focus group and their status ranged from newly diagnosed to terminally ill from ovarian cancer.


METHODS
Both individual interviews and a focus group were conducted. Content analysis was used to identify themes that described the experience of women as they became aware of changes in their sexuality. Triangulation of approach, the researchers, and theory allowed for a rich description of the symptom experience.


RESULTS
Regardless of age, women reported that ovarian cancer treatment had a detrimental impact on their sexuality and that the changes made them feel "no longer whole." Mechanical changes caused by surgery coupled with hormonal changes added to the intensity and dimension of the symptom experience. Physiologic, psychological, and social factors also impacted how this symptom was experienced.


CONCLUSIONS
Regardless of age or relationship status, sexuality is altered by the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses have an obligation to educate women with ovarian cancer about anticipated changes in their sexuality that may come from treatment.
College of Health and Human Services, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, USA. wilmothmc@gmail.com
Margaret C
MC
Wilmoth
Elizabeth
E
Hatmaker-Flanigan
Vanessa
V
LaLoggia
Traci
T
Nixon
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D036301:Qualitative Research; D019529:Sexuality / Q000523:psychology*; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome