title: Sexual functions of Turkish women with gynecologic cancer during the chemotherapy process.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The negative effects of gynecologic cancer on women's health is multidimensional. Sexual problems arising after chemotherapy are decreased interest and vaginal lubrication, lack of orgasm and dyspareunia and sense of reduction in sexual attractiveness in general. The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes that patients who receive chemotherapy for a gynecologic oncology disorder experience in their sexual functions.
  
  
  METHODS
  A descriptive/cross-sectional and qualitative study was performed. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was used in order to collect data on sexual capacity. The quantitative data obtained were evaluated with frequency and percentage calculations while content analysis was performed for the qualitative data.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All of the information related to sexuality was provided by the physician. Chemotherapy treatment affected sexuality negatively in 55.9%. Since receiving the diagnosis, 52.9% of women had experienced no sexual intercourse at all. Those who had an FSFI score of 30 and below made up 75% of the women. After the content analysis of data obtained during in in-depth interviewing, we focused on three main themes: desire for sexual intercourse, problems experienced during sexual intercourse, and coping with problems.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  An integrated system where sexual problems can be handled professionally should be present during gynecological cancer treatment.
authors.affiliation: Nursing and Health Services Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Baskent University, Ankara, Turkey. gulcihanakkuzu@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Gulcihan
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Akkuzu
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ayhan
mesh_terms: D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016190:Carboplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005833:Genital Neoplasms, Female / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D017239:Paclitaxel / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011379:Prognosis; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000523:psychology; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014421:Turkey; D016387:Women's Health
chemical_list: D016190:Carboplatin; D017239:Paclitaxel