Sexual and fertility adverse effects associated with chemotherapy treatment in women.
BACKGROUND
Earlier diagnosis and novel chemotherapy strategies have resulted in a considerable improvement in cancer survival, but the quality of that survival is influenced by late effects of chemotherapy. Premature ovarian failure is a common consequence of chemotherapy in reproductive-aged women, and, as a result, fertility issues and sexual dysfunction occur frequently in women who have undergone chemotherapy.


METHODS
This article reviews what is known about the effects of chemotherapy on fertility and sexuality. We also discuss risk factors for premature ovarian failure, fertility preservation options in patients willing to have a child after treatment, and sexual changes associated with estrogen withdrawal and psychological factors.


CONCLUSIONS
Chemotherapy-induced ovarian failure in young women is associated with poorer quality of life, decreased sexual functioning, psychosocial distress related to fertility concerns, and infertility. Fertility preservation options should be considered in women at risk of premature ovarian failure caused by chemotherapy. Sexual dysfunction associated with estrogen withdrawal and psychological stress is common in cancer survivors. Women who suffer from sexual dysfunction may benefit from brief counseling and targeted intervention.
New York Medical College, Laboratory of Molecular Reproduction and Fertility Preservation, Obstetrics and Gynecology , Valhalla, NY , USA.
Volkan
V
Turan
Kutluk
K
Oktay
D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000139:chemically induced*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D016649:Primary Ovarian Insufficiency / Q000139:chemically induced*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012307:Risk Factors; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000139:chemically induced
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents
chemotherapy; fertility preservation; infertility; premature ovarian failure; sexuality