Sexual Issues among Cervical Cancer Survivors' Women in Northern Upper Egypt

Research Abstract

Background: Sexual dysfunction and Sexual distress are the major sources of suffering for women undergoing treatment of cervical cancer. Female sexuality is more negatively affected by gynecological cancers. Anger/aggression, separation, divorce, and depression may be the results of sexual distress. It harms woman's mental health, in turn, impacts the relationship between spouses. Aim: The present study aimed to assess women's sexual dysfunction and distress associated with cervical cancer. Methods; Design: A descriptive design was used for the current study. Setting: out-patient clinic in the oncology unit at Beni-Suef University Hospital. Subjects: A purposive sample of 70 women. Tools: Data was collected through a structured interviewing questionnaire sheet, female sexual distress scale, and female sexual function index. Results: The results of the study revealed that 35.7% of women were in the 1st degree when diagnosed, 88.6% of the studied women had sexual distress and all (100.0%) of them had sexual dysfunction. Moreover, 72.8% of the studied women had a diagnosis of cervical cancer from signs and symptoms, 35.7% of women were in the 1st degree when diagnosed with cervical cancer, 37.1% of women had received radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and surgical operation, and 81.4% had a total hysterectomy. Conclusion: Sexual dysfunction and distress were more prevalent among older, less educated, urban dwellers, and those whose age of marriage was less than 20 years old. Recommendations: Preparing health classes for cervical cancer women regarding sexual issues following cervical cancer.

Research Keywords

Cervical cancer, sexual distress, sexual dysfunction