Sexual Functioning of Gynecological Cancer Patients: A Literature Review

Background: According to the World Health Organization, cervical, uterine and ovarian cancers were the third, sixth and eighth most common cancers in women worldwide. Unlike other physiological side effects of cancer treatment, sexual problems in gynecological cancer survivors do not tend to resolve after first few years of cancer treatment. However, women who experience sexual dysfunction do not discuss the problem openly with their healthcare professionals. Objective: The objectives of this literature review are to identify, summarize and critically appraise current literatures investigating the sexual functioning and sexual health needs of gynecological cancer patients, as well as to identify the communication between gynecological cancer patients and healthcare professionals. Design: A thorough analysis of the literatures on the topic of sexual functioning of gynecological cancer patients. Data sources: EBSCO host (Medline, CINAL Plus and Academic Search Alumni Edition) and Ovid Technology (British Nursing Index). Review methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in the named data sources from 2003 to 2014 to identify English articles with the keywords “ovarian cancer”, “uterine cancer”, “cervical cancer”, “gynecological cancer”, “sexual functioning”, “sexuality” and “sexual health needs”. Two authors assessed all identified articles independently for inclusion in the review. Results: A total of eight studies were included in the review. All studies focused on the sexual functioning of gynecological cancer patients. Four of them assessed their sexual health needs and one evaluated the communication between the patients and healthcare professionals. The findings indicated that gynecological cancer patients experienced sexual dysfunction after the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Uncertainty of the side-effects of cancer treatment on bodily functions led to misunderstanding and misconceptions on sexual functioning. Communication, in general, was found to be insufficient between gynecological cancer patients and healthcare professionals. Conclusion: Sexual functioning after the diagnosis and treatment of gynecological cancer requires special attention and care. Appropriate interventions should be developed to meet the patients’ needs. As most of the studies investigating the sexual functioning of gynecological cancer patients were carried out in Western countries, implications for research on this issue in different cultural background is suggested.