Sexual Function after Modified Radical Hysterectomy (Piver II/Type B) vs. Classic Radical Hysterectomy (Piver III/Type C2) for Early Stage Cervical Cancer. A Prospective Study

We determined the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in women with early-stage cervical cancer who had undergone radical hysterectomy in three institutions of Thailand. An interview was conducted according to the structured questionnaire composing of seven domains of sexual function: frequency, desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and dyspareunia. From 105 women included in the study, mean age was 45.3 ± 7.8 years. Seventy-five (71.4%) were in premenopausal period. Eight out of 105 women (7.6%) never resumed their sexual intercourse after radical hysterectomy, 97 women resumed their sexual intercourse during 1–36 months postoperation (median, 4 months). Dyspareunia was increased in approximately 37% of women, while the other six domains of sexual function were decreased, ranging from approximately 40–60%. Of interest, only 10.5% of these cervical cancer women had some information of sexual function from medical or paramedical personnel, 17.1% obtained it from other laymen or public media, and 61.9% had never had it from any resources. Our conclusion is—sexual dysfunction is a common problem after cervical cancer treatment, but it has not been well aware of. These findings may necessitate health care providers to be more considerate on this problem.

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An observational longitudinal study to evaluate miction, defecation, and sexual function after radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy for early-stage cervical cancer

International Journal of Gynecological Cancer ◽

10.1136/ijgc-00009577-200605000-00027 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 16 (3) ◽

pp. 1119-1129 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Q. D. Pieterse ◽

C. P. Maas ◽

M. M. Ter Kuile ◽

M. Lowik ◽

M. A. Van Eijkeren ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cervical Cancer ◽

Longitudinal Study ◽

Sexual Function ◽

Radical Hysterectomy ◽

Adjuvant Radiotherapy ◽

Early Stage ◽

Pelvic Lymphadenectomy ◽

Control Group ◽

Negative Effects ◽

Early Stage Cervical Cancer

The objective of this study was to evaluate the problems with miction, defecation, and sexuality after a radical hysterectomy with or without adjuvant radiotherapy for the treatment of cervical cancer stage I–IIA. This study included an observational longitudinal study of self-reported bladder, defecation, and sexual problems with a baseline score. Ninety-four women were included in the study. An age-matched control group consisted of 224 women. The patients showed significantly more negative effects on sexual function compared with both the controls and their situation before the treatment throughout 24 months of follow-up. The problems included less lubrication, a narrow and short vagina, senseless areas around the labia, dyspareunia, and sexual dissatisfaction. Up to 12 months after the treatment, the patients complained significantly more of little or no urge to urinate and diarrhea as compared with the controls. Adjuvant radiotherapy did not increase the risk of bladder dysfunction, colorectal motility disorders, and sexual functions. We conclude that a radical hysterectomy for the treatment of early-stage cervical carcinoma is associated with adverse effects mainly on sexual functioning.

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