Sexual health inquiry preferences among gynecologic cancer patients after radiation therapy.

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 87-87
Author(s):  
Gerard Edward Heath ◽  
Pamela Fairchild ◽  
Mitchell Berger ◽  
Anagha Tolpadi ◽  
Christina Chapman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Radiation Therapy ◽  
Sexual Dysfunction ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Sexual Function ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Gynecologic Cancer ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Sexual History ◽  
Categorical Variables ◽  
Gynecologic Cancers

87 Background: Following radiation therapy (RT), gynecologic oncology patients report high rates of sexual dysfunction. However, little is known regarding communication of sexual health among these patients and their healthcare providers. The aim of this study was to assess the beliefs/attitudes of patients regarding sexual history taking. Methods: Survey results were obtained from 75 women who presented for follow up care for gynecologic cancers in the radiation oncology department. The surveys assessed patient beliefs about sexual health and its impact on overall quality of life, the role practitioners should play in obtaining an accurate sexual history, and preferences and level of embarrassment regarding sexual history collection. Overall level of sexual functioning was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Chi-squared tests were used to analyze categorical variables and logistic regression modeling was used to predict agreement with survey statements. Results: Most subjects were white and married with a mean FSFI score of 9.9 [(SD = 10.3) sexual dysfunction is defined as < 26.5]. 78.7% agreed that sexual function is an important component of overall health, and only 12.0% reported embarrassment about discussing their sexual health with healthcare providers. 62.79% agreed that medical providers should take a sexual history on a regular basis. However, 58.7% and 22.7% of women report never or almost never being asked about their sexual health by their primary care physician or Ob/Gyn, respectively. Approximately two-thirds of women expressed a preference to have a female provider obtain their sexual health history. Conclusions: Gynecologic cancer patients s/p RT report low sexual function scores. A majority agree that sexual function is essential to overall health. They report little embarrassment regarding discussions of sexual health, yet, note limited discussion about the topic with their healthcare providers. This work highlights the need for improvements in communication about sexual health. We suggest that healthcare providers caring for women with gynecologic cancers should more regularly inquire about their patients’ sexual health and function.

Breast cancer patients in a female sexual medicine and women’s health program: A cross-sectional retrospective study.

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (31_suppl) ◽  
pp. 8-8
Author(s):  
Jeanne Carter ◽  
Sally Saban ◽  
Ashley Arkema ◽  
Deborah J. Goldfrank ◽  
Shari Beth Goldfarb
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Sexual Dysfunction ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Sexual Function ◽  
Postmenopausal Women ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Health Program ◽  
Assessment Scale ◽  
Sexual Medicine ◽  
Breast Cancer Patients

8 Background: Cancer treatment impacts sexual health and QOL with symptoms of vulvovaginal dryness, dyspareunia, and sexual dysfunction. There are limited data on specific sexual changes in patients with varying treatments. We examined patient-reported and exam outcomes of breast cancer patients’ initial consults at Female Sexual Medicine & Women’s Health Program (FSMWHP) at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Methods: We obtained a limited waiver to evaluate medical records and Female Sexual Medicine Clinic Assessment Forms (FSMCAFs) of initial consults at FSMWHP from 6/29/12–12/23/16. The FSMCAF is composed of a pelvic exam checklist, sexual function measures (Female Sexual Function Index-FSFI; Sexual Activity Questionnaire-SAQ), vulvovaginal health measures (Vaginal Assessment Scale—VAS; Vulvar Assessment Scale—VuAS), and questions about concerns. Descriptive statistics were calculated using SPSS. Results: 446 women were categorized by menopausal status and endocrine therapy. Subcohorts were: postmenopausal with aromatase inhibitors (AIs) alone (30%), tamoxifen followed by AI (22%), tamoxifen alone (16%) or no therapy (16%), and pre/peri-menopausal with tamoxifen alone (9%) or no therapy (5%). In postmenopausal women, initial consults avg. 3.3 yrs post-treatment (pre/peri avg. 1.8 yrs). Endocrine use avg. 3 yrs. across groups. 99% of postmenopausal women scored < 26.6 on FSFI, indicating sexual dysfunction (tamoxifen alone avg: 13.7; tamoxifen followed by AI avg: 10.4). Vulvovaginal dryness and severe dyspareunia were highest in postmenopausal women with endocrine exposure (AI alone: 83% and 36%; tamoxifen alone: 66% and 32%). Related exam outcomes (pH > 6.5, petechiae, vulvovaginal atrophy, minimal/no moisture) were also highest in postmenopausal women (AI alone: 30%, 13%, 78%, 89%; tamoxifen alone: 19%, 5%, 65%, 70% respectively). Conclusions: Sexual health concerns are common in breast cancer patients. Endocrine exposure and menopause can negatively impact tissue quality. Women exposed to AIs appear to have the poorest self-reported and clinical outcomes. Proactive sexual health interventions, including early counseling, are warranted in these patients.

The Effects of Herbal Medicines on Women Sexual Dysfunction: A Systematic Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tahereh Molkara ◽  
Maliheh Motavasselian ◽  
Farideh Akhlaghi ◽  
Mohammad Arash Ramezani ◽  
Hamideh Naghedi Baghdar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Dysfunction ◽  
Herbal Medicine ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Sexual Function ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Health Management ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Physical And Psychological Health ◽  
Female Sexual Response

: Sexual health plays an important role in the women’s health and quality of life. Sexual health management is a prerequisite for physical and psychological health of women. Sexual desire, arousal, and orgasm are three factors of female sexual response. So far many different methods has been known for the treatment of female sexual dysfunction, however none of them are not an efficacious therapy. Generally, use of herbal medicine is a safe and effective therapeutic method in the treatment of women with sexual dysfunction. The role of herbal and nutritional supplementation in female sexual function has attracted researchers’ interest in recent years. This study aimed to the evaluation of the studies focusing on the herbal medicine on women sexual function and the assessment of its effectiveness.

scholarly journals Managing Sexual Dysfunction For Women With Breast Cancer: The Perspective Of Health Care Providers In North East Malaysia.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Siti Balqis Chanmekun ◽  
Maryam Mohd Zulkifli ◽  
Rosediani Muhamad ◽  
Norhasmah Mohd Zain ◽  
Wah Yun Low ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Sexual Dysfunction ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Phenomenological Approach ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
North East ◽  
East Malaysia

Abstract Purpose: Management of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) is vital for women with breast cancer due to the devastating consequences, which include marital disharmony and reduced quality of life. We explore healthcare providers’ (HCPs) perceptions and experiences in managing FSD for women living with breast cancer using phenomenological approach. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using a face-to-face interview method to HCPs from two tertiary hospitals in North East Malaysia. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and transferred to NVivo ® for data management. The transcriptions were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Three key barriers were identified through the thematic analysis: a scarcity of related knowledge; the influence of socio-cultural ideas about sex; and the speciality-centric nature of the healthcare system. Most HCPs interviewed had a very narrow understanding of sexuality, were unfamiliar with the meaning of FSD, and felt their training on sexual health issues to be very limited. They viewed talking about sex to be embarrassing to both parties that is, both to HCPs and patients and was therefore not a priority. They focused more on their specialty hence limited the time to discuss sexual health and FSD with their patients. Conclusion: Therefore, interventions to empower the knowledge, break the sociocultural barriers and improve the clinic settings are crucial for HCPs in managing FSD confidently.

Impact of Infertility Duration on Female Sexual Health

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meng Dong ◽  
Xiaoyan Xu ◽  
Yining Li ◽  
Yixian Wang ◽  
Zhuo Jin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factor ◽  
Sexual Dysfunction ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Sexual Function ◽  
Equation Model ◽  
Sexual Life ◽  
Female Sexual Function ◽  
Psychological Pain ◽  
Multivariable Logistic Regression Model ◽  
Group I

Abstract BackgroundAs an important source of stress, infertility may affect the quality of sexual life, with extensive studies believing that the incidence of sexual dysfunction in infertile women is highly prevalent. As the years of infertility increase, the greater this stress is likely to increase, which may aggravate psychological pain and cause sexual dysfunction. However, the effect of infertility duration on sexual health is unclear.Methods We performed a case-control study, and a total of 715 patients participated in this research between September 1, 2020, and December 25, 2020. Patients diagnosed with infertility (aged between 20 to 45 years) were included. Patients with infertility were divided into four groups according to infertility duration: ≤ 2 years (Group I, n=262), 2< infertility duration ≤5 years (Group II, n=282), 5 < infertility duration ≤8 years (Group III, n=97), and infertility duration > 8 years (Group IV, n=74). A questionnaire survey of female sexual function and psychological depression of patients with infertility was performed. The female sexual function was measured by the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), depression status was measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9).ResultsAnalysis of the relevant factors that affect sexual function using a multivariable logistic regression model revealed that infertility duration of less than 8 years was not a risk factor for sexual dysfunction. However, when infertility duration was greater than 8 years, the incidence of sexual dysfunction (AOR=5.158,95%CI: 1.935-13.746, P=0.001) and 3 domains [arousal disorder (AOR=2.955 ,95%CI: 1.194-7.314, P=0.019, coital pain (AOR=3.811 ,95%CI: 1.045-13.897, P=0.043), and lubrication disorder (AOR=5.077 ,95%CI: 1.340-19.244, P=0.017)] increases. ConclusionsThe multivariate regression equation model reveals that the infertility duration is more than 8 years, which is a risk factor for the occurrence of sexual dysfunction. As the infertility duration increases, the incidence of female sexual dysfunction and psychological distress may increase.

scholarly journals Sexual Health in Women with Inflammatory Bowel Disease in the Danish National Birth Cohort

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (8) ◽  
pp. 1082-1089
Author(s):  
Ellen A Nøhr ◽  
Jan Nielsen ◽  
Bente M Nørgård ◽  
Sonia Friedman
Keyword(s):  
Inflammatory Bowel Disease ◽  
Sexual Dysfunction ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Sexual Function ◽  
Birth Cohort ◽  
Bowel Disease ◽  
Large Population ◽  
Danish National Birth Cohort ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Inflammatory Bowel

Abstract Background and Aims Previous studies indicate an increased risk of sexual dysfunction in women with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] but none have examined sexual function in a large population-based cohort. Methods To investigate the risk of sexual dysfunction in women with IBD, we used data from the Danish National Birth Cohort, a nationwide study of 92 274 pregnant women recruited during 1996–2002. We performed a cross-sectional study based on mothers who participated in the Maternal Follow-up in 2013–14. The outcome was self-reported sexual health. Information regarding demographics and IBD characteristics was retrieved from the Danish National Patient Register. Using regression models and adjusting for important confounders, we compared sexual function in women with and without IBD. Results The study population consisted of 38 011 women including 196 [0.5%] with Crohn’s disease [CD] and 409 [1.1%] with ulcerative colitis [UC]. Median age was 44 years. Compared to women without IBD, women with UC did not have significantly decreased sexual function, while women with CD had more difficulty achieving orgasm (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.53; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–2.30], increased dyspareunia [aOR 1.71; 95% CI 1.11–2.63] and deep dyspareunia [aOR 2.00; 95% CI 1.24–3.22]. The risk for difficulty achieving orgasm and deep dyspareunia was further increased within 2 years of an IBD-related contact/visit [aOR 1.81; 95% CI 1.11–2.95; and aOR 2.37; 95% CI 1.34–4.19]. Conclusions Women with CD have significantly increased difficulty achieving orgasm and increased dyspareunia. Physicians should be cognizant of and screen for sexual dysfunction in this group of patients.

scholarly journals Sexual Health as Part of Gynecologic Cancer Care: What Do Patients Want?

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (9) ◽  
pp. 1737-1742 ◽  
Author(s):  
Casey M. Hay ◽  
Heidi S. Donovan ◽  
Erin G. Hartnett ◽  
Jeanne Carter ◽  
Mary C. Roberge ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Sexual Activity ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Cancer Care ◽  
Gynecologic Cancer ◽  
Relationship Status ◽  
Cancer Type ◽  
Sexual Health Care

ObjectiveSexual health is important to quality of life; however, the sexual health of gynecologic cancer patients is infrequently and inadequately addressed. We sought to understand patient experiences and preferences for sexual health care to help inform strategies for improvement.Methods/MaterialsAn anonymous, cross-sectional survey of outpatient gynecologic cancer patients at a large academic medical center was performed as part of a larger study examining patient and caregiver needs. The survey explored patient-provider discussions about sexuality across 3 domains (experiences, preferences, barriers) and 4 phases of cancer care (diagnosis, treatment, treatment completion, follow-up). Age, relationship status, sexual activity, and cancer type were recorded.ResultsMean age was 63 years. Most patients had ovarian cancer (38%) or endometrial cancer (32%). Thirty-seven percent received treatment within the last month, 55% were in a relationship, and 35% were sexuality active. Thirty-four percent reported sexuality as somewhat or very important, whereas 27% felt that it was somewhat or very important to discuss. Importance of sexuality was associated with age, relationship status, and sexual activity but not cancer type. Fifty-seven percent reported never discussing sexuality. Age was associated with sexuality discussions, whereas relationship status, sexual activity, and cancer type were not. The most common barrier to discussion was patient discomfort. Follow-up was identified as the best time for discussion. Sexuality was most often discussed with a physician or advanced practice provider and usually brought up by the provider.ConclusionsDemographic predictors of importance of sexuality to the patient are age, relationship status, and sexual activity. Providers primarily use age as a proxy for importance of sexuality; however, relationship status and sexual activity may represent additional ways to screen for patients interested in discussing sexual health. Patient discomfort with discussing sexuality is the primary barrier to sexual health discussions, and awareness of this is key to developing effective approaches to providing sexual health care.

scholarly journals Insufficient Assessment of Sexual Dysfunction: A Problem in Gynecological Practice

Medicina ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 49 (7) ◽  
pp. 49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ieva Briedite ◽  
Gunta Ancane ◽  
Andrejs Ancans ◽  
Renars Erts
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Dysfunction ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Sexual History ◽  
Sexual Life ◽  
Sexual Disorders ◽  
Oncologic Patients ◽  
Sexual History Taking ◽  
Gynecological Care ◽  
Main Barrier

Background and Objective. Sexual health is an important part of a woman’s life and well-being. Female sexual dysfunction is a complicated problem, it is often underestimated in the healthcare process, and its management is complex. Giving women the opportunity to talk about sexual problems is a fundamental part of healthcare and may improve their quality of life. The aim of this study was to find out patients’ experience and attitudes toward the involvement of gynecologists addressing sexual issues, to disclose the main barriers to initiate a conversation, and to assess the prevalence of sexual disorders among patients in a gynecological clinic. Material and Methods. A questionnaire-based approach was used to survey 18- to 50-year-old voluntary patients in the gynecological clinic. The study population comprised 300 different gynecological (except oncologic) patients independently of reasons for being in the clinic. The duration of the study was 6 months. Results. Only one-third of the patients had ever been asked about their sexual life by a gynecologist, whilst the majority (80%) of the respondents reported they would like to be asked and discuss sexual issues. The patients mostly did not complain because of psychoemotional barriers, and shame was the main barrier for patients to talk about their problems. Sexual dysfunction was a frequent disorder among gynecological patients, reaching especially high levels in the arousal (46.41%) and lubrication (40.67%) domains. Conclusions. The assessment of sexual health is insufficient in gynecological care, and sexual history-taking and evaluation of sexual functions should be included in routine gynecological health assessments.

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