Sexual function in adult cancer survivors.

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (5_suppl) ◽  
pp. 123-123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Jo Rajotte ◽  
K. Scott Baker ◽  
Leslie Heron ◽  
Karen Leslie Syrjala
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Sexual Dysfunction ◽  
Sexual Function ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Sexual Satisfaction ◽  
Sexually Active ◽  
Clinic Appointment ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Adult Cancer Survivors

123 Background: Sexual dysfunction is a common treatment sequela across numerous cancer diagnoses and treatments, causing increased distress, discomfort and negatively impacting quality of life. Methods: Before their survivorship-focused clinic appointment, adult cancer survivors were asked to complete a comprehensive patient -eported outcomes survey that included detailed questions on their health status including sexual function. Results: Between April 2015 to July 2016, 94 patients completed the survey. They were 66% female, mean age 45 years (SD 16, range 21-82) and 34% leukemia/lymphoma, 18% breast cancer, and 12% genitourinary cancer survivors. Patients were a mean of 6.7 years (SD 7.9, range 0-42) from their cancer diagnosis at the time of clinic appointment. Nearly half (48%) were married or living with a partner and 49% were living alone (single, divorced, widowed). 70.2% reported being sexually active (alone or with a partner) in the last year: of these only half (55.3%) reported being sexually active in the last month. For those who were not sexually active the most commonly cited reasons included lack of interest (24.5%) and not having a partner (30.9%), with 12.8% reporting not being sexually active due to a physical problem. Survivors rated their sexual satisfaction in the past month as a 5.0 (SD 3.7; scale of 0-10, 0=not at all satisfying 10=extremely satisfying). An independent samples t-test revealed a statistically significant difference in sexual satisfaction between survivors under 45 years in age and ≥45 years in age (t=4.4, df=68.0, p < 0.05). Older survivors (mean=3.71, SD=3.7) reported significantly lower levels of sexual satisfaction than did younger survivors (mean=7.11, SD=2.8). The most commonly reported sexual function issues for women included vaginal dryness (23.4%) and for men included difficulty getting an erection (7.4%). Conclusions: Sexual dysfunction is a common long-term effect of cancer across diagnoses and most treatments, warranting widespread implementation of targeted interventions to manage sexual dysfunction and improve quality of life for these survivors.

scholarly journals Fertility Preservation and Sexual Health After Cancer Therapy

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 643-651 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nigel Pereira ◽  
Glenn L. Schattman
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Sexual Dysfunction ◽  
Sexual Function ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Fertility Preservation ◽  
Cancer Treatments ◽  
Life Issues ◽  
After Cancer

Recent developments in cancer diagnostics and treatments have considerably improved long-term survival rates. Despite improvements in chemotherapy regimens, more focused radiotherapy and diverse surgical options, cancer treatments often have gonadotoxic side-effects that can manifest as loss of fertility or sexual dysfunction, particularly in young cancer survivors. In this review, we focus on two pertinent quality-of-life issues in female cancer survivors of reproductive age—fertility preservation and sexual function. Fertility preservation encompasses all clinical and laboratory efforts to preserve a woman’s chance to achieve future genetic motherhood. These efforts range from well-established protocols such as ovarian stimulation with cryopreservation of embryos or oocytes, to nascent clinical trials involving cryopreservation and re-implantation of ovarian tissue. Therefore, fertility preservation strategies are individualized to the cancer diagnosis, time interval until initiation of treatments must begin, prognosis, pubertal status, and maturity level of patient. Some patients choose not to pursue fertility preservation, and the conversation then centers around other quality of life issues. Not all cancer treatments cause loss of fertility; however, most treatments can directly impact the physical and psychosocial aspects of sexual function. Cancer treatment is also associated with fear, anxiety, and depression, which can further decrease sexual desire, function, and frequency. Sexual dysfunction after cancer treatment is generally ascertained by compassionate inquiry. Strategies to promote sexual function after cancer treatment include pelvic floor exercises, clitoral therapy devices, pharmacologic agents, as well as couples-based psychotherapeutic and psycho-educational interventions. Quality-of-life issues in young cancer survivors are often best addressed by utilizing a multidisciplinary team consisting of physicians, nurses, social workers, psychiatrists, sex educators, counselors, or therapists.

scholarly journals QOLP-21. A PRELIMINARY REPORT ON QUALITY OF LIFE AND SEXUAL FUNCTION IN BRAIN CANCER PATIENTS

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. ii179-ii179
Author(s):  
Maria Boccia ◽  
Elizabeth Anyanda ◽  
Ekokobe Fonkem
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Sexual Dysfunction ◽  
Sexual Function ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Brain Cancer ◽  
Sexually Active ◽  
Institute Of Medicine ◽  
Marital Partner ◽  
Common Location

Abstract As cancer treatment has advanced, quality of life (QoL) has become a significant consideration in patient and survivor care. The 2005 Institute of Medicine Cancer Survivorship Care Planning guide requires the inclusion of information on the possible effects of cancer on marital/partner relationship and sexual functioning, among other factors related to QoL. The purpose of this study is to explore the rates and types of sexual dysfunction among brain cancer patients. Patients were recruited from a neuro-oncology practice and given a QoL questionnaire (FACT-Br). Women were given the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Men were given scales to assess premature ejaculation (PE), erectile dysfunction (ED), and Peyronie’s disease. In addition, information about site and type of tumor and treatment (surgery, radiation, chemotherapy) was collected. Descriptive statistics as well as T-tests and ANOVAs were used to analyze the data. Data were collected from 50 patients. The most common form of brain tumor in this sample was glioblastoma. The frontal lobe was the most common location of tumors. There was significantly more sexual dysfunction than previously reported, with 66% of the sexually active women meeting criteria for total FSFI. Of the men who were sexually active, 60% reported some ED and 80% reported PE. QoL measures were correlated with sexual dysfunction. Our capacity to address sexual function concerns of patients is dependent on our understanding the types of difficulties encountered. This study provides preliminary information about the effect of brain cancer diagnosis and treatment on a major contributor to QoL in these patients.

scholarly journals Bupropion as a Treatment for Sexual Dysfunction Among Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abolfazl Ghoreishi ◽  
Lila Dashtaki ◽  
Bahareh Hajisalimi
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Chronic Kidney Disease ◽  
Erectile Dysfunction ◽  
Sexual Dysfunction ◽  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Sexual Function ◽  
Total Quality ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Male Patients

Sexual dysfunction is a common complication among male patients with chronic kidney disease. Common disturbances include erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, and infertility. Sexual dysfunction is a multifactorial problem, and the treatment options are limited, it associated with lower quality of life scores in patients. Chronic kidney disease also has a critically impairing effect on the quality of life. To investigate the efficacy of bupropion on sexual dysfunction and quality of life in men with chronic kidney disease, a single-blind placebo-controlled trial was conducted. A total of 40 male patients with chronic kidney disease suffering from erectile dysfunction (Mean age 41/25±8/8) were randomly assigned to receive 10 weeks of treatment with either bupropion or placebo. Sexual function and quality of life were assessed by IIEF5 and WHOQOL-BREF questionnaires, respectively. Baseline demographic and clinical features were similar in both groups. The results showed a significant difference between the intervention and control groups in sexual function (P=0/005) and total quality of life (P=0/001); also the difference was significant in physical health (P=0/012), psychological health (P<0/001) and social relationship (P<0/001) domains. Our findings suggest that Bupropion is effective and safe for treating sexual dysfunction in men with chronic kidney disease and also could positively affect the quality of life among the patients. © 2019 Tehran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved. Acta Med Iran 2019;57(5):320-327.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of Physical Therapy in Addressing Sexual Dysfunction in Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arpita Gopal ◽  
Rebecca Sydow ◽  
Valerie Block ◽  
Diane D. Allen
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Physical Therapy ◽  
Sexual Dysfunction ◽  
Sexual Function ◽  
Pelvic Floor ◽  
Sexual Satisfaction ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Current Evidence

Abstract Background: Individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) frequently report sexual dysfunction, a condition that may result in low sexual satisfaction and decreased quality of life. Although sexual dysfunction is usually treated pharmacologically, physical therapists, especially those trained in pelvic floor physical therapy (PT), are well-equipped to address a variety of impairments that contribute to poor sexual function. The current evidence for effectiveness of PT interventions in improving sexual dysfunction, sexual satisfaction, and the emotional well-being aspect of quality of life was analyzed. Methods: The PubMed, CINAHL, and PEDro databases were searched through December 2019. Articles were included if participants had a clinical diagnosis of MS, reported sexual dysfunction or pain with intercourse, and had an intervention within the PT scope that addressed sexual dysfunction. Means and SDs were extracted from each study independently by two authors. Effect sizes (d) and 95% CIs were calculated within and across studies. Results: Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Combined effects were significant and large across six studies for sexual function (d = 0.82, 95% CI, 0.57–1.06), moderate across seven studies for sexual satisfaction (d = 0.65, 95% CI, 0.43–0.87), and moderately large across two studies for emotional well-being (d = 0.78, 95% CI, 0.17–1.40). Between-group differences reached significance for sexual satisfaction (d = 0.29, 95% CI, 0.03–0.55). Conclusions: Sexual function, sexual satisfaction, and emotional well-being can all be effectively addressed with various PT interventions. Highly effective interventions included pelvic floor muscle training and mindfulness. Future research should compare PT interventions with non-PT controls to determine best practice in this population.

The impact of sexual dysfunction on the quality of life measured by MSQoL-54 in patients with multiple sclerosis

2008 ◽  
Vol 14 (8) ◽  
pp. 1131-1136 ◽  
Author(s):  
DK Tepavcevic ◽  
J Kostic ◽  
ID Basuroski ◽  
N Stojsavljevic ◽  
T Pekmezovic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
Sexual Dysfunction ◽  
Sexual Function ◽  
Health Distress ◽  
Pain Subscale ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Vaginal Lubrication ◽  
The Impact

Objective Sexual dysfunction (SD) is a common but often overlooked symptom in multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of this study was to estimate the frequency, type, and intensity of SD in our patients with MS and to investigate its influence on all the domains of quality of life. Methods The study population comprised a cohort of 109 patients with MS (McDonald's criteria, 2001). SD was quantified by a Szasz sexual functioning scale. Health-related quality of life was measured by a disease-specific instrument MSQoL-54 (Serbian version). Results The presence of at least one symptom of SD was found in about 84% of the men and in 85% of the women. The main complaints in women were reduced libido, difficulties in achieving orgasm, and decreased vaginal lubrication; in men, the main complaints were reduced libido, incomplete erections, and premature ejaculation. In women, statistically significant negative correlations between the presence and level of SD and quality of life domains were reached for all subscales ( P < 0.01), except for the Pain subscale ( P = 0.112). In men, negative correlations were also observed for all domains, but they were statistically significant for physical health, physical role limitations, social function, health distress, sexual function, and sexual function satisfaction ( P < 0.01). We found that the presence of all the analyzed types of sexual problems statistically significantly lowered scores on the sexual function and the sexual function satisfaction subscales in both men and women ( P < 0.01). The most prominent impact on both domains was observed for the total loss of erection in men and for anorgasmia in women. Conclusions Our results reveal that frequent occurrence of SD in MS patients prominently affects all aspects of their quality of life.

scholarly journals Spirituality and Gratitude as Predictors of the Quality of Life in Adult Cancer Patients

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ms. Alvita de Souza ◽  
Dr. Shanmukh V. Kamble
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Cancer Patients ◽  
Life Stage ◽  
Empirical Support ◽  
Poor Health ◽  
Adult Cancer Survivors ◽  
Stage 1

The present study was designed to: (a) determine whether there is empirical support for a relationship between Gratitude and Spirituality in Quality of Life, (b) provide an estimate of the strength of this relationship, and (c) examine whether Spirituality and Gratitude is a predictor of quality of life. Stage 1 and Stage 2 Cancer patients were employed for this study. The sample for the study consisted of 397 Cancer patients aged between 36 to 67 years. The Spirituality Scale, Gratitude Scale and the Quality of Life for Adult Cancer Survivors were administered on the participants. Results supported previous research that Spirituality and Gratitude were positively correlated to Quality of life. It was also was a significant predictor in Quality of Life in Cancer Patients. The implication of this study is that Spirituality and Gratitude as a paradigm can be used to improve the Quality of life particularly for those who report very poor health while suffering from Cancer or are at the end of their life with disease.

scholarly journals The Role of Physical Activity in Cancer Survivors’ Quality of Life

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tayah M. Liska ◽  
Angie Kolen
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Cancer Diagnosis ◽  
Social Engagement ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Adult Cancer Survivors

Abstract Purpose: As a result of a cancer diagnosis and treatment, many cancer survivors experience persistent physical, mental, and emotional symptoms that affect their quality of life. Physical activity has been identified as an intervention that may help to manage the side effects of a cancer diagnosis and its treatment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of physical activity on overall quality of life in adult cancer survivors. Methods: One-on-one semi structured interviews were conducted in person or via telephone with 13 adult (≥18 yrs) cancer survivors who had completed cancer treatment. Results: These cancer survivors described their physical activity as improving their physical functioning and mental health, as a means of positive social engagement, and adding positivity to their daily life. Conclusion: These results support the role of physical activity to enhance cancer survivors’ quality of life regardless of the individuals’ treatment(s) type, duration, or time since the end of active cancer treatment. Further research is warranted to (a) expand this research with a larger sample, (b) examine healthcare providers’ knowledge and application of exercise guidelines to cancer survivors in cancer care, and (c) explore implementation strategies for greater advocacy for healthcare providers to share the exercise recommendations with cancer survivors.

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