Sexual dysfunction after treatment for gynaecologic and breast malignancies

This review summarizes current knowledge about the nature of sexual dysfunction in gynaecologic and breast cancers, highlighting recent publications on treatment effects and communication issues.

In both gynaecologic and breast cancer, sexual dysfunction causes much distress to patients, from the time of diagnosis through to long-term follow-up. It appears that younger women in particular experience difficulties related to loss of reproductive function and relationship problems, plus more abrupt vaginal changes, than older women. Chemotherapy has been shown to be associated with short and long-term effects on sexual functioning and quality of life in breast cancer, and it is anticipated that this would extend to gynaecologic cancers also. The addition of endocrine treatments to chemotherapy in breast cancer appears not to affect levels of sexual functioning, although this may depend on the age of the woman. Sexual self-schema appears to be an important concept in predicting sexual dysfunction. Communication with women about sexual issues is vital, but evidence suggests this is lacking.

We are beginning to understand more about the sexual implications of different treatments and to identify factors which predict sexual dysfunction. More research is still required to identify how sexual dysfunction is affected in different groups of women and how best to help women who experience sexual difficulties. Recent findings suggest that there is a need to increase communication and support about sexual issues.