Sexual life after cervical carcinoma

The aim of this study is to determine the differences in sexual life of women with cervical cancer after surgery and radiation therapy. A total of 210 patients treated for cervical cancer at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Croatia between March 2001 and March 2003 were asked to fill in the questionnaire. Sexual life had worsened in 42.86% of the surgical patients, as had in 25.00% of irradiated patients (p < 0.01). The main reason of sex life impairment was fear of pain (55.55% and 42.86%, respectively (p > 0.05)). More than 80% of patients didn't notice any changes in their partner's behavior. Almost every third woman felt certain change in her "body image", similar in both groups (p > 0.05). Need for consultations regarding sex life after diagnosis were recognized by 71.43% of patients. In conclusion we can say that considerable amount of attention should be given to psychological and sexual aspects of recovery of patients, because those aspects can significantly influence patients rehabilitation and prognosis.