Sexual functioning in patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation: a longitudinal study

Patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation (BMT) reported numerous sexual difficulties pretransplantation and at 1- and 3-years post transplantation. The most commonly reported problems pretransplant were a lack of sexual interest for men and self-perceived unattractiveness for women. At year 1, men reported more concern about physical attractiveness and increased problems with erection, ejaculation and orgasm. Women reported more sexual problems across all categories. At year 3, difficulties for men remained relatively consistent or decreased compared to year 1 with the exception of an increased concern about physical appearance. At year 3, women reported increased sexual interest; concerns about body appearance, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse and orgasm remained higher than at baseline, although all had decreased from year 1. Half of patients at all time points reported no discussion of sexuality with their health care provider. Baseline level of depression was significantly and positively related to sexual functioning at year 3 post transplant. These results suggest that sexual problems are significant for BMT survivors and that treatment of depression and health-care-provider education are possible interventional targets for improving sexual function and quality of life following BMT.