Interventions for sexuality after pelvic radiation therapy and gynecological cancer

The purpose of this article is to describe interventions that may be used with women diagnosed with gynecological cancer who have radiation therapy and subsequently experience sexual difficulties. A PubMed search of articles containing specific key words (sexuality, sexual functioning, gynecological cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, vulval cancer, radiation therapy) was conducted. Articles were reviewed for applicability to the topic of interventions for sexual difficulties related to radiation therapy. A limited number of articles were found on the topic. Very little attention has been paid to the sexual difficulties women experience after radiation to the sexual organs. There are a limited number of interventions for the woman who has been treated for gynecological cancer with radiation. These focus on the provision of information and some specific suggestions related to treating vaginal dryness, the need for vaginal dilatation after radiation therapy, and management of fatigue. Gynecological cancer and its treatments can have a profound effect on sexual functioning in all phases of the sexual response cycle and on body image and sexual self-concept. A diagnosis of cancer and the associated distress may have a profound effect on the emotional status of both the woman and her partner. This psychological impact combined with the physical sensations of the disease itself and treatment side effects may lower both interest in sex and frequency of sexual activity.