[Factors related to sexual dysfunction in patients with cervical cancer]

Cervical cancer impacts upon the sex lives of its victims in ways that are more profound than other gynecological cancers. However, no research on sexual dysfunction issues in cervical cancer patients has previously been conducted in Taiwan.

The purposes of this study were to explore sexual dysfunction and related factors in patients diagnosed with cervical cancer.

The study used a cross-sectional correlation design with a convenience sampling method to recruit 105 patients from a medical center in Northern Taiwan. The structured questionnaire used in this study gathered data on respondent demographics and disease characteristics, and included a Chinese version of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scale.

Respondents noted significant levels of pain triggered by cervical cancer. Lower level of education (below the 9th grade), increased age, lack of religious affiliation and absence of counseling prior to or during therapy were associated with significantly lower sexual dysfunction scores. These factors accounted for 54.60% of variance in sexual dysfunction.

Our findings should assist healthcare providers to better understand sexual dysfunction in cervical cancer patients, detect those with higher predispositions toward such, and prescribe appropriate rehabilitation therapies to improve sexual enjoyment.